TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

i just flunked my 3rd AC too... feeling so disappointed in myself. I also feel ashamed.

i would love to hear any advice from people too regarding this issue. Best of luck, this process is not for the weak indeed.

well. 2nd post ac PFO of this cycle. maybe I didn’t do the ac dance enough? Time to lock in on uni and pause VS apps until I have way more time and dedication to give it 100% not just 70%.
on a related note advice from ppl in a similar situation would be much appreciated !!
And before I get attacked on this I am very very grateful to have received two AC invites at great international firms but it is disappointing to come out with nothing

Cliched but it is amazing to even get to an AC. You have that experience under your belt so defo don't feel shame. Work through that disappointment, ask for feedback, and apply it to what you have to do next.

 

[seriouscandidate_]

did someone have this problem with Mishcon's amberjack
View attachment 7858

I’m having the exact same problem and it’s pissing me off

 

[AJ1]

Sorry to repeat but just wanted to ask if anyone has insights on the V&E or Bakers VI. Even if just motivational or purely competency to save on the prep time.

I’ve got insight for several firms AC’s, including Reed Smith and Ropes & Gray.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I’m having the exact same problem and it’s pissing me off

I sent them an email - you should too. Hopefully if enough of us complain, they'll grant an extension.

 

[8law]

hey has anyone applied to goldman sachs legal analyst role and heard back yet?

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Mishcon SJT....7,7,6,7..cooked or?

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Does anyone have tips on how to do well in a TI?

 

[zoobla20]

Mishcon SJT....7,7,6,7..cooked or?

I did worse so these seem like pretty good scores to me!

 

[M123]

Does anyone have tips on how to do well in a TI?

Congrats!! As it’s a TI, it’s important to sound enthusiastic, particularly because Grad Rec can’t see your face/body language during it. A current trainee solicitor at A&O mentioned that he did a TI for another firm- he walked around his room whilst on the phone to ensure that his voice matched his body language, and so naturally he came across as enthusiastic and engaging!

Out of curiosity, can I ask what firm this is for?

 

[hopingforamiracle]

I did worse so these seem like pretty good scores to me!

we got this c'mon

 

[ACHat8r]

well. 2nd post ac PFO of this cycle. maybe I didn’t do the ac dance enough? Time to lock in on uni and pause VS apps until I have way more time and dedication to give it 100% not just 70%.
on a related note advice from ppl in a similar situation would be much appreciated !!
And before I get attacked on this I am very very grateful to have received two AC invites at great international firms but it is disappointing to come out with nothing

Literally feel you, hence my username. Very grateful as not many people make it to ACs, but I just use them as further motivation and a learning experience so that the next one will defo grant me an offer.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Fellow Catholics, get your prayers in to this fella xx

 

[help]

Does anyone know anything (e.g., timing, question types) about the V&E VI? I heard it was personality based questions?

 

[letsdothis]

Has anyone done a Jones Day AC recently? Would appreciate if you could answer a couple of questions on the case study

 

[kim wexler]

But they only have a summer scheme

I know, I was just surprised that they would give AC offers so early and only two weeks after the deadline (non-rolling) when the vac schemes themselves are quite far off ... compared to other firms of course

 

[Monzer Joujou]

Hey has anyone done the CMS VI and would be willing to give any insight into it at all? I can help with Reed Smith, Weil, Willkie, Goodwin, Simmons, DLA VI + Hogan, Skadden, Pinsent, Macfarlanes, Akin Gump Goodwin and Fried Frank ACs

Hi, appreciate any help with Akin Gump Online Assessment and AC, I can help with Covington Burling AC

 

[hopingforamiracle]

View attachment 7863
Fellow Catholics, get your prayers in to this fella xx

I'm sorry, for me its the Europop L'Amour Toujours in the background. I stan

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I'm sorry, for me its the Europop L'Amour Toujours in the background. I stan

Okay eagle eye!!
Nothing like a bit of L'Amour Toujours xx

 

[Cece176]

did someone have this problem with Mishcon's amberjack
View attachment 7858

yes. I had to keep zooming in and out and resizing my window. Very distracting, and I hope it didn't raise their behind-the-scenes flags.

 

[Cece176]

Anyone heard back from Simmons & Simmons for their summer VS??