TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TheSaulGoodman]

Gibson Dunn PFO. Pain...endless pain.

Same

 

[CharlieandLola]

London (for the Training Contract 2027)

Same! I think we might hear back by Thursday as I remember someone else saying they are aiming to get to us early this week but I'm not holding my breath. At this point I'm taking no news as good news

 

[lawyersum]

any more cooley post-ac responses?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Gibson PFO post first stage interview (no more VS apps)! on to DTC apps

 

[EfficientBag123]

I know its not a vac scheme but got Osborne Clarke insight scheme!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Anyone have an idea how strict Sullivan & Cromwell actually are with individual module grades?

 

[mamamama]

Anyone heard back from TW post ac for summe vs?

 

[NomenEstOmen]

is anyone still waiting to hear from HSF?

I am.. but I heard they've already given out all ACs....

 

[NomenEstOmen]

Starting to think I’m in the HSF Kramer Spring ‘maybe’ pile since I’ve had no rejection or AC invite despite others receiving invites… the wait continues…

Did you hear anything back since? I am waiting for SVS to hear back, but is a maybe pile a real thing tho? haha

 

[you_got_this]

I will be taking the amberjack test for Michelmores soon and I am worried sick about it (especially the VI elements as I suffer with them the most...) If anyone could share some insights, I would be eternally grateful!!!

 

[user123987]

Anyone heard from Browne Jacobson post Amberjack?

 

[user123987]

Any advice for Brabners SJT?

 

[TCchaser]

Will Faegre Drinker be sending out more VI invites?

 

[TCchaser]

CMS WG for graduate apprenticeship.

Congratulations! That was really quick considering applications only closed on Sunday, when did you apply? Trying to figure out if they're getting back to people in order of application date

 

[PFO_God]

Harbottle & Lewis interview invite!

Any insights would be greatly appreciated - happy to trade AG AC (useful for next year), Barclays in-house interview (Think Talent Programme) or various assessments...

 

[HAHAHA]

Hi does anyone have any thoughts on how recent a recent development have to be for interview? I’m trying to find developments around AI regulation and most of the major news stories (stability vs Getty), digital omnibus seem to be from a good few months ago do you think that’s too far back?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

On the back of this, Grads + Career Changers, how are you making time for engaging with Law outside of applications?

@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock - I wasn’t sure if you either had any suggestions or things you’ve heard?

Hey!

I think it can look different for everyone depending on their schedule, but I think the main thing is to consistently engage with materials over time, rather than trying to do lots and lots at a time. For example, regularly reading legal or business news (even just a few articles a week!), listening to legal or commercial podcasts during commutes, and attending webinars or open days when they come up. When I was working full-time during my placement year, I made it a habit to listen to the FT Daily News Briefing podcast on my commute, and I attended a few open days for areas of law or firms I was interested in.

Some people also find it helpful to follow a couple of sectors that they are interested in and keep an eye on major deals, disputes, or regulatory changes in that sector. This is a good way to build commercial awareness organically over time without it feeling like another "application task".

It is definitely important to remember that it doesn't have to be anything huge or time-intensive, and often regular engagement will be the most beneficial in the long-run

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it okay to just prepare one commercial news story for an AC? Feels so time consuming to do more given the deep dive it requires!

Hey!

I totally get that! For ACs, I often prepared one commercial news story in a bit more depth and made sure I could comfortably explain what happened, why it matters, and any implications for businesses or clients.

I would usually also have one or two back-ups just in case (for whatever reason) the conversation moved in a different direction or my main story wasn't particularly relevant. However, I didn't tend to go into as much depth on the back-ups - in practice, I almost always ended up discussing the main story I'd prepared, so the lighter preparation was usually enough.

I think interviewers are generally more interested in how you analyse a story, so if you can remember the facts and talk through it thoughtfully, this can go a long way!

 

[tclauser77898]

Hey!

I totally get that! For ACs, I often prepared one commercial news story in a bit more depth and made sure I could comfortably explain what happened, why it matters, and any implications for businesses or clients.

I would usually also have one or two back-ups just in case (for whatever reason) the conversation moved in a different direction or my main story wasn't particularly relevant. However, I didn't tend to go into as much depth on the back-ups - in practice, I almost always ended up discussing the main story I'd prepared, so the lighter preparation was usually enough.

I think interviewers are generally more interested in how you analyse a story, so if you can remember the facts and talk through it thoughtfully, this can go a long way!

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you're well!

I was wondering about this - if the interviewer goes like ‘what’s something you’ve found interesting’ , is this when u do the commercial story? I feel like I’ve never actually been asked directly for a commercial story.

Also how would you reccomend structuring one?

Thank you so so much!

 

[flamingocelot]

sorry to hear this was this pre or post interview? i feel like i've been hanging on for a pfo for ages from BH

Pre!! This was post-application - first I've heard from them