TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawstudent2]

Is Latham still emailing? Should I switch off my phone?

I’m questioning this too, also will they be sending ACs or just PFOs do we think
Cos if just a rejection I’m turning my phone off for sure

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone gotten a VI invite from NRF recently? I applied for their summer VS on 2nd Dec and scored 4/4/4/4 for the Arctic Shores (11th Dec), but I haven't been sent a VI invite - are they sending out VI invites in batches or should I assume PFO?

Amazing score!

 

[boots pharmacy]

Ah, I probably wasn't clear on the academics front - I averaged in the high 70s (achieved, not predicted) from a Russel Group Target university. Thank you for the response, very interesting to read!

No worries. Goes to show that even candidates who have literally everything done right are liable for >50% rejection rates. Just the nature of the game I suppose.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

is gibson dunn test automatic bc i havent received it since submitting my app on dec17

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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???

As others have said, it's usually during office hours (i.e. 9am to 5pm), but can differ slightly if some firms have automatic processes. I did once receive a rejection post-VS at 10pm which definitely added a jump-scare element to my otherwise peaceful evening! 🥲

 

[yuhhhh]

Has anyone gotten a VI invite from NRF recently? I applied for their summer VS on 2nd Dec and scored 4/4/4/4 for the Arctic Shores (11th Dec), but I haven't been sent a VI invite - are they sending out VI invites in batches or should I assume PFO?

Those are insane scores I scored 4/4/3/2 personally, and hopefully that's good enough to cross the benchmark for VI invites.

 

[itsallgoodman]

Those are insane scores I scored 4/4/3/2 personally, and hopefully that's good enough to cross the benchmark for VI invites.

Thank you! Fingers crossed my cover letter isn't holding me back from the VI 🤞

 

[Donuttime]

For those who got latham PFO what was your feedback? I got

Analytical/Complex Thinking as a strength thought it would put me in good stead tbh.​

 

[Trophy]

As others have said, it's usually during office hours (i.e. 9am to 5pm), but can differ slightly if some firms have automatic processes. I did once receive a rejection post-VS at 10pm which definitely added a jump-scare element to my otherwise peaceful evening! 🥲

Post VS rejection at 10pm is crazy. I’d say you dodged a bullet not much empathy on their end.

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Does anyone know how DLA roles out TIs and PFOs... its so random

 

[confusedbird]

I emailed to ask for adjustments for my Latham’s Stage 2 assessment late last week and I was waiting for a reply before taking the test … but I just got a PFO?? I’m so confused ☹️

Hey,
Maybe consider emailing them?
I asked for adjustments as well and they did get back to me in a day but I know sometimes they miss the email. I hope emailing would mean you get to atleast have a fair shot. If not, you know it wasn't the right firm for you and you can focus your energy elsewhere.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Glad to hear it!!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure on what the conversion rate typically is for the VS! I would try not to get caught up on conversion rates - ultimately, if you do your best and make the most of the scheme, you have every chance of being offered a TC

In terms of tips to impress on the scheme, I would always encourage you to be personable and genuinely engaged, as this does go a long way! As the process of making it to the VS has shown that you are more than capable of doing the role itself, a lot of the scheme is focused on your fit at the firm and whether you're someone that they would enjoy working alongside late on a deal. Therefore, taking the time to build rapport, showing interest in what others are doing, and approaching all tasks with a positive attitude really does make a strong impression.

It's also important to show curiosity throughout your week at the firm - asking thoughtful questions and trying to understand the commercial context behind a task demonstrates that you're thinking beyond the immediate instructions and engaging with the bigger picture. Asking questions is how you make the most of the scheme, so I would definitely encourage you to speak to people in areas you are interested in so you can learn more about the firm and the type of work that is carried out.

Another important factor is listening carefully to any feedback that you are given, and then clearly applying it to any further tasks that you are given. A really important skill for a trainee is the ability to handle constructive criticism, so showing that you can reflect and improve is often more impressive than getting all the tasks right the first time.

Lastly, whilst this can definitely be daunting if it's your first VS/office experience, trying to be proactive is a good way to impress on the scheme too! However, it's important to strike the right balance between proactivity and being overbearing. Things such as offering help, showing enthusiasm, and taking ownership where appropriate are all things that are valued, and can showcase your collaborative nature.

Above all - be yourself! This was the mindset that I had when going into my Reed Smith AC, and its the best way of making sure that you end up training at a firm that is the right fit for you. I hope that helps!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Can someone give insights into whether it's too late to apply to Dechert, Jones Day, W&C, and Bakers?

oops ignore i bumped the wrong text

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

is gibson dunn test automatic bc i havent received it since submitting my app on dec17

bumping this!!!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Just got my report back from the Hogan Lovells stage 1 test and I'm trying to get an understanding of how good this is:

My top skills: Work ethic, Adaptability
My development area: Personal responsibility

 

[ttlaw12344]

does anyone have any tips on how to tackle SJTs?

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Just got my report back from the Hogan Lovells stage 1 test and I'm trying to get an understanding of how good this is:

My top skills: Work ethic, Adaptability
My development area: Personal responsibility

Honestly I don't think it means much, just an AI generated report with about as much meaning as a buzzfeed quiz. The fact that you can't be multifaceted as a person, both adaptable and willing to take on personal responsibility for instance, makes no sense. You'll know asap whether you passed it or not, I believe they won't even review your "personality feedback" until after the VI.

 

[MeWantTCPlz]

Dla pfo post passing WG email 💀

 

[zonnonomo]

Honestly I don't think it means much, just an AI generated report with about as much meaning as a buzzfeed quiz. The fact that you can't be multifaceted as a person, both adaptable and willing to take on personal responsibility for instance, makes no sense. You'll know asap whether you passed it or not, I believe they won't even review your "personality feedback" until after the VI.

i would love for anyone who has been involved in the recruitment side of an SJT to explain what they see and how they use our responses to filter us, it makes 0 sense to me as a tangible differentiator

 

[flamingocelot]

Did my Withers vac scheme interview over a week ago and still haven't heard back... anyone else in the same boat or have people started getting acceptances?