TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Raquelle's Legal Drama]

A little monologue from the Belle:

I've reflected on why I failed my ACs, and I'm ready to change. Unfortunately this change is coming a little late lol but better late than never. It's helpful to speak to people who did pass the ACs you failed. It's easier to analyse what you could've done better than just relying solely on your feedback. Would definitely recommend this to people if possible! Sadly this change requires a few months to implement, but if I have to reapply next year then I feel like I will much much more confident in myself.

I won't share exactly what I have identified as it quite personal to me, but sometimes improvement requires a big shift.

I just wanted to share this as I know a lot of other people are going through similar pains right now. I want to share a little bit of my motivation with you. Let's work hard together towards next year! I have full confidence that we will be much stronger candidates. I am so ready, bring it on.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Panicked pressing submit on my Simmons and Simmons app - I have now received 5 confirmation emails....oops

 

[M85672]

Is Bakers SJT and VI selective?

 

[Novaa]

Is Bakers SJT and VI selective?

“Yes” I say as I reflect on my past realisation

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Is CvMail that bad of a system?

The most old fashioned portal and poor service desk (slow respond), I had to let my Simmons app unsubmited.

I tried registering for a few the other day but then it redirected me to CvMail… I decided I cba cos I was not about to deal with that at all lmao…​

Similar to my experience, Ashurst CVmail is the same as Simmons, idk why it doesn't allow me to submit my app unlike Sidley and Kirkland.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

If anyone has attempted the winston & strawn WG already, would like to know about the difficulty level if possible?

The same level as Clifford Chance, as both timed and used the same provider, Pearson

 

[hopingforamiracle]

May we all get good news this coming week guys!

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Simmons and Simmons Bristol SJT&VI - assuming automatic but so glad to get some good news 🕺

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Mine said “Whilst your application was certainly impressive…”

Okay, then give me the place on the open day given my app was so impressive 🧐

Why 2 different PFO's to say essentially the same thing? to copy and paste:

"Thank you for your interest in Debevoise and your application to join our open days in 2026.

After careful consideration we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place on one of our open days. Unfortunately, we have only a limited number of places, for which we received hundreds of applications, and this inevitably means that we have to turn away many excellent candidates.

However, we wanted to write to you personally to say that we were certainly impressed with your application and therefore would encourage you to reapply again next year."

I also think the grammar is wrong, it should be "After careful consideration,"
Commas are important...

 

[Eriberrie]

In-person AC at Trowers today.. not sure how to feel after that!

Hi! Do you have any insights into the Trowers Hamlins AC? Also how did you find it? Do you have any tips on how to prepare? Congrats again for managing to complete it!

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I had 5 months from AG once who then gave me 3 days to do their VI

Thx for giving me a hope, but Sidley just sent me a PFO, 133 days! This cycle taught me that submitting last minute is better though it's rolling.

 

[Mariannasiplayi]

Sidley PFO ((

 

[Prudentia]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu (and everyone else), I could really use some honest advice, and sorry in advance for how long this is.

Last year (after graduating) I focused fully on TC applications. I made 7 applications and reached 3 assessment centres, but was ultimately rejected. The feedback was mainly that my answers were too long and I lacked commercial awareness.

I was upset, but also encouraged bc I believed that 3 ACs from 7 applications suggested my academics/profile were competitive. So I moved to London, tried to secure a paralegal/legal role, and when that didn’t work out I took a part-time retail job and dedicated my time to improving for this cycle.

This year I submitted 17 applications and only got 1 interview and then got rejected (Skadden). I’m still waiting for feedback, but honestly I feel crushed. It genuinely feels like I went backwards despite putting in far more effort.

Since last year I have:
• completed an internship at Barclays
• paid for application review support + mock interviews
• refined my CV/ work experience section multiple times
• improved my answers and structure
• actively worked on commercial awareness

I truly believe this year’s applications were significantly stronger than last year’s, yet the results were dramatically worse.

I also had interviews last year with Gibson Dunn and White & Case and was told reapplying would be fine and prior applications/ interview performance wouldn’t affect any future ones. However, Gibson Dunn (applied November) hasn’t responded at all despite follow-ups, which has been particularly discouraging as they and Skadden are my top firms. I also completed the VI for White & Case in December and still haven’t heard back, even though candidates who completed it later have already been invited to ACs/ received PFOs.

At the same time I’m struggling financially in London on a part-time retail salary and cannot seem to land a paralegal role. Everything requires experience. I’ve applied through agencies, cold-emailed, called firms, sent speculative applications and nothing has worked.

So I’d really appreciate advice on three things:

1. How can I realistically obtain a paralegal/legal role with no past experience?
2. What should I be doing between now and next cycle beyond daily commercial awareness study + interview practice + completing TCLA courses?
3. Do firms genuinely review your application if you have previously interviewed? I am especially concerned about Skadden and Gibson Dunn, as these are genuinely my dream firms.
4. I know this is wrong and not advisable, but could I apply with a new email and not disclose that I have previously interviewed? Since I’ll be changing my last name this year (for unrelated reasons, I promise I am not crazy), would that make it harder for firms to connect me to my previous applications? I appreciate this may not be the right approach, I’m just feeling stuck and trying to understand my options.

I want to be clear: I’m not looking for sympathy, just honest guidance on what to change because clearly something isn’t working.

Thank you to anyone who reads all of this/ offers any advice, I really appreciate it

Whilst working as a paralegal may be helpful for future applications, they're not a guarantee that you'll secure a training contract. If you are struggling for money, I would suggest broadening your search to include other roles and industries. You don't have to work directly in the legal industry to have exposure to it and to gain the skills, experience and attributes needed to be successful at landing a training contract.

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

Back from my Valentine's Weekend celebrations and want to join in with the Covington Sunday PFO jumpscare. If it makes anyone feel better, I also applied for a legal internship at Sephora that also rejected me on Sunday 💀

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

IF any firms read this - PLEASE no more CVMail. We aren't in 1926.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Anybody who applied to Sidley around the 1st Jan heard ?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Anybody who applied to Sidley around the 1st Jan heard ?

I applied on the 3rd and haven't heard

 

[Carrington Lane]

Wedlake Bell PFO. Oh well, I wouldn't last at a firm whose diversity profile looks identical to an unprinted paper anyway 🙏🙏🙏

 

[LawEnthus]

Wedlake Bell PFO. Oh well, I wouldn't last at a firm whose diversity profile looks identical to an unprinted paper anyway 🙏🙏🙏

I'm sorry to hear this ( what stage was this at if you don't mind me asking? good luck for all your other apps 🤞

 

[Carrington Lane]

I'm sorry to hear this ( what stage was this at if you don't mind me asking? good luck for all your other apps 🤞

This is post app. Best of luck