TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I am once again asking if anyone has Covington AC insights. Happy to help for other firms

 

[soph107048]

is it frowned upon to email grad rec asking about a timeline re hearing back? im waiting on about 10 firms to get back post stage 2 and its been over a month since I did the last one, and I think its a bit ridiculous considering they're spring schemes

 

[applicant457]

Does anyone know if Links does all the offers first then PFOs after AC? Thought we were meant to hear by last Friday but still nothing !

this would be really helpful!

 

[EL2003]

BCLP Summer vac scheme PFO

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

just got rejection around 11am today

 

[Dannie]

Guys i made one spelling error in my WE am i cooked ahhhh shoot

 

[Gr33ntea]

WBD test is so fun and finally one that i don't feel distracted half way

lol I completely agree was so refreshing to have a quick test too!

Can I ask what your feedback report was like?

I was given two points that were my strengths: agility & organisation, and then one weakness: quality focus, which I’m stressing about!

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Has anyone still not received any update from NRF post VI?

 

[174Tess9y3]

just got rejection around 11am today

Same

 

[radssss]

This is absolutely insane, now angry at the 55 pounds I forked out to go their bloody open evening only for them to reject me instantly

That is mad least they can do for open day applicants is read their app… like they’re interested in your firm and therefore they especially came to meet you…

Don’t tell me they don’t even reimburse the travel expenses??

 

[Myparentsdream]

Any Willkie updates? I know they said by Friday but wondered if anything has gone out with interviews starting next week.

 

[Hinkle_dinkle]

Does anyone know how to reach out to people on a prospective vac scheme with you, are there group chats or ways to find out?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Does anyone know how to reach out to people on a prospective vac scheme with you, are there group chats or ways to find out?

LinkedIn maybe? Many people put their prospective vac schemes on their profile or post about them, just search ‘[X firm] vacation scheme 2026’ and hopefully you’ll be able to find people!

 

[TCGrad1642]

Any Willkie updates? I know they said by Friday but wondered if anything has gone out with interviews starting next week.

Not sure, but there’s a thread on which you can ask grad rec directly! They have been really good at getting back quickly!

 

[sadlawyer01]

cooley rejection after interview

 

[applicant457]

Has anyone on this forum received a linklaters rejection post-AC? or do they just not tell anyone that they've been rejected.

 

[flamingocelot]

That is mad least they can do for open day applicants is read their app… like they’re interested in your firm and therefore they especially came to meet you…

Don’t tell me they don’t even reimburse the travel expenses??

It was an open evening thing so less formal than an open day, but as the firm was my top choice, it was kind of a no-brainer to bite the bullet and pay for a train to help my chances as best as possible (also my bf lives in London so I had other reasons to make the money worth it I guess). I met people there who had come down from Durham, Leeds etc so I can't complain as my uni is Southern at least...

 

[Gr33ntea]

Has anyone heard back from Charles Russell Speechlys for the London office?

I still haven’t! Has anyone else for London heard back yet?

 

[Gr33ntea]

Hiya,
Could anyone please provide insight or advice into the Kennedys assessment centre ?
I'm happy to help with firms CMS, Baker Mckenzie, Clifford Chance, Charles Russell Speechlys, ,Mishcon de Reya, White and Case.

Thank you!

Omg have you received AC dates for both Mishcon and Charles Russell?

Congrats!

Was going to ask when you applied and when you heard back? x

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Any Willkie updates? I know they said by Friday but wondered if anything has gone out with interviews starting next week.

In the Willkie thread they did say that we'd most likely hear back late this week. Also, they mentioned that they will most likely send out interview invites before rejections, just in case some people turn down the interview, leaving a few extra spaces. So maybe Wedensday/Thursday for interviews?
Interestingly, it looks as though around 50% of those that took the WE will be invited to interview, possibly slightly more, possibly slightly less, based on how they make their decisions. Best of luck to everyone!