TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

So sorry if this sounds tone deaf I promise that’s not my intention at all, and I genuinely understand how tough rejections can be as someone whose been rejected almost everyday.
I just wanted to ask if anyone else has ever felt like this. I’ve just received my first ever assessment centre after so many rejections, and for the last 24 hours my mind has honestly gone blank because I’m in disbelief that it actually happened.

Is it normal to feel this excited for this long, even though I know it’s still just one step in the process and not a guarantee of anything? I think I’m just shocked more than anything and wondering if others have experienced the same feeling.

Not tone deaf at all. You should be so proud!!

 

[johnsmith]

So sorry if this sounds tone deaf I promise that’s not my intention at all, and I genuinely understand how tough rejections can be as someone whose been rejected almost everyday.
I just wanted to ask if anyone else has ever felt like this. I’ve just received my first ever assessment centre after so many rejections, and for the last 24 hours my mind has honestly gone blank because I’m in disbelief that it actually happened.

Is it normal to feel this excited for this long, even though I know it’s still just one step in the process and not a guarantee of anything? I think I’m just shocked more than anything and wondering if others have experienced the same feeling.

Totally normal to feel like this! I was on a cloud for 2 days after being offered my first VS. Well done and enjoy the feeling

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

cleary gottlieb it’s okay we’re good i’ve found it now but only after walking in circles for half an hour (and yeah attending an AC!)

Glad you made it. Hopefully you were on time!

 

[floral.tcla]

Me with firms located in the Liverpool Street area

don’t get me started on hl … tell me why I was walking around in circles until I realised you needed to climb up the tiny dungeon looking staircase to reach the bridge and *then* turn right… totally not speaking from experience

 

[Madison Pinewall]

just got a holding email for a firm post interview which I thought was an update (( the ultimate click bait

 

[Jennifer2003]

Me with firms located in the Liverpool Street area

You’re so real because I was not equipped for Reed Smith to be hidden behind a Blank Street coffee shop in a secret courtyard

 

[llblawstudent]

just got a holding email for a firm post interview which I thought was an update (( the ultimate click bait

Was this s&m out of interest because if so I got one too haha. How would you interpret this

 

[jagath]

i got that too

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Was this s&m out of interest because if so I got one too haha. How would you interpret this

There's nothing to interpret dw, I know people who interviewed earlier in the cycle who got reminded there would be a long wait

 

[hawkins19]

Forsters AC! Maybe they are sending them in batches after all !!!

 

[HopefulTC]

Is it now time to assume PFO for HL Summer VS? VI was completed in November, but no further communication has been made since. Seen offers on LinkedIn.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

So sorry if this sounds tone deaf I promise that’s not my intention at all, and I genuinely understand how tough rejections can be as someone whose been rejected almost everyday.
I just wanted to ask if anyone else has ever felt like this. I’ve just received my first ever assessment centre after so many rejections, and for the last 24 hours my mind has honestly gone blank because I’m in disbelief that it actually happened.

Is it normal to feel this excited for this long, even though I know it’s still just one step in the process and not a guarantee of anything? I think I’m just shocked more than anything and wondering if others have experienced the same feeling.

Getting to AC is a massive achievement considering how competitive this process is. Sure, it doesn’t guarantee anything, but it is a clear sign that you’re doing something right (and we don’t get those often!). Be proud of yourself! X

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Is it now time to assume PFO for HL Summer VS? VI was completed in November, but no further communication has been made since. Seen offers on LinkedIn.

some ppl got pfo’d yday so i think they’re doing it in batches. ACs have also been super spread out. i think last yr they held ACs all the way into March so I’m assuming they’ll probs do the same again this yr !!

 

[KuriTH]

According to grad rec, Baker McKenzie is sending out responses for its Spring AC outcomes from end of tomorrow

 

[8law]

does the simmons online judgement test for bristol include VI within the test or is it the next step? sorry might sound dumb but the email says it should only take 30mins to complete

 

[johnsmith]

does the simmons online judgement test for bristol include VI within the test or is it the next step? sorry might sound dumb but the email says it should only take 30mins to complete

You do the amberjack test and then the VIs are after but you can pause and continue them when you’re ready, unlimited prep time for the VIs so you can do one, then take a break etc - I think you just have to have the VIs completed by the deadline date.

 

[Donuttime]

Forsters AC! Maybe they are sending them in batches after all !!!

Congrats! What day did you get invited for?

 

[8law]

You do the amberjack test and then the VIs are after but you can pause and continue them when you’re ready, unlimited prep time for the VIs so you can do one, then take a break etc - I think you just have to have the VIs completed by the deadline date.

thank you so much!

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

S&M DTC PFO the wording of the email "unfortunately it is not possible for us to interview every candidate who applies" does this mean they didn't read my app???!!

This one hurts since I interviewed for their Summer Scheme last year and was encouraged to apply to DTC this year.

Was this non-law app?

 

[marshall]

Still waiting for HSF Kramer

Omg HSF Kramer AC!!