TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[floral.tcla]

At one of the open days I went to in October, the people at my table were talking about how they know people who submit fake applications just to get access to the automatic VIs so they prepare for the real application. I was shook, no integrity... at the same event grad rec said different people would come to ACs to the ones in the VIs... some people really are brave.

6/8 for innovation and proactivity

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

sorry can I ask what does "timed but non-time-restrained WG test" mean? Is it timed or untimed but the time you take will be recorded

Time recorded, and will factor into the score. But you are not restricted on time (e.g. can take as long as you need to answer the question, but it will impact how the score).

 

[ttso]

The inbox silence is killing me - besides NRF VI invite I've heard nothing since 18 December

 

[shadowboxer909]

Does anybody have insights on Gibson Dunn first stage interview? Can offer Akin TI, Hl Job sim, Freshfields 2nd stage, W&C VI and Reed Smith Vi

Standard law firm questions - why law, why gibson dunn, discuss your background + explain the type of teams you worked at (if you worked somewhere etc.).

It was enjoyable although I felt like I blabbed on and on for some time.

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Anyone else finding this US firm silence sooo frustrating?!

 

[JasmineM9]

I decided that I am adopting radical optimism , silence means law firms are finalising our AC offers or VIs now 🥳😵‍💫

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Anyone had news from Linklaters?

some people have SVS ACs already :/

 

[BealMcAlly]

Anyone else get a holding email from Cooley?

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Anyone else get a holding email from Cooley?

What’s a holding email?

 

[ilikelaw]

Anyone else get a holding email from Cooley?

yeah😭 is that a good or a bad thing

 

[JasmineM9]

some people have SVS ACs already :/

I did their AC last year, they usually interview through to Feb! Don’t lose hope yet 😊

 

[switchingup]

Well done all on the TIs, VIs and ACs!

Just a warning to those who applied to Cooley - the email you have received, or will receive shortly, is just a jumpscare holding email lol. They hope to be in touch with a final decision by 27 Jan at the latest due to a strong candidate pool.

The wait continues...

 

[BealMcAlly]

What’s a holding email?

Just an update to say they are in the process of reviewing your application.

 

[elle woods]

some people have SVS ACs already :/

I assume this means spring vac scheme? we really need a way to differentiate between svs (spring) and svs (summer) 😂

 

[anon78365222111]

Anyone else get a holding email from Cooley?

just got it

 

[lelezb1]

Fieldfisher Vac Scheme (Pathways to Practice) AC. Would appreciate any advice.

Congrats!!! When did you complete your TI and what are the AC dates?

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Just received the Cooley holding email.

It looks like some candidates have already been progressed to the Watson-Glaser stage, while others (including me) have received a holding update.

Has anyone not received the holding email at all? I’m trying to work out whether the holding message has any signalling value, or whether progression to WG / AC can still happen from this pool. Any insight appreciated.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Is a deadline day application to Gibson Dunn worth it? I like the firm but they are rolling and I will not have time to finish their application before the day it is due. Have they given out next stages for summer?

 

[elizabethkate]

Bates Wells VS WG invite wooo!

well done!! when did you apply

 

[llblawstudent]

Is a deadline day application to Gibson Dunn worth it? I like the firm but they are rolling and I will not have time to finish their application before the day it is due. Have they given out next stages for summer?

In the same dilemma, they’ve even already given out some vac schemes 😭