TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shaun Johnson]

now that I can breath again post tc offer (and am processing saying “whoooo hooo” on my tc call), I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone on here ❤️ I kinda came into this app cycle blind lmao and you all made it such a welcoming and supportive environment (and I really hope this continues for spring and summer apps!).

Well done

 

[Unknowncabbage]

When you have a lot of deadlines and a firm isn't really your first choice AND you heard that they stopped reviewing apps potentially - this is mayer brown - is it still worth doing their whole online assessment? especially when you're travelling soon, have an app due and 2 other firm assessments that you care more about. would love your objective thoughts on this bc balancing is becoming hard lool

I doubt Mayer Brown has stopped reviewing apps, given they still sent out assessments/VI's today.

 

[M123]

now that I can breath again post tc offer (and am processing saying “whoooo hooo” on my tc call), I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone on here ❤️ I kinda came into this app cycle blind lmao and you all made it such a welcoming and supportive environment (and I really hope this continues for spring and summer apps!).

Congrats !! ❤️

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi, has anyone not heard back from Willkie yet? I just don't understand. My application was made in November, and I see people applying later than me receive VI invites or rejections. It's quite frustrating

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hi, has anyone not heard back from Willkie yet? I just don't understand. My application was made in November, and I see people applying later than me receive VI invites or rejections. It's quite frustrating

Kirsty mentioned most decisions would be sent out by the end of this week, but not all. You sent your app around the same time as me, so I think you’ll hear back in a few days for sure. For some people, esp if they applied a lot closer to the deadline, they’ll likely hear back in Jan.​

 

[alphabravocharlie]

has anyone heard from PWC post VI?

nope

 

[CharlesT47]

Kirsty mentioned most decisions would be sent out by the end of this week, but not all. You sent your app around the same time as me, so I think you’ll hear back in a few days for sure. For some people, esp if they applied a lot closer to the deadline, they’ll likely hear back in Jan.​

thanks harvey I appreciate this

 

[jagath]

surely it’s a good sign if you haven’t heard from HSF given they’ve been rejecting applications?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Just sat Milbank’s test. That was probs one of the best test I’ve ever sat lmao. Obvs idk if I passed it but regardless, it was enjoyable.​

 

[nbjani]

Just sat Milbank’s test. That was probs one of the best test I’ve ever sat lmao. Obvs idk if I passed it but regardless, it was enjoyable.​

Nice! Is this straight after the app? I've just sent my app in and am wondering about the process.

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

I have a Clyde and Co telephone interview (instead of the VI) and would hugely appreciate any insights! Can offer insights to A&O AC in return

 

[Jennifer2003]

Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?

 

[boots pharmacy]

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 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Have yet to apply W&C, and have yet to hear from Sidley. I don't expect a reply from the latter until Jan at the earliest, as they are busy sending out WVS/TC conversion offers this week and will be off for Christmas.

 

[addy2004]

I got a Willkie VI today - I was wondering if anyone has advice please when completing a second VI for the same firm? I feel like there is more pressure on myself to pass it this year as I passed last year, but didn't get through the final stages... any words of wisdom on how to approach this situation would be greatly appreciated, thank you

 

[Trophy]

What is the benefit of doing a TI as opposed to a VI? I have reasonable adjustments and have struggled with VI’s but always felt it may be unfair to request a TI or questions beforehand as ultimately you’re meeting the recruiters themselves and can build a small but somewhat personal rapport. Also what if I’m asking for too much too soon. I mainly pass applications that do not require a VI.

Does GR look down on those who request this adjustment? Is there discrepancy between those doing the VI and TI? How does this translate to meeting a client on a zoom call would adjustments made too or is it only for assessment purposes?

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Does anyone have any advice on how to build commercial awareness (other than reading the FT everyday and keeping up with the Firm)...? Any current trends to look out for?

 

[radssss]

Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?

Hi, from what I know people choose to work part time when they don’t have classes

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?

If you haven't done a Masters before, many firms will allow you to do the GDL/SQE with an additional dissertation so that it counts a Masters and you can then apply to SFE to access a Masters Loan of around £12,500. You would only be able to claim that once though.

 

[Trophy]

Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?

Many take the postgraduate loan (if you’re eligible).

Trust fund from mummy and daddy

Work the year beforehand to save

Work part time but take time off when it’s exam season

if you’re a future trainee you can sometimes get a loan from the firm interest free and it’ll come out of your monthly pay check when you’re a trainee.

 

[addy2004]

Does anyone have any advice on how to build commercial awareness (other than reading the FT everyday and keeping up with the Firm)...? Any current trends to look out for?

I struggled with this for SO LONG but I discovered the 'Wake Up to Money' podcast and it's so good. It discusses business news but without any jargon so it feels really comprehensible. It also covers so many different issues and sectors so it's great for building an understanding of different business areas