TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amgrad]

Just had an invite for Reed Smith assessment and VI - anyone know if its automatic or does that mean I actually passed a paper sift...? I applied on 22/11.

It's not automatic, there were plenty of people got PFO post app at Reed Smith, including reapplicants

 

[anon78365222111]

For everyone that did CMS VI do you think they’ll reply to us before Christmas?

 

[applicant457]

is the Clyde & co OA different from the VI?

 

[Vakil]

Nvm B&B post-VI PFO just came through. That's my top choice firm gone LMAO

I’m really sorry about this. Doesn’t mean you won’t end up somewhere even better. Onwards and upwards.

 

[wooliewoo]

Is it just me or has the process of applying to numerous firms been so demoralising, especially this year? I completely understand that the competition is harsh, but the feeling of having to be perfect during every stage of the long 4-5 stage process for a vac is so draining, not to mention that half the firms won't even read the app you spent hours on unless you pass their benchmark or have specifically what they look for. I am so burnt out already, and having received some rejections I feel quite hopeless of securing a TC by the end of university. What's worse is I don't know whether sacrificing some uni work to do these apps will even be worth it. Good luck to everyone, as this process definitely isn't easy 🙃

 

[RSC2001]

Has anyone passed HSF test?

Yeah, I got an email saying I passed a few hours after I did it

 

[elle woods]

Is it just me or has the process of applying to numerous firms been so demoralising, especially this year? I completely understand that the competition is harsh, but the feeling of having to be perfect during every stage of the long 4-5 stage process for a vac is so draining, not to mention that half the firms won't even read the app you spent hours on unless you pass their benchmark or have specifically what they look for. I am so burnt out already, and having received some rejections I feel quite hopeless of securing a TC by the end of university. What's worse is I don't know whether sacrificing some uni work to do these apps will even be worth it. Good luck to everyone, as this process definitely isn't easy 🙃

This has been exactly what I have been pondering about throughout the past few weeks. It's disheartening, and because I am also at a highly-academic university, keeping up with both demands has been impossible. I've been having one meal a day plus vending machine snacks to sustain myself haha. It feels like exam season every term.

To add to that, every firm is adding to their process and making the whole application harder with VIs, more OTs etc. I was talking with a partner from Ashurst at an event and he said all he had to do back in the day was ring up the firm - he got a place on their interviews and their vac scheme the next day haha. Oh the good old times.

Best of luck, I really hope we both get something out of this application season!

 

[deejaykay]

Left my Bird & Bird app way too late. Can anyone shed some light on the question: "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?" Is it a genuine question on the sector, or am I meant to tie this back to B&B? Or is it in fact a redundant question, because an opportunity for the sector is an opportunity for B&B? HELP!

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Anyone heard positively from the following?

Willkie Farr & Gallagher - post-Video Interview

Weil, Gotshal & Manges - post SJT

Clifford Chance - Post-WG (direct TC app)

Clifford Chance was a rejection today. No I won't be answering DMs. It's always the asme questions honestly. When did you apply etc etc. Time to focus on the future.

 

[wooliewoo]

Left my Bird & Bird app way too late. Can anyone shed some light on the question: "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?" Is it a genuine question on the sector, or am I meant to tie this back to B&B? Or is it in fact a redundant question, because an opportunity for the sector is an opportunity for B&B? HELP!

Hi! I personally answered the Q like this: (1) Describe some recent news / updates and how it's affected individuals / clients. (2) Highlight one of their sectors, and explain how they could help or what kind of work they would receive as a result of this news and be specific e.g., renegotiating insurance contracts. (3) Result e.g., can expand the firm's client base, strengthen their expertise in that sector etc., Hope this helps and good luck

 

[johnsmith]

Clifford Chance was a rejection today. No I won't be answering DMs. It's always the asme questions honestly. When did you apply etc etc. Time to focus on the future.

Sorry to hear, and also got a no today for DTC.

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Bird & Bird PFO with no VI. i thought i had done well aswell hahaa

 

[abc124]

Are there any commercial awareness questions in the Weil VI?

Actually if anyone has insight into the Weil VI, I could help with Reed Smith, Mayer Brown, Freshfields, Hogan Lovells VIs (also A&O but I think it's closed already?)

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Does anyone have any tips for answering Macfarlanes' VS Q:

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? Max 300 words

For example, should I connect my own experience's to the firm's values, or more their strategy / work e.g., private client work, buddy firm strategy etc.,? Thank you!

Old boy's clearly a Macfarlanes man, through and through.

 

[ghost08]

Where do legacy gold members submit applications for review?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

If an application has a (1) Why firm question and (2) question about one of their sectors of your choice, if I mention a primary reason for applying is based on a specific sector-strength in q (1), is it best to talk about that same sector in q (2) or does that make me seem a bit limited in my interests?

 

[BillSikes]

Left my Bird & Bird app way too late. Can anyone shed some light on the question: "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?" Is it a genuine question on the sector, or am I meant to tie this back to B&B? Or is it in fact a redundant question, because an opportunity for the sector is an opportunity for B&B? HELP!

Honestly don't deep it. It's gonna be too late and you'll get auto rejetecion as spaces will be filled.

 

[silonthesofa]

Honestly don't deep it. It's gonna be too late and you'll get auto rejetecion as spaces will be filled.

This isn’t true. I submitted my bird application a day before the deadline and got through the stages.

 

[deejaykay]

Hi! I personally answered the Q like this: (1) Describe some recent news / updates and how it's affected individuals / clients. (2) Highlight one of their sectors, and explain how they could help or what kind of work they would receive as a result of this news and be specific e.g., renegotiating insurance contracts. (3) Result e.g., can expand the firm's client base, strengthen their expertise in that sector etc., Hope this helps and good luck

That helps a lot just to direct my thoughts a bit better. Thanks so much!

 

[wooliewoo]

This has been exactly what I have been pondering about throughout the past few weeks. It's disheartening, and because I am also at a highly-academic university, keeping up with both demands has been impossible. I've been having one meal a day plus vending machine snacks to sustain myself haha. It feels like exam season every term.

To add to that, every firm is adding to their process and making the whole application harder with VIs, more OTs etc. I was talking with a partner from Ashurst at an event and he said all he had to do back in the day was ring up the firm - he got a place on their interviews and their vac scheme the next day haha. Oh the good old times.

Best of luck, I really hope we both get something out of this application season!

I feel for you!! Exactly, it's been so hard to balance with my degree! I don't want to burn out completely before exams, but it's hard not to with how hard it is to get a VS / TC nowadays. Imagine how nice it would be to just call up firms lol.

Good luck to you too, and I'm sure we will!