TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AMullin]

PFO Reed Smith post VI.

Would have been really nice to have some individual feedback on the VI, even if it was just one thing we could improve on. And to know whether it was the SJT, VI or both that weren't up to scratch.

Oh well, blindly forward we go...!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

I only have 4 firms left to do but I kinda saved the ones with the scary questions till last ((

 

[LawAspirer]

I only have 4 firms left to do but I kinda saved the ones with the scary questions till last ((

Which ones do u have left? I've kinda stopped but if its a firm I like I might take a look

 

[Jessica Pearson]

These Reed Smith PFOs are making my heart beat really fast, I had to say some quick prayers. Been checking my emails for the past 15 mins and I've received 3 promotional emails... 😭

 

[BealMcAlly]

These Reed Smith PFOs are making my heart beat really fast, I had to say some quick prayers. Been checking my emails for the past 15 mins and I've received 3 promotional emails... 😭

Honestly, perpetually unsubscribing from newsletters these days.

 

[AMullin]

These Reed Smith PFOs are making my heart beat really fast, I had to say some quick prayers. Been checking my emails for the past 15 mins and I've received 3 promotional emails... 😭

🤞 for you!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Which ones do u have left? I've kinda stopped but if its a firm I like I might take a look

White and Case, Baker, Sidley and I was gonna do RPC but I might switch to Gibson Dunn. I know a lot of these are rolling... but I sorta think a month in advance should be enough for my application to be considered (correct me if I am wrong though)! To be honest I'm just scared I haven't done enough as I was aiming for 10 but some people have said do less, some do more! I have done 11 so far and 15 felt right haha

 

[BealMcAlly]

Are Reed Smith still sending blended assessment invites or did I leave it too late by applying yesterday?

 

[BobThebIlly]

Would it be too late to apply to akin? Could someone kindly lmk what qs are on the app form please

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

 

[Icantstopeatingfood]

Would it be too late to apply to akin? Could someone kindly lmk what qs are on the app form please

i wouldn’t say so. i progressed last year to AC, i applied in January.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Are Reed Smith still sending blended assessment invites or did I leave it too late by applying yesterday?

I also applied yesterday so I'm hoping they are!!

 

[Harvey Specter]

68.5 is a great score in my view!! and A Levels are so not indicative of talent, I got comparatively low grades in relation to my peers but some of the best end of year results at degree level so I think the A Level stuff is mostly about hitting a 'benchmark' though I actually don't agree with firms that have a high minimum (like AAA for example. People do not always have linear progressions educationally and people who improve later in life should be rewarded for their resilience.

Thank you! I’d been worrying Skadden was very focused on Oxbridge/1st from RG or nothing but it seems they reviewed apps holistically. Maybe they liked my neurosurgery career choice lmao.

I’m always reluctant to input the rare information cos I worry it’ll impact my app negatively but maybe some firms are open to it more, as you’ve said it shows our resilience and stuff.

For context I went to a very low performing comp state school, grew up on a council estate, eligible for free school meals, first gen to go uni in my family, low income household, etc.​

 

[BealMcAlly]

I also applied yesterday so I'm hoping they are!!

I feel really silly because I'd been sitting on my application for ages while practising for VIs and the Amberjack so I could be ready this year. I mostly focused my energy on going to as many events as possible before submitting VS apps, but now worried it will bite me in the tush.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Are Reed Smith still sending blended assessment invites or did I leave it too late by applying yesterday?

It's never too late 👌. Last year I applied on the deadline day and still progressed to the blended assessment so you'll be fine.

 

[Freshcutgrass]

Has anyone heard back from CC VI?

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Thank you! I’d been worrying Skadden was very focused on Oxbridge/1st from RG or nothing but it seems they reviewed apps holistically. Maybe they liked my neurosurgery career choice lmao.

I’m always reluctant to input the rare information cos I worry it’ll impact my app negatively but maybe some firms are open to it more, as you’ve said it shows their resilience and stuff.

For context I went to a very low performing comp state school, grew up on a council estate, eligible for free school meals, first gen to go uni in my family, low income household, etc.​

PUT THAT STUFF IN!!! I tick a LOT of the boxes you just said (essentially all but I went to a private secondary thanks to a scholarship/bursary), RARE doesn't go through selling a sob story, it places you in a category where it will say you far exceeded expectations given your background. This is impressive!! Be proud!!

 

[RSK]

White and Case, Baker, Sidley and I was gonna do RPC but I might switch to Gibson Dunn. I know a lot of these are rolling... but I sorta think a month in advance should be enough for my application to be considered (correct me if I am wrong though)! To be honest I'm just scared I haven't done enough as I was aiming for 10 but some people have said do less, some do more! I have done 11 so far and 15 felt right haha

I think it should be fine - I applied to W&C last year on the deadline day and was progressed to both VI & AC. Bakers sends out their tests in batches so I presume it should be fine too, GD is super rolling from my experience but I don't see why you wouldn't progress if you put in a super tailored app.

 

[BealMcAlly]

It's never too late 👌. Last year I applied an the deadline day and still progressed to the blended assessment so you'll be fine.

Fingers crossed. I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last year and made it to the blended assessment and was traumatised as my scores were *abysmal*

hoping my improvement in the Amberjack makes a difference this year.

 

[BealMcAlly]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

it will be from 'Candid' and the subject line will be quite clear.