TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

Weil SJT+VI: High verbal and numerical, grit 4/9, Creative Force 6/9, Digital Mindset 6/9, Applied Intellect 1/9 (WHAT ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ). VI was okay-ish but I wasn't really enthusiastic and kept repeating myself...

Can smell the PFO 😬

I wouldn’t stress it too much I’ve heard they’re holistic. Also it always confuses me that you can get high verbal but low applied intellect. This is what happened to me also🤝

 

[Winter]

Thank you!! Yes I've been hearing that but I can't help but be slightly worried haha - but HR said that for the recent winter vac they gave everyone but 1 person a TC so that helped reassure me more.

I'm debating whether I should just stop with apps and pray I convert A&O and focus on school...

Ofcoursee np. and it's always good to have a backup plan, so I wouldn't say completely write off doing apps, but I would say you should be way more relaxed now and don't stress xx

 

[adh3]

I also just got HSF. My dream firm. I've got a first from Oxbridge and did a 6 week internship as a legal research intern for a charity, also did a week as a legal intern in house and i volunteer for a pro bono clinic. Their feedback felt like a slap in the face ! I'm also a first gen uni and grew up in social housing with a single parent. What more can I do??!

Honestly, I have no clue what they're looking for if they didn't invite you to an AC. You've got fantastic experience and great grades.

 

[shadowboxer909]

Gibson Dunn Zoom Interview.

I imagine this is the stage most people get. It's exciting though haha.

 

[spongebob]

HSF PFO here as well oh well. Milbank isnt looking too good either if people are getting second stage assessments so soon

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

I also just got HSF. My dream firm. I've got a first from Oxbridge and did a 6 week internship as a legal research intern for a charity, also did a week as a legal intern in house and i volunteer for a pro bono clinic. Their feedback felt like a slap in the face ! I'm also a first gen uni and grew up in social housing with a single parent. What more can I do??!

Sometimes it's luck based. No one knows what's going on inside of GR, no amount of stellar academics, DEI eligibility or VS experience is going to change whether GR have had their morning coffees. Shame to hear about it, chin up.

 

[Trophy]

Gibson Dunn Zoom Interview.

I imagine this is the stage most people get. It's exciting though haha.

Definitely not most!!!

This is a great achievement they’re very selective. My friend got a TC with them in 2024.

 

[yk1906]

Gibson Dunn Zoom Interview.

I imagine this is the stage most people get. It's exciting though haha.

Congrats!! I'm sure most people don't get it as thousands apply, so you should be proud 😃 Good luck 🤞

 

[Afuturetrainee]

@Abbie Whitlock

I need some clarity answering this question for Farrer&Co

"In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications, and work experience equipped you for a legal career?"

What exactly are they asking for here?

 

[manifestingthetc]

Just got HSF PFO, i feel deflated honestly

I WANT A BIG CRY

 

[BealMcAlly]

I did their First Year Scheme, Open Days, and Inside the Headlines events, and yea heard the same thing - I do have 2:1s but they're just not high 2:1s...

I'm assuming when it comes down to cutting numbers, everything is taken into account, and my low grades would be something that could hold me back...

I'm actually not sure, I was really surprised to make it onto AOS AC too, but maybe they value different things? Let me copy and paste the generic PFO email HSF Kramer sent:

"The key areas we focus on when assessing applications include:

Academic qualifications - We expect candidates to have had a strong record of academic achievement through each year at university. We feel it is important that we set these high academic criteria, as a good predictor of success in our professional exams and performance as a trainee. Please note that we do take into consideration any mitigating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance.

Skills and achievements, extra-curricular activities, scholarships, prizes, positions of responsibility and work experience. These are important and provide us with evidence of skills such as taking responsibility, motivation and drive, and planning and organisation. These questions also enable us to assess your ability to write clearly and concisely and your attention to detail."

It sounds like they were at the splitting hairs stage and it has nothing to do with your academics. If you have 2:1s and above and engaged with them so much, it must have been between a handful of applicants getting through to the next stage.

Take the wins and I guess wait for CC to get back to you now

 

[abc124]

Weil SJT+VI: High verbal and numerical, grit 4/9, Creative Force 6/9, Digital Mindset 6/9, Applied Intellect 1/9 (WHAT ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ). VI was okay-ish but I wasn't really enthusiastic and kept repeating myself...

Can smell the PFO 😬

I GOT THE EXACT SAME SCORES 😭 the 1/9 in applied intellect is honestly mad, they rejected me within two days 🥲 Hopefully you won’t share my fate tho 😭

 

[yk1906]

I wouldn’t stress it too much I’ve heard they’re holistic. Also it always confuses me that you can get high verbal but low applied intellect. This is what happened to me also🤝

Thanks! I honestly get polarising results with every SJT I take

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Mentally prepping, are these HSFK PFOs for summer or spring?

 

[yk1906]

I GOT THE EXACT SAME SCORES 😭 the 1/9 in applied intellect is honestly mad, they rejected me within two days 🥲 Hopefully you won’t share my fate tho 😭

Maaaaaan, the VI was also not my best 😂 I wouldn't be too sad about a PFO since I've only applied last-minute for the sake of it

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Does anyone know if it's worth still applying to Gibson Dunn given the fact they're already giving out interviews?

 

[spongebob]

Tbf the HSF SJT annoyed me so much anyway it was the worst of any of the SJTs I’ve, feels like it just pushes you into a box and they don’t know who you really are anyway

 

[user55998384]

I did their First Year Scheme, Open Days, and Inside the Headlines events, and yea heard the same thing - I do have 2:1s but they're just not high 2:1s...

I'm assuming when it comes down to cutting numbers, everything is taken into account, and my low grades would be something that could hold me back...

I'm actually not sure, I was really surprised to make it onto AOS AC too, but maybe they value different things? Let me copy and paste the generic PFO email HSF Kramer sent:

"The key areas we focus on when assessing applications include:

Academic qualifications - We expect candidates to have had a strong record of academic achievement through each year at university. We feel it is important that we set these high academic criteria, as a good predictor of success in our professional exams and performance as a trainee. Please note that we do take into consideration any mitigating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance.

Skills and achievements, extra-curricular activities, scholarships, prizes, positions of responsibility and work experience. These are important and provide us with evidence of skills such as taking responsibility, motivation and drive, and planning and organisation. These questions also enable us to assess your ability to write clearly and concisely and your attention to detail."

ahhh im so sorry to hear ab that - they always emphasis the amount of interaction helps so that is a shame given the 1st year shceme - was it for spring/summer?

 

[user55998384]

for the HSFK PFOs - when did you guys pass the benchmark (preparing for mine)

 

[elle woods]

I WANT A BIG CRY

🫂🫂🫂