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  1. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    In the same boat here. Have tried tailoring it best I could by mentioning some statistics and specific USPs. Besides their M&A practice, it is probably worthwhile discussing either their arbitration or tax practices (ranked highly on Chambers UK). Just submitted my application. It is reviewed...
  2. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think Skadden is 23:59 on the 1st, so just over 48 hours till their deadline. Probably best to get it in at least a few hours before in case there are technical difficulties with the platform!
  3. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    For those applying to Skadden, how do we write a detailed answer for the second question ‘if you could choose a career other than the law, what would you choose?’ Is the expectation to explain why that career, our skills or competencies, how they align back to law and/or Skadden, etc? Just seems...
  4. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    There is an app question (additional 4) which asks for hobbies, interests and achievements, so it could be better to include extracurriculars in that part of the form. If you have quite a few insight days, I think you could amalgamate them into a single work experience entry. I asked grad rec at...
  5. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Does anyone have insight into the Hogan Lovells Job Sim (stage 2). Can trade for insights in other firms. Would really appreciate it.
  6. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi Kirsty, I submitted my application form recently and the GCSE section asked for the school name and the dates I attended. There was no space to include my GCSE subjects and/or results. Will this have an impact on my application?
  7. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I got into their open day and went to a RG uni not in London or Oxbridge. I asked them about it and they encouraged me to apply for the VS. Wonder if they were just being nice though. 🥲
  8. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.
  9. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think Willkie has their assessments before the VS (written app, video interview, written exercise and partner interview). Candidates are judged solely on their VS performance. Most firms have a range of assessments during the VS and/or a final interview afterwards.
  10. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Stephenson Harwood London open day PFO, but been offered the virtual open day instead. Going to assume it’s non-selective. Thought I had written a decent application. Guess it is indicative of the entire process being either hit or miss. 🥲
  11. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I’m going to their open afternoon next week so I can ask them about the final details of the VI, as their VS deadline is on 12/12/25.
  12. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Weil online test invite, submitted app 4th Nov!
  13. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Has anybody heard back from Weil or Willkie yet who applied in November? Been almost 3 weeks since I applied to Weil and over a week since I’ve sent off my Willkie application.
  14. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    White & Case WVS PFO post app & test. Idk if it was down to the app, the test or both.
  15. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    How do you even manage to submit that many in such a short time frame? Think I have sent 8 to 9 applications so far and I am working on 3 currently to submit by the end of November. Bro is just built differently, I need to up my game! 🥲
  16. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    To make things worse, they made sure to email me three separate rejections with the following text as the header in all capitals: CLIFFORD CHANCE REJECTION: FAILED WATSON GLASER. That did rub salt in the wound for real lmao. 😂
  17. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲
  18. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    Open Day Experiences

    I was at the Meet Cooley event that took place today (20th Nov). It was really good. Definitely one of the better open days I’ve been to. Next up will be BCLP, Covington and Goodwin.
  19. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Will this have an impact on Willkie’s recruitment process and approach to hiring future trainees? I believe Gemma introduced the CV blind process to their graduate recruitment process. It’s sad to hear she has left Willkie. Looking forward to the future of Willkie with the new graduate recruiter...
  20. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    Open Day Experiences

    In my experience I would say Skadden too. Liked the speed networking aspect of it. I also admired how the Akin, Weil, HSF Kramer and Reed Smith insight days were delivered. The Reed Smith one had an introduction by the managing partner! The Akin one had an interactive session on their...

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