TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lp770]

How long does it take to hear back after the Withers proofreading test?

 

[llblawstudent]

No, it’s just app and then interview.

Hey do you know what the interview to vs conversion rates are?

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

Spring ACs have gone out.

still hope today 🙏

 

[amayad2004]

Hi, when we have to copy and paste a cover letter into a text box on an application form, e.g. on Vantage, rather than uploading as a file, is it still necessary to include your address and the firm's address as it does not format properly?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

thank you this is so peak

also how would someone prepare for a "commercial awareness interview" 🤔 not sure what that entails either

@zonnonomo not me having to google search if "peak" meant good...

I'm glad you found this useful. As for the commercial awareness component of the interview, it's important to remember that nobody is expecting you to know everything. As you progress in your career and find your specialty, you'll realise you know very little about other areas of law because it does not concern your work or interest you. So, its better to have a limited understanding of what's generally going on, and being able to deduce how that would affect your work.

As such, I would say the strategy behind tackling this conversation in an interview is to spend some time researching news that could affect the firm, its clients or its work - it should be things that you can deduce as having a deep impact on that firm in particular e.g affects an industry they focus on, a practice area they make the most money off etc. Usually, the firm tackles concerns/impact in their annual reports or press releases, so that serves as a good skeleton to identify what they're most pressing concerns are.

For each one you find, think about that impact, and how the firm could benefit from it or rise above it, what solutions would suggest and why? Personally, I created an excel sheet and kept adding on through the course of the week leading up to my interview and just read into this to solidify my understanding, so that when it came to talking it through - I could do so naturally.

 

[M123]

Does anyone have any information on when BCLP’s Manchester Training Contract is opening? As of yet, there’s nothing on the website on it

 

[hawkins19]

has anyone else heard nothing at all from Withers? Applied for SVS 08 Dec, and have heard nothing. Presume PFO?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

How worried should I be that I included my open days (seven consolidated into one) in the work experience section for Shoosmiths? Recently found out their Grad Rec team says not to do so. Apart from this thought I wrote one of my strongest applications.

@Mikeross750 I wouldn't be too worried. I can't comment for other firms, but where you have application questions and cover letters, the general bulk of graduate recruitment's time when sifting through these is to make a decision based off what you have written in those answers, not how you've formatted your work experience. I am sure they know that everyone writes it out a little differently, and unless they've specified the actual order/rules, I would hope they wouldn't place too much emphasis on this.

Personally, I think you've approached it in a way that most actually prefer, so that comment was probably just their personal preference.

I am sure you'll be fine!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Do people send thank you emails after interviews (specifically ACs with partners)?
Not sure whether to or not?

@meredithgrey it's a nice thought, I know there have been times where I have had a good interview and I was tempted to send them a little thanks for their time. However, technically the ball is now in their court, so it is best to wait for the outcome. Once you receive it, you can thank them for their consideration regardless. Good luck!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

The PFO email said: "To support your continued growth, you have received a personalised feedback report. This report is designed to provide specific insights into your strengths and identify areas for further development."

Does anyone know how to access this?

@Fred_Stuart I am not sure what firm this is for, but if they used an online test, the test provider usually sends the feedback report and this may be in your junk email. Either way, it could take a few days. If after that you haven't received anything, send them a little chaser asking.

 

[elle woods]

i swear W&C specifically chose the hardest questions out of the 4-5 questions that normally follow a statement for the WG 😂 welp I'm glad I'm done with that now.

I know I said a week or smth ago that I was stopping applications but I promise that this one is now my last application 😂😂

 

[uraijom]

cleary wg! applied last sunday 😭 not sure if it's selective or automatic tho?

 

[maylawwww]

Has anyone heard from TW post WE for spring? Last year ACs had been released by now...

 

[T. Rainee]

Any word back?

im sure they said 12th Jan is when we will hear back from

 

[T. Rainee]

Freshfields PFO post stage 2. Email said I should have received personalised feedback but it's not in my inbox

sorry to hear that - was this for VS or DTC?

 

[geekbob]

Does anybody have Bakers AC insights? Would be willing to exchange information on Ashurst AC, Dechert WE, NRF vi, etc. DM me!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

My turn to ask:
Can anybody provide any updates on the following?

Goodwin - Post VI ?

Vinson & Elkins - Post APP?

WEIL - Post app + SJT (I feel like its pfo)

WITHERS - Post App + JST spring?

SIMMONS - Post APP

Addleshaw - Post APP + JST

Orrick - Post APP

Debevoise - Post APP

Squire Patton Boggs - Post APP + JST

Ropes & Gray - Post APP

Davis Polk - Post APP

Taylor Wessing - Post APP + WG

SIDLEY - Post APP

Expect a response from Debevoise in February

 

[AMullin]

just received a Birketts update with a testing link - considering I failed to include the date and name of one my work experience entries on the written app, not sure if it’s automatic ?? That was a pretty big mistake from me lol

I’ve heard nothing back so guessing it’s not automatic 🏆

Edit: Ignore me, getting Birketts mixed up with Bristows, I didn’t apply to Birketts 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

anyone know if you'd be disadvantaged by rescheduling for a later batch of ACs? considering if i should reschedule my spring linklaters AC because i have an exam the day before and this AC came on such short notice. have some practice from another MC AC so not the end of the world if i go next week but obviously feeling like im in a bit of a bind as both the exam and the AC are important to me

Hey @toughluck first of all, congratulations on your AC!

To decide if you'll be at a disadvantage, it is important to consider how many places there are on both schemes. If they are equal, then its highly probable that there isn't much of a risk in changing (if the firm is open to that) but if places on the summer scheme a slightly reduced, or can be filled with some candidates from the spring scheme (due to high competition, last minute changes etc) then it could be slightly disadvantageous. Nevertheless, with firms with big intakes like Linklaters, I think that risk is very minimal and doesn't stand a chance against you if you bring your A game.

In this instance, I would probably ask for a call with graduate recruitment, explain your situation and ask them what they advise/whether it is even possible to change the AC given the short notice. They would probably be pretty open about this so as to give you the best possible chance to perform.

 

[lolasparks]

I just finished the Birketts test ... not looking great for me here