TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Goingtogetatc]

Hey so the advice I got for my AC this year was to treat it like a mock interview rather than the real thing - this allows you to come across more authentic and at ease rather than blanking due to nerves. I know it’s easier said than done, but truly calming down helps a lot with performance (speaking from experience)

I also find just engaging with the other candidates there helps me forget about my stress a little haha

And congratulations on your two ACs that’s amazing!

Thanks so much that’s really useful advice

 

[boots pharmacy]

Hi guys, I'd really appreciate tips from anyone who's sat an AC with Bird & Bird. The email says it will include a timed WE and an interview. Some primers on what to expect/how to prepare would be really great

 

[Amgrad]

Got an email from Candid in my dinnertime, expect it was PFO from Weil, but turns out invite details from Stephenson Harwood! What a day full of jumpscare 🤣

 

[Madison Pinewall]

On another note would love to know if Mishcon is expecting ppl to do an sjt over christmas and nye…the whole 2-4 weeks thing sort over expires basically on Christmas day…

has Mishcon sent the SJT out? I'm still waiting after the AI thing

 

[elle woods]

Lol guys at the airport rn and there's a santa claus hahahhaha I don't plan on celebrating christmas this year cos I'm staying at uni but guess this is an early Merry Christmas!!

 

[LawAspirer]

Hi @LawAspirer

I definitely do not think that the work experiences you have listed is off putting to law firms.

During my vacation scheme, I met candidates with experiences ranging from simple retail roles (like myself) to work experiences in tech start-ups, banks and other large corporations. Therefore, I believe it is very unlikely that your work experiences itself is preventing you from getting a vacation scheme.

Instead, I would reflect upon how you are potentially framing your experiences throughout your applications and interviews. Are you properly tailoring your experiences to your interest for each firm and commercial law more widely? Are you correctly using your experiences to demonstrate alignment with the skills required of a trainee solicitor at a particular firm?

A simple shift in the way you sell your experience can genuinely take you from receiving rejections to receiving a yes.

Feel free to reach out via DM - hope the above helps!

I see - thank you!
I suppose part of my issue is that I am not clearly linking it to the specific law firm, and instead, I'm simply stating my roles and responsibilities within that role... Tough it's something to realize after I've already sent out most of the applications

 

[ali-k]

seeing HSF PFOs go out is terrifying, opening my email feels like an explosion waiting to engulf me... "Unfortunately..."

 

[Dannie]

Are links spring ACs already coming out?

 

[elle woods]

seeing HSF PFOs go out is terrifying, opening my email feels like an explosion waiting to engulf me... "Unfortunately..."

frrrr im so worried haha

 

[elle woods]

Are links spring ACs already coming out?

ive not heard of anything and I thought they were going to get back to us after the new years

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi @TheLegalEdit

I applied to Reed Smith in my last two cycles. I do not recall any particular timing in relation to when the test invite is sent out. From what I can remember, it was very different for me and a lot of my friends.

Regarding the Amberjack assessment, it’s helpful to practise numerical and verbal reasoning and situational based questions. You may find free samples online with ‘JobTestPrep’ and ‘Practice Aptitude Test’. From my experience, the sample questions are not very similar, but are great for warming up your mind to think logically and critically.

I hope this helps! 👍

Hey!

Thank you so much for your tips! I will definitely do some prep. I’m the same, I find the practice tests are nothing like the real thing!!

Thank you again!

 

[sjm251102]

Assuming no one has heard back from W&C or Sidley yet? I'm just forgetting about them atm and focusing on my applications that aren't US firms cause I have no energy anymore 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[RSC2001]

omg are they just constantly handing out PFOs? I'm so scared ahhhh honestly I feel like most people have amazing applications already and sometimes it comes down to which one resonates with grad rec more... imo (especially for the question on a topic that interests you)

Oh great so I'm just boring ahahaha

I'm so sorry. I know this is insensitive but can I ask when you applied. I think from what I've seen they give PFOs first and are screening the earlier applications. I didnt apply til the day before the deadline.

28th October

 

[maylawwww]

Congratulations! I was under the impression that Milbank is non-rolling, is that still the case?

Yes, they definitely were historically non-rolling, but the application has changed a lot this year so ig they have changed the process too! The deadline hasn't passed and they're clearly assessing and progressing candidates already so theyre defo rolling now. However, my AC is not until a week or so after the deadline, so there is still definitely a chance for those who applied after me

 

[sadlawyer01]

Just received Kirkland VI invite, anyone else heard back yet?

 

[elle woods]

Oh great so I'm just boring ahahaha

28th October

ur nottttt don't put yourself down like that

 

[elle woods]

Just received Kirkland VI invite, anyone else heard back yet?

not yet when did you submit your app can I ask?

 

[Rads]

Just received Kirkland VI invite, anyone else heard back yet?

Hello! Congrats! Do you mind sharing when you applied?

 

[sadlawyer01]

not yet when did you submit your app can I ask?

2 minutes before the deadline HAHA i think they are doing it in reverse order! my girlfriend got hers too and she applied the same time as me!

 

[Dannie]

Any tips on the WG for cleary?! happy to share insights on anything else!