TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

I applied to Bristol office out in October. This wait is frying me.

They said at the Bristol OD that we’d start to hear back re ACs in January and into February. It’s going to be massively competitive as only 8 VS spots in the Bristol office.

 

[lawyersum]

did anyone hear from bates wells before the xmas period?

 

[elle woods]

Love this!!

Just a question, when you find something you’re interested in how do you approach your full read?

Do have things in mind when skimming through like: who it impacts? Why it’s interesting? How it can be resolved? and do you make notes on the article?

Since I'm usually quite busy, I would skim it quickly and then it would be in my head going forward - and when I have time (e.g. on the train etc) I would ponder more deeply about it and how it links to the wider commercial world, from how it affects various stakeholders to what portion of the market most benefits/loses out from this news. You can definitely do this in one go while reading, but I find that commercial awareness gets more fun when you treat it as an intellectual interest of yours rather than something you HAVE to read and then distil in one sitting.

Furthermore, it's fun to read continuously because you'll find that topics evolve over time and something you read today could link to something you read ages ago. So in short, I don't really treat commercial awareness as a "sit down and study" type of exercise, but rather I integrate it more naturally into my daily life.

But yes, sometimes when preparing for interviews, I would then sit down and makes notes on headlines/topics that interest me or that I have been following, just so I know them more concretely. This would definitely include the news story's implications and how it may affect dealmaking/law firms and their clients.

But everyone's approach is different, so take this with a grain of salt! Find what works for you and your study methods!

 

[applicant457]

Anyone did the NRF VI?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Guys, is anyone happy to share insights about Norton Rose Fulbright VI?
Very happy to exchange in return, I can share insights on Reed Smith VI, Milbank questions, Akin TI, Baker McKenzie VI, White & Case VI, and PwC VI.

 

[calebnash]

Asking for a friend who got a Capsticks PFO without an invite to the online test the emailed implied was automatic.
He applied on deadline day is it possible he got rejected because it was rolling and already filled?

Did anyone get an auto invite to the online test or PFO before the invite? Any advice appreciated because I believe his application was strong and he met the minimum grade requirements.

I got progressed to the test on 30th December I think

 

[ttlaw12344]

Asking for a friend who got a Capsticks PFO without an invite to the online test the emailed implied was automatic.
He applied on deadline day is it possible he got rejected because it was rolling and already filled?

Did anyone get an auto invite to the online test or PFO before the invite? Any advice appreciated because I believe his application was strong and he met the minimum grade requirements.

I got an PFO on Christmas Day after applying on Xmas eve so can only assume its automated

 

[Donuttime]

I honestly don’t understand how I can score 9, 9, 7, 7 for Weil Amberjack, and then get 4, 4, 6, 4 for Reed Smith. The gap just doesn’t make sense to me.

Can I just ask, with the score for Weil have you been invited to AC?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Can I just ask, with the score for Weil have you been invited to AC?

Not yet, haven't heard back

 

[WillKitchen]

Congratulations on the VI and thank you for sharing! Was this for DTC?

Thanks.

No, unfortunately. I've not submitted any VS or TC applications to Paul Hastings, so far. I want to find out more about the firm first, so it was for an All About Law exclusive insight event taking place in Feb.

At least every VI is a great opportunity to practice!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Just flopped the Milbank written section on the SJT- they weren't even hard questions and I was prepared for them. Just something about that timer ticking right infront of you that is so anxiety inducing. Onto the next 🥴

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Just flopped the Milbank written section on the SJT- they weren't even hard questions and I was prepared for them. Just something about that timer ticking right infront of you that is so anxiety inducing. Onto the next 🥴

Just some helpful advice to anybody doing milbank: until you've written a draft answer, ignore the time. If you just think a minute, then write your initial draft, you'll have plenty of time to edit a bit after. The time is usually lost when you panick/get stressed over the clock

 

[oliviabeijing]

I applied on 12th dec and have yet to hear anything back.. seems strange as the application form was just basic eligibility. Has anyone else who applied during that time heard back already?

I recieved the assessment and have completed it but not heard anything since

 

[rjh2001]

Hi everyone,

Currently working on the PMC application and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to approach this question:

PMC has offices in several locations. How do you think our office locations support our work and client relationship and how could this be improved? Consider a new office opening or practice area expansion/addition. (250 words)

I’m considering focusing on one of PMC's strong sectors (like Shipping) and their London and other global offices, then suggesting a new office in an emerging market. I don’t think I would have enough words to cover multiple sectors and all regional offices as well.

Does anyone have advice on how to make the explanation of how existing offices support client relationships more specific and concrete? I’m worried that simply mentioning local market knowledge or real-time support might be too general?

Many thanks!

Rory.

 

[sofiiamartynenko]

I recieved the assessment and have completed it but not heard anything since

did you receive it before 17th dec? If you don’t mind me asking.

 

[Konstantinos Asprogerakas Grivas]

Hello! I have a VI for Goodwin with a deadline the 7th of January. I have failed all similar VIs in the past and I was wondering if anyone has some advice! Thank u!!!

 

[tc2026]

not heard anything back from HL after submitting the initial application for the DTC. anyone else in the same boat?

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone got any insights into travers as a firm? Finding it hard to compile a definitive research profile for the firm, a lot harder than it has been for other sc and mc firms

 

[oliviabeijing]

did you receive it before 17th dec? If you don’t mind me asking.

Received on 18th and completed 20th. Received skills report on 21st!

 

[hawkins19]

I'm a bit confused by the Forsters application process. Does your written app have to be submitted, reviewed, and your video interview completed all before the deadline (Monday)??