TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nbjani]

Wfw pfo finally came through the lack of opportunities for feedback is really starting to frustrate me now.

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Does anyone know the Stephenson Harwood or CRS (London) timelines for hearing back?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Does any one have any idea when DACB or WBD will get back post VI/test? I only have 4 more firms in the race rn and I'm starting to feel resigned

 

[qwerty!]

hey congrats! when did you do the WG? I did mine in Dec and still haven't heard back ahh

thanks so much! submitted my app on the 19th of jan and did the WG on the 20th, fingers crossed they get back to you soon

 

[trainee4u]

WFW PFO.

Feeling increasing like I'm going to strike out again this year.

 

[Myparentsdream]

TO those who applied for macfarlanes vs, how long after the first test did you get the second one? is it automatic if you pass? do they manually send it? has anyone who applied for the direct training contract got the second stage test?

 

[Kenomy]

WFW PFO.

Feeling increasing like I'm going to strike out again this year.

Same here

 

[helenaskelton]

Genuinely no idea - I did the test in October and still haven’t heard anything Actually been ghosted

Hmm if it’s for the summer scheme maybe there are more ACs? Who knows!

 

[whywhy88]

People who got WG for Cleary - how long did it take post-app for you to receive the invite? Applied a few days before the deadline and am aware ACs are already happening so I'm not too hopeful but I emailed grad rec about mitigating circumstances prior and they encouraged me to still apply so am keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[qwerty!]

People who got WG for Cleary - how long did it take post-app for you to receive the invite? Applied a few days before the deadline and am aware ACs are already happening so I'm not too hopeful but I emailed grad rec about mitigating circumstances prior and they encouraged me to still apply so am keeping my fingers crossed!

i applied in late jan and they emailed me the WG a few mins after submitting! think it can take up to a few days though so i’m sure you’ll receive one soon

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Willkie partner interview!

 

[clbtchnhl]

Simmons pfo nice thing to see before I go to work

Also w the 2 emails one of them said effectively they were rolling and they had a cutoff but the second one was a general PFO?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Willkie partner interview!

Same! OMG congrats!!!

 

[J333]

For those that got a simmons pfo today, was it post-oa?

 

[Maria56]

Any news from Hogan or Clyde&Co today?

 

[FarelJordan0]

When can we expect to hear back from Arnold and Porter?

I haven't heard back either, is this for spring VS?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Simmons pfo nice thing to see before I go to work

Also w the 2 emails one of them said effectively they were rolling and they had a cutoff but the second one was a general PFO?

Maybe as they were going through, they were selecting ones to PFO and ones to accept within the system. Then after they did that, they had the rolling email for everybody when sending rejections. So those who got both emails were rejected, those who just got rolling one were not looked at?

I have no idea, just a hypothesis

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey @Abbie Whitlock would you have any advice on how to structure/answer this question?
If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’?
Thank you so much!

Hello!

I think the best way to approach it is to treat it like a narrative. A structure that could work well is:

1. Start with your story so far - highlight a couple of key experiences or decisions that have shaped your interest in law and Macfarlanes specifically (e.g. academics, work experience, or even something outside of law).
2. Draw out the qualities they reveal - look at the qualities that Macfarlanes places a lot of emphasis on, and show these through your story.
3. Connect to the firm - end by tying it back to why those qualities / experiences mean you'd thrive at Macfarlanes. For instance, if your story shows you enjoy variety, link it to their broad practice areas, etc.

I would avoid simply listing achievements or traits - it's important to weave them into a personal narrative that feels authentic. I'd focus on showing that your journey and career aspirations naturally align with what Macfarlanes are looking for

I hope that assists!

 

[Maria56]

Maybe as they were going through, they were selecting ones to PFO and ones to accept within the system. Then after they did that, they had the rolling email for everybody when sending rejections. So those who got both emails were rejected, those who just got rolling one were not looked at?

I have no idea, just a hypothesis

I applied on the deadline and got both emails so probably just a system error

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

TO those who applied for macfarlanes vs, how long after the first test did you get the second one? is it automatic if you pass? do they manually send it? has anyone who applied for the direct training contract got the second stage test?

It is not automatic, some got PFOs post stage 1. I got it 2 days after the first one. Someone also received it on the same day, afternoon after doing the first stage in the morning.