TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DiploSha361]

Hi all,
Applied for Linklaters Spring VS. Not heard back but seen others have. Can I assume this is a PFO? Would think logically that they look at all apps, decide the PFOs but keep a few in reserve just in case of AC dropouts etc. But then again who knows what these firms do...

 

[legallybrunnette]

Its only an SJT right or is there a VI too?

Hi! Did you end up finding out what this first assessment stage entails or whether the VI comes later?

 

[legallybrunnette]

A few questions:

Is it not for the recruiters from law firms you've applied for to look at your profile in LinkedIn? Is that a good sign or a bad sign?

3 recruiters (I can't see who) from this firm I'm waiting to hear back from has looked at my profile, and I'm wondering why... I really hope nothing in my profile through them off😂😭!

Akin?

 

[reelovesit]

hi has anyone heard back about ACs after passing benchmark for the phone interview at dla piper? (i had my TI + found out i passed on the 6th jan)

 

[xMontmorency]

A few questions:

Is it normal for the recruiters from law firms you've applied for to look at your profile in LinkedIn? Is that a good sign or a bad sign?

3 recruiters (I can't see who) from this firm I'm waiting to hear back from has looked at my profile, and I'm wondering why... I really hope nothing in my profile through them off😂😭!

Yes it happens and it's not a bad sign.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

hi has anyone heard back about ACs after passing benchmark for the phone interview at dla piper? (i had my TI + found out i passed on the 6th jan)

In my experience, it takes about a week

 

[BobThebIlly]

i feel sick waiting on these firms

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

i feel sick waiting on these firms

The fact we're unlikely to get PFO'd on a Saturday should ease the anxiety...it doesn't

 

[JustwantaTC]

If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?

 

[Bread]

If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?

Unfortunately I find it’s always best to set my expectations low in these cases. That way, you’re either prepared or pleasantly surprised!

 

[ilikelaw]

The fact we're unlikely to get PFO'd on a Saturday should ease the anxiety...it doesn't

i got pfo’d from a&o on a saturday ☹️

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

How long it takes to receive Gibson Dunn's online SJT?

 

[elle woods]

How long it takes to receive Gibson Dunn's online SJT?

I got mine the day after I submitted my app

 

[saj1208]

Hello all! Really worried about something and would love some guidance! All of my Uni Exams are next week and yet the RS interview deadline is next Friday. I probably won't have time to do it until the deadline day what with revision and sitting the exams. Is this going to negatively impact my application? I understand RS are rolling so quite worried.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Yes it happens and it's not a bad sign.

*Rapidly spruces up profile, interacts with people and thinks of clever posts to write*

 

[TortillaTC]

Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith I did my RS test+VI first week of December and have heard nothing since… I think I met their benchmark with my scores + saw that others got PFOd so I’m assuming its down to my VI answers now..

What stage am I likely in atm?? Someone posted here that firms usually put candidates on hold while assessing new incoming test results, so am I in the “maybe AC” pile and will only progress if new test takers aren’t that good? Or should I be expecting a PFO?

 

[Novaa]

Hello all! Really worried about something and would love some guidance! All of my Uni Exams are next week and yet the RS interview deadline is next Friday. I probably won't have time to do it until the deadline day what with revision and sitting the exams. Is this going to negatively impact my application? I understand RS are rolling so quite worried.

Idk if I’m explaining clearly, but I think with rolling firms, they would buffer time for this.

So like you and a group of people would have been set a similar deadline for your interview. Then they’ll review your batch collectively once everyone has submitted within the 5/7 days deadline.

I don’t think they’d progress someone who submitted on day 1 of the VI deadline to AC, before someone who did it on day 4 in the same group. And even if they did that, they wouldn’t then not progress the person on day 4 just because they did it 3 days later.

I know rolling deadlines are scary, but I honestly think firms put measures in place to ensure everyone in each batch has a chance to be reviewed.

 

[legal18]

For a cover letter, is it ok to weave 'why you' throughout the 'why commercial law' and 'why firm' section rather than doing it standalone?

 

[saj1208]

Idk if I’m explaining clearly, but I think with rolling firms, they would buffer time for this.

So like you and a group of people would have been set a similar deadline for your interview. Then they’ll review your batch collectively once everyone has submitted within the 5/7 days deadline.

I don’t think they’d progress someone who submitted on day 1 of the VI deadline to AC, before someone who did it on day 4 in the same group. And even if they did that, they wouldn’t then not progress the person on day 4 just because they did it 3 days later.

I know rolling deadlines are scary, but I honestly think firms put measures in place to ensure everyone in each batch has a chance to be reviewed.

This is really helpful and reassuring, much appreciated!

 

[xMontmorency]

For a cover letter, is it ok to weave 'why you' throughout the 'why commercial law' and 'why firm' section rather than doing it standalone?

Yes, every part of the cover letter should in some way say 'why you'.

In the 'why commercial law section' you should put experiences and achievements that show why you would be a great commercial lawyer.

In the 'why the firm' section you should show them why you would be a good fit for the firm.

The 'why you' section is just any bonus points at the end that you haven't put in before.