TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Milbank PFO, Macfarlanes PFO, Clyde & Co PFO, what a day!

But at least I am getting closer as I applied in October whilst other ppl got PFOs fairly quick. On to the next! I bet Monday is usually a good day..

 

[Donna Paulsen]

thanks! it is 250 words per thing so i was wondering if they want a why law and why the firm but i might just leave it as it is currently - i have written abput how my experiences will make me a good trainee + i hope thats enough eek

I did the same, I wrote about the experience and the skills I developed + how I can apply this at the firm!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I asked a professor in Oct/Nov/Dec 2024 if I could list him as my referee - do you reckon I need to ask him again? I just think it's so awkward and I'm trying to avoid it

 

[corplawperson23]

Has anyone had an AC invite for Eversheds Birmingham?

 

[hmevey]

I did the same, I wrote about the experience and the skills I developed + how I can apply this at the firm!

did you write about firm awards and the firms work or just generally how you can apply this as a trainee at the firm! mines quite general in that it says how x skills will help me as a trainee but its not super specific to the firm! just worried that will be me missing the mark!

 

[Maria56]

I did Milbank stage 1 a couple days ago shoukd I assume Pfo if I still haven’t received stage 2?

In the same boat, really praying it comes tomorrow because I taught I did well.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Cooley WG - Applied 2nd of Nov

Congrats! Is this for spring or summer?

 

[fleurbecomesalawyer]

Hi,I hope everyone is doing well!

I wanted to ask if anyone had any tips for a Links AC? This is my first ever AC and im quite nervous about it. Im going there with an open mind and genuinely just hoping to enjoy my time at the firm.

In return I can offer insights on Freshfields, Reed Smith and Akin.

Thanks guys, appreciate any tips!

Happy to chat!

 

[Lawlawland]

REED SMITH VI!!!!
jumping off the cliff postponed!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

did you write about firm awards and the firms work or just generally how you can apply this as a trainee at the firm! mines quite general in that it says how x skills will help me as a trainee but its not super specific to the firm! just worried that will be me missing the mark!

Nopeee, I didn't mention anything specific because I felt like it was only really asking why the experience was valuable/how they represent you as a person and going into firm specifics might be overkill.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

hey! does anyone have any DLA AC insights?

 

[kuuks_]

Milbank PFO, Macfarlanes PFO, Clyde & Co PFO, what a day!

But at least I am getting closer as I applied in October whilst other ppl got PFOs fairly quick. On to the next! I bet Monday is usually a good day..

sorry to hear!

what stage did you get to for Milbank if you don't mind me asking?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Still haven't heard back from Milbank post Stage-1. Should I assume PFo

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Sadly post stage 1, didn't get an invite for stage 2 as I was among the first to take the test, so didn't prepare for the jumpscare question.

Lesson to learn: Don't fall into a trap if firms remove app questions in the written app, usually it'll come up as a jumpscare. I have a feeling many law firms will follow Milbank next cycle, I'm praying this is our last cycle to secure TCs haha. 😅

Still waiting for Weil, though I'm surprised as I applied early October too, but haven't heard back.

 

[user123987]

How would you guys structure an answer to this question “how would you contribute to X firm’s future?” I’m quite stuck and unsure where to start, advice would be appreciated!

 

[elle woods]

How would you guys structure an answer to this question “how would you contribute to X firm’s future?” I’m quite stuck and unsure where to start, advice would be appreciated!

I'd start by identifying any unique skills or strengths you have, and then linking it to what a law firm does and how that can benefit them - either on a micro or macro scale.

It's basically asking you "what skills would you bring to the firm as a trainee" or something along those lines - but I would also be wary of the word "future" - it may require you to be a bit forward-looking :3

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

hey! does anyone have any DLA AC insights?

Would love to know as well!

 

[Prudentia]

Sadly post stage 1, didn't get an invite for stage 2 as I was among the first to take the test, so didn't prepare for the jumpscare question.

Lesson to learn: Don't fall into a trap if firms remove app questions in the written app, usually it'll come up as a jumpscare. I have a feeling many law firms will follow Milbank next cycle, I'm praying this is our last cycle to secure TCs haha. 😅

Still waiting for Weil, though I'm surprised as I applied early October too, but haven't heard back.

I don’t think they read the application questions until after stage 2. So it’s more likely you didn’t meet the benchmark for the SJT.

 

[Prudentia]

Still haven't heard back from Milbank post Stage-1. Should I assume PFo

When did you take it?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Still haven't heard back from Milbank post Stage-1. Should I assume PFo

Me neither..