TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bree]

If I am skipping a VI, should I email grad rec and tell them or is it not needed?

 

[user55998384]

Has anyone heard from Simmons Bristol office? I got 29/36 on the SJT so I’m feeling positive but this is stressing me out. 🤣

wait sorry if this is so dumb but how is it out of 36? - there is 3 sections out of 10?

 

[James Wakefield]

Did anyone that just got a Goodwin vi apply for summer? Or do we reckon they’re trying to push out spring first

I applied for Spring on the deadline I think, so it’s possible

 

[Bree]

Hello guys, I needed some advice. I am an international student and I have been applying extensively this cycle but for some reason have not been able to progress with any US firms. I have studied outside the UK and have work experience also outside (I did not study in the EU but have some work ex there). I have a vac scheme and I am quite worried about what to think and how to proceed.

 

[EfficientBag123]

wait sorry if this is so dumb but how is it out of 36? - there is 3 sections out of 10?

Simmons use three pillars of ten and then the verbal and numerical intellect which are out of 3 for each.

 

[James Wakefield]

Simmons use three pillars of ten and then the verbal and numerical intellect which are out of 3 for each.

We don’t know that’s how they weight it though right?

I think the verbal/numerical may be more important than that, otherwise getting a 1 or a 3 may not hugely impact your overall result…

 

[EfficientBag123]

We don’t know that’s how they weight it though right?

I think the verbal/numerical may be more important than that, otherwise getting a 1 or a 3 may not hugely impact your overall result…

Yeah absolutely. I got 2/3 and 3/3 on the verbal/numerical intellect. I just wanna know if anyone has heard yet.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have been offered a VS scheme at a firm that has both a spring and summer option. If all goes well and i get offered a TC (fingers crossed) would they offer me this in spring (the week ive opted for) or would they wait until the summer one has completed also?

Hi!

Huge congratulations on your VS offer!! 🥳

As others have mentioned, you are likely to hear back following the scheme that you complete (i.e. Spring if that it what you have opted for) - this is how it has been on the vacation schemes that I completed! However, I know that there are a few firms that take a different approach, so if it's not clear, I'd ask the graduate recruitment team and I'm sure they'd be happy to confirm this for you

 

[johnsmith]

I was reading all these Goodwin VI posts and thinking damn I’ve missed it - thankfully it was just lack of signal up where I am off the north coast of Scotland at the moment 😅🤣

Latham have missed me out so far though 🙄

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hello guys, I needed some advice. I am an international student and I have been applying extensively this cycle but for some reason have not been able to progress with any US firms. I have studied outside the UK and have work experience also outside (I did not study in the EU but have some work ex there). I have a vac scheme and I am quite worried about what to think and how to proceed.

Hi Bree, I understand your concerns but you should seek comfort in the fact that you have been awarded a vac scheme. So, congratulations! This in itself will show that nothing about your international student status is holding you back. As for what to expect on the vacation scheme, this is essentially a chance for them to see how you operate in practice. Do you have any particular questions you need advice on?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

If I am skipping a VI, should I email grad rec and tell them or is it not needed?

Typically its not needed, however, if you think you will be applying again to the firm within the same cycle, it may be best to let them know you have to withdraw your application. This may help by removing your application from the ATS and preventing any flag of "duplicity" if you return later in the cycle to apply again. I would always opt to keep my options open, so email them anyway.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

HSF Kramer PFO 🥲🥲💔 Omgg I thought it would be good news

Update: It’s going to be okay! ONTO THE NEXT 😙✌️

sry to hear this😔can i ask whether this was for spring?

 

[zara elles]

Goodwin VI! So happy because I was really losing hope after a bunch of PFOs! If anyone has any advice re Goodwin VI's or wants to discuss pls dm!

 

[Fidel30]

Treat it like any other work experience section - keep it concise, but make it really specific. Mention where you were sitting, the kind of work you helped with, the actual tasks you did, and what the experience taught you about how commercial law firms work. As always, try to link it back to why you’re confident this is the career you want to pursue. Good luck!

Hi do you have an example of what a good work experience section would look like.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

hey guys does anyone have info on bakers vi? i can trade for insight into dla’s ti, hl’s 2nd stage test or mishcon’s chat interview !!

 

[anonymous31415]

congrats!! did you do the OD/ FYC/BA?

Thanks! No I didn’t, I just applied to the VS

 

[Wagamamas]

Has anyone who applied to reed smith on 18/19th dec heard back?

 

[Bree]

Hi Bree, I understand your concerns but you should seek comfort in the fact that you have been awarded a vac scheme. So, congratulations! This in itself will show that nothing about your international student status is holding you back. As for what to expect on the vacation scheme, this is essentially a chance for them to see how you operate in practice. Do you have any particular questions you need advice on?

Thank you Afraz!

This really helps a lot.

As someone who has not studied or worked in the UK, how can I ensure I stand out in the vac scheme? What are some ways to impress and also non-negotiable pointers if you could share?

 

[Bree]

Typically its not needed, however, if you think you will be applying again to the firm within the same cycle, it may be best to let them know you have to withdraw your application. This may help by removing your application from the ATS and preventing any flag of "duplicity" if you return later in the cycle to apply again. I would always opt to keep my options open, so email them anyway.

Thank you, I have done that!

 

[pepsicola96]

Goodwin VI, and Bird and Bird AC! Both for spring. When it rains it pours lol