TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AngelB]

Has anyone actually heard back post freshfields stage 2 for the VS? I’ve seen people say their friends have been invited to AC but I haven’t seen anyone personally say it 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

 

[Bread]

How does one actually prepare for VIs??

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

How does one actually prepare for VIs??

prep 2-3 points for basic motivational/competency qs + have experiences ready to discuss some stuff ab how ur resilient & all that. u could also j wing it like me sometimes methinks but not recommended

 

[pepsicola96]

Woooo!! Huge congratulations, you should feel super proud!! 🥳 🥳

I hope you take the time to celebrate this amazing achievement, and hopefully see you at the firm for the scheme!

Thank youuu! Definitely celebrating tonight!

If you don't mind me asking, I'm aware you went through the direct TC route, but do you have any idea what the conversion rate typically is for VS to TC at Reed Smith? Also generally any tips or advice for impressing on the scheme?

 

[ninarosee]

Anyone heard back post Kirkland VI?

I did the VI today so it's still early days for me. I’ve heard they have a quick turnaround so maybe we should expect to hear back within a week of completing the VI?

 

[llblawstudent]

Slightly random question but what times do firms generally back to people? I’m refreshing my emails like a madman these days but it just dawned on me that post 5pm they’re unlikely to send them since it’s out of office hours anyway lmao. Unless: has anyone received anything at random times from firms???

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone actually heard back post freshfields stage 2 for the VS? I’ve seen people say their friends have been invited to AC but I haven’t seen anyone personally say it 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I know people who have done ACs for the vac scheme over the last few weeks

 

[Trophy]

Slightly random question but what times do firms generally back to people? I’m refreshing my emails like a madman these days but it just dawned on me that post 5pm they’re unlikely to send them since it’s out of office hours anyway lmao. Unless: has anyone received anything at random times from firms???

Never take your eyes off your emails haaha

I’m joking it tends to be anything from 8:30am - 6/7pm some firms send stuff at 10pm others on the weekend. Realistically you’re never safe from a law firm email.

 

[yk1906]

Slightly random question but what times do firms generally back to people? I’m refreshing my emails like a madman these days but it just dawned on me that post 5pm they’re unlikely to send them since it’s out of office hours anyway lmao. Unless: has anyone received anything at random times from firms???

Received updates at random hours like 5am and also a PFO on a Saturday

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Apparently TW and Winston & Strawn have some actual synergies in their practice areas and focus.

HL and Cadwalader is really surprising to me cos I don't feel like HL particularly needs to merge and Cadwalader doesn't really fit their core strategy (regulated industries, lobbying in US, business + govt everywhere else), and I read the point about HL wanting to establish a stronger NY presence. But again, it doesn't quite fit their core strategy imo since they're really strong in regulatory practices and Cadwalader is like a classic M&A/Finance kinda firm. Also not Cadwalader spending the entire year claiming they're not looking to merge while haemorrhaging partners (iirc they lost their entire structured finance team to Orrick) lmao

Cadwalader were also entertaining another merger with someone else a little while ago no? I can see the drive for HL to want to compete with the NY boys but for Cadwalader to expand eastward makes little sense to me. Partners haven't voted on it yet so it could swing the other way. IIRC Shearman and Sterling were in a bit of merger limbo after their initial one fell through at voting stage, before A&O swooped in...

 

[Vakil]

Received updates at random hours like 5am and also a PFO on a Saturday

In November I had just checked into my hotel on a weekend trip to Amsterdam. I opened my email for reservation to find a fresh PFO from A&O that said some generic thing suggesting I revisit my motivations for being a lawyer. It was a Saturday at 2 p.m. ……

 

[BealMcAlly]

In November I had just checked into my hotel on a weekend trip to Amsterdam. I opened my email for reservation to find a fresh PFO from A&O that said some generic thing suggesting I revisit my motivations to being a lawyer. It was a Saturday at 2 p.m. ……

That seems so pointed. Was it post AC?

 

[yk1906]

In November I had just checked into my hotel on a weekend trip to Amsterdam. I opened my email for reservation to find a fresh PFO from A&O that said some generic thing suggesting I revisit my motivations to being a lawyer. It was a Saturday at 2 p.m. ……

SAME. I was so sad because that damn VI was automatic and I spent so much time prepping

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Has anyone actually heard back post freshfields stage 2 for the VS? I’ve seen people say their friends have been invited to AC but I haven’t seen anyone personally say it 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

A number of people on this forum have already been invited to ACs last week and have been offered the VS already. 5 ACs have already happened and 2 more are set to be held in January. All of the people who attended the ACs last week seemed to have applied around the time that applications opened, so the January ACs are most likely for those who applied closer to the deadline. Not to mention the people who applied for the DTC are yet to hear anything from the firm according to this forum.

 

[Vakil]

That seems so pointed. Was it post AC?

Haha no, it was for VS post app.

 

[llblawstudent]

Received updates at random hours like 5am and also a PFO on a Saturday

Saturday is crazy, but I guess given the nature of the job we’re signing up for, we shouldn’t be surprised they’re working weekends 😂

 

[ali-k]

I got it on the 8th. So scary hahahah

cant tell how they are screening cause i passed their test on the 27th of Oct so idk if theyve seen mine alr or not. weird

 

[BealMcAlly]

Haha no, it was for VS post app.

I guess you used it as fuel to rethink of how you communicate your motivations. At least it was *some* feedback, even if it sounds quite pointed.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Has anyone applied to Arnold & Porter's Spring VS, and have you heard back from them at all?

 

[TA04]

Latham Open Day PFO that I didn't even apply for...

"Thank you for applying for the open day with Latham & Watkins. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we will not be progressing with your application at this time. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide personal feedback. However, we would like to offer some general guidance to support you with future applications:"

could rlly use some attention 2 deets Latham🥱

I am confused - is this an actual rejection then?