TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Gday33]

Just found out I didn’t meet the benchmark for the Hogan Lovells test again. Feeling a bit distraught, but I’ll be following the guidance shared with me to keep improving (also didn’t meet the benchmark for linklaters)

I’m sharing this for anyone else facing rejections—it can be the smallest thing that impacts your overall application, but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Stay resilient, keep applying, practicing, and remember to take breaks.

Sorry to hear this ☹️ when did you hear back from them?

 

[Adithi]

Just found out I didn’t meet the benchmark for the Hogan Lovells test again. Feeling a bit distraught, but I’ll be following the guidance shared with me to keep improving (also didn’t meet the benchmark for linklaters)

I’m sharing this for anyone else facing rejections—it can be the smallest thing that impacts your overall application, but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Stay resilient, keep applying, practicing, and remember to take breaks.

Hey, so sorry to hear this, when did you hear back from Linklaters?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I heard back yesterday and have been invited to a voice interview, but then I did apply back in October and did the test in November.

Just be aware that they only give you 72 hours to complete the VI.

Congrats! When did you apply in October? I applied 30th October and haven't heard back yet

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Hey, has anyone here completed the Dechert written exercise? I just completed but have not received any sort of confirmation through email and cannot see anything proper on the assessment page. Is this normal? Can anyone who’s been through it pls help? Thank you!

Normal

 

[Amjaya]

Sorry to hear this ☹️ when did you hear back from them?

Today !

 

[LawAspirer]

For the ones that did the Baker's assessment , is someone still waiting? I did the assessment last week but I got no PFO or VI... I see most people here got either a PFO or VI... Don't know what to assume

 

[Amjaya]

Hey, so sorry to hear this, when did you hear back from Linklaters?

A week ago but I emailed them requesting my Watson score.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

A week ago but I emailed them requesting my Watson score.

Sorry was that for direct TC or summer vac scheme?

 

[Iwanobealawyer]

bakers VI

Congratulations!!, When did you complete the SJT?

 

[suhana]

hi everyone I was hoping to get some advice. Does Baker McKenzie have a traditional rolling method for applications? I believe they review all applications, but I just wanted to double-check. I'm planning to apply for their Summer Vacation Scheme, with a deadline of December 1st, but I would only be able to submit my application on that day. I participated in their First Year Insight Scheme, so I’m a bit stressed that I didn’t apply sooner. Any insights would be helpful!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

For the ones that did the Baker's assessment , is someone still waiting? I did the assessment last week but I got no PFO or VI... I see most people here got either a PFO or VI... Don't know what to assume

Is this for spring? I applied for their summer and have heard nothing then

 

[M_m]

hi everyone I was hoping to get some advice. Does Baker McKenzie have a traditional rolling method for applications? I believe they review all applications, but I just wanted to double-check. I'm planning to apply for their Summer Vacation Scheme, with a deadline of December 1st, but I would only be able to submit my application on that day. I participated in their First Year Insight Scheme, so I’m a bit stressed that I didn’t apply sooner. Any insights would be helpful!

I applied on deadline day last year for their Summer VS and made it to the AC

 

[NCTC2025]

Is this for spring? I applied for their summer and have heard nothing then

Us Summer applicants will only hear in January according to their timeline

 

[Iwanobealawyer]

For the ones that did the Baker's assessment , is someone still waiting? I did the assessment last week but I got no PFO or VI... I see most people here got either a PFO or VI... Don't know what to assume

I am also waiting no response yet but I am assuming they have only sent out their first batch of VI invites and will be continuing by Friday and early next week.

 

[Hskajab]

Willkie Written Assessment + Weil VI invite!!!

Wow congratulations! When did you do the Willkie VI if you don't mind me asking?

 

[wqueens8]

Their email stated: "You will be notified whether you have reached the next stage, an online written exercise, by the end of January." so I don't think we'll hear for a little while unfortunately!

I was rejected the next day after I took the assessment lol (over a week ago), so no news is good news!

 

[wqueens8]

anyone that did the fieldfisher test and received a phone interview after mind sharing what their feedback for the test was, just a bit worried about my results

feel free to dm too

can i ask what the test was like? the email says it takes less than 5 mins which is a little odd lol, is it just SJT?

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to inform you about a situation that has recently happened in the TCLA forum.

On at least two occasions now, we have learnt that a member ('Member X') has been contacting other members via our private message function. It usually starts off cordial, until they exchange numbers, and Member X begins harassing the other person if they don't respond to their messages quickly enough. We've noticed that Member X usually comes from a place of having a hard time in this process and the other member (who are often incredibly generous) are made to feel guilty if they aren't providing support.

Our concerns about Member X has now escalated to a point where we have made a report with the police.

Please be careful with private messages in the forum, particularly where members ask to exchange phone numbers. If you ever do feel like something is off or you feel uncomfortable with the way a member is messaging you, I'd want you to feel that you can come to me ([email protected]) or @Jessica Booker with anything.

You should also never feel like you need to respond to someone who private messages you. I know some members have been made to feel guilty if they don't respond, but I want you to know there is absolutely no obligation to respond to anyone.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica - I'm writing my application for US law firms and have a low 2.1 in my first-year from Oxbridge. I believe I had mitigating circumstances (ie undiagnosed—now diagnosed—OCPD) which I have now communicated to my University but it will take a few weeks' time for me to receive any acknowledgement for the same. Should I still mention this? And if yes, how do I disclose it?

@Jessica Booker will be able to tell you more, but my advice would be to just explain factually what happened: when did you first notice symptoms, what were they, when did you receive a diagnosis, and how has the condition likely impacted your results. I know friends who have proceeded in this manner and have not had an issue with progressing.

 

[Ricky]

FYI for any graduates interested in Sullivan & Cromwell:

"As a graduate, I would suggest you apply direct for a training contract. Online applications open May 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Please note we do not recruit all future trainees from the firm’s summer vacation scheme, hence why we have a separate direct training contract application window."