I’m pleased to announce that 85 days post VI, I’ve finally received a PFO from Freshfields for the DTC. Glad that’s finally over and done with. I think this is my 24th PFO of the cycle…
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Since there have been some changes to this I’ve decided to revive the league table once again:
1st place: Freshfields (85 days) UNDEFEATED CURRENT RECORD HOLDER - PFO post VI…
2nd place: Sidley Austin (78 days) RUNNER UP and finally at last post app outcome - AC invite
3rd place: Milbank (38 days) PFO post SJT
4th place: Travers Smith (37 days) PFO post app
5th place: Covington (30 days) PFO post app
6th place: Faegre Drinker (27 days) PFO post app
7th place: Orrick (24 days) PFO post WG
This will be the final league table post for a while now, but it’s official: FF are the undefeated record holders for slowest firm of the decade!
1st place: Freshfields (85 days) UNDEFEATED CURRENT RECORD HOLDER - PFO post VI…
2nd place: Sidley Austin (78 days) RUNNER UP and finally at last post app outcome - AC invite
3rd place: Milbank (38 days) PFO post SJT
4th place: Travers Smith (37 days) PFO post app
5th place: Covington (30 days) PFO post app
6th place: Faegre Drinker (27 days) PFO post app
7th place: Orrick (24 days) PFO post WG
This will be the final league table post for a while now, but it’s official: FF are the undefeated record holders for slowest firm of the decade!
Got an AC for Browne Jacobson London Office this morning!
If anyone has any insights to working at the firm in general I would be super grateful - their website doesn't have much of this!
(for the SVS)
If anyone has any insights to working at the firm in general I would be super grateful - their website doesn't have much of this!
(for the SVS)
wait are you manifesting or did you find out from somewhere that they're giving out offers today haha
Girl I know nothing, I’m going off pure vibes and manifestation x someone said their mate said they’ll get back to vs candidates this week tho and tomoz is bank holiday so
Hello!
My overall approach to the work experience section has been pretty simple and consistent across all of the applications I made - I would aim to discuss:
- What the role was
- What you actually did
- The skills and insights that you gained (ideally linked back to commercial law or the role of a trainee solicitor, if it fits naturally)
In terms of length, it really depends on the experience that you are talking about. If there is no word limit, I would use those three elements above as a guide and keep things concise where you can. Realistically, entries will vary quite a bit and shorter roles might be somewhere around 50 words, whereas more substantial entries could be closer to 250-300 words. The main thing is to avoid waffling and make sure that everything you include adds value to your application.
For your last question, I personally wouldn't go into very specific anecdotes (like a difficult customer situation) in the written application. I would keep it more high-level and focused on the overall role, as those kinds of detailed examples are much better saved for video interviews or ACs, where you can properly explain your actions and reflect on them
Hi!For people coming from outside London and attending schemes, do you have tips on finding suitable accommodation? (Most of my friends work full-time and have flatmates, so there is no space lol!) The firm which I will be attending the scheme offered some accommodation advice, but most are either very far away or expensive. Genuinely curious as to where people stay during those things!!
I lived outside of London when I completed all of my schemes, and I definitely had the same worries - a lot of the hotels I looked at were really expensive, and VS pay often doesn't fully cover that much!
I actually had the most luck with student accommodation providers, as they often rent out rooms over the summer when students aren't there. For example, I stayed in student accommodation in Hackney for around £400 for two weeks, which was much more affordable than most other options I found. It was also quite convenient in terms of location and transport into central London, as it was quite close to the tube station. I stayed in another student accommodation for my other summer scheme and, whilst I had some issues with the provider themselves, the location was very convenient (I believe around Aldgate area?) and was also very affordable.
It can take a bit of digging, but there are definitely more affordable options out there beyond hotels!
Another day, another disappointment (lack of news lol)Girl I know nothing, I’m going off pure vibes and manifestation x someone said their mate said they’ll get back to vs candidates this week tho and tomoz is bank holiday so
Still no SH news…
A friend of mine got a call for SH VS today. They got the call at 5ish. There is still hope guys don't worry.
DAC DTC PFO, but I never actually submitted LOL, DWF PFO
same lol got the double PFO
Does anyone have any insights into the Mayer Brown VI and Sidley AC. I can give insights into a few other firms. I’ve re-opened PMs if yous want to reach out that way. Any help would be appreciated cos idk what to expect for these.
Surely law firms don’t respond on a bank holiday… right?
feel free to PM me about Sidley ACDoes anyone have any insights into the Mayer Brown VI and Sidley AC. I can give insights into a few other firms. I’ve re-opened PMs if yous want to reach out that way. Any help would be appreciated cos idk what to expect for these.
How do Shoosmiths decides who goes to the AC for a DTC? Is it via the online assessment? Or the application form? I’m confused what this all means, the email said “congratulations on reaching the second stage” but it’s just the test stage.
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