TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

does anyone know if the macfarlanes SVS AC interview part of the day is application blind or not?

It's CV blind

 

[lawbear123]

is today the last day for skadden interviews?

 

[vr36]

Has anyone who completed their W&C Vi/Ti last Thursday or later heard back?

 

[Amma Usman]

Freshfields SVS Post WG PFO at 9am. I’ve genuinely sobbed since I found out because it was my last application. I haven’t gotten through to a single AC. I’m in second year and was confident I would get through to an AC especially at Hogans and Freshfields because of my past experience with them. Genuinely someone please tell me where I went wrong because I sent my application to a trainee to check twice and I just don’t know what to do and feel sick sorry for the ramble

Hey,

I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. Rejections are tough, and it’s completely understandable to be upset, especially when you’ve put in so much effort. But please don’t be discouraged. Everyone experiences setbacks in this process, no matter how strong their background is. It hurts in the moment, but you’re on this journey for a reason, and you have to keep going.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Refine your application strategy – Even with strong experience, how you articulate your responses matters. Are your answers to “Why law?” and “Why commercial law?” clear, concrete, and compelling? Most firms ask for around 200–300 words on this, so having well-thought-out responses from the start can save time and ensure consistency across applications.
• Demonstrated interest – Are you backing up your points with specific examples from your experiences? Avoid generic or overly flowery language as firms want to see tangible evidence of your interest in commercial law and their firm specifically.
• The application stage is the hardest – Many people struggle most with this part. It’s important to make sure your written application is as strong as possible because, for many firms, no matter how well you do in later stages, you won’t progress if the initial application isn’t compelling enough.
• Tests and assessments– If a firm requires a Watson Glaser or another test, refining your approach is crucial. Many firms only review applications if candidates pass their tests, so even if you’re comfortable with them, making sure your application itself is strong enough to stand out is just as important.

This process is tough, but setbacks don’t define your ability or future success. It’s okay to take time to feel disappointed, but don’t let this stop you. Keep pushing forward!

 

[yellowponytwin]

They will be the same questions for all offices - just with Guildford substituted for London

thank you - the nerves are actually not related to the VI - just the fact that I haven't heard if it's PFO or if I have an invite at all!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Freshfields SVS Post WG PFO at 9am. I’ve genuinely sobbed since I found out because it was my last application. I haven’t gotten through to a single AC. I’m in second year and was confident I would get through to an AC especially at Hogans and Freshfields because of my past experience with them. Genuinely someone please tell me where I went wrong because I sent my application to a trainee to check twice and I just don’t know what to do and feel sick sorry for the ramble

Yeh same with freshfields. That 9am email ruined my whole day already smh 🤦‍♂️

 

[yellowponytwin]

Which location did you apply to? I applied to CRS London

CRS Cheltenham! fingers crossed for you - have you heard anything from CRS yet??

EDIT - realise I'm posting in the wrong thread. I applied to CRS for a direct TC, not VS. Oops! but if by chance you have applied for TC too, lmk : )

 

[yellowponytwin]

Did you apply for London too? Maybe London had more applications

I imagine it does make up the majority of applications - but no, I applied for Cheltenham. Have you heard anything back?

EDIT - realise I'm posting in the wrong thread. I applied to CRS for a direct TC, not VS. Oops! but if by chance you have applied for TC too, lmk : )

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Finally, my Kirkland PFO has arrived

hey, was it after the app stage? or the vi?

 

[shana]

How did you guys find it

Really messed up my time management lol but the exercise itself wasn't bad, the info was easy to digest and respond to. Obviously can't take your sweet time though.

 

[lillypad321]

anyone heard anything from bbc after the written task?

 

[carys09]

hiya does anyone have experience with requesting reasonable adjustments from freshfields? they sent me the link to complete the law online assessment last Monday and said to email if you think you may need adjustments and not to attempt to complete the test until you hear back from them. I immediately emailed them and got an automatic reply saying they would aim to respond within 3 days. I sent a follow-up email yesterday as I still hadn't heard back and it had been a week at that point. I've now been sent another email with a link to complete the test and a new deadline (Feb 7) but they've still not replied to my question about reasonable adjustments? what do i do? what is going on?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Is the virtual AC at OC the final round? I can’t find the answer online

 

[Amma Usman]

hiya does anyone have experience with requesting reasonable adjustments from freshfields? they sent me the link to complete the law online assessment last Monday and said to email if you think you may need adjustments and not to attempt to complete the test until you hear back from them. I immediately emailed them and got an automatic reply saying they would aim to respond within 3 days. I sent a follow-up email yesterday as I still hadn't heard back and it had been a week at that point. I've now been sent another email with a link to complete the test and a new deadline (Feb 7) but they've still not replied to my question about reasonable adjustments? what do i do? what is going on?

I am unsure about the specifics on this, but I have tagged my colleague @Jessica Booker here, as I’m sure she will have more thoughts.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Is the virtual AC at OC the final round? I can’t find the answer online

No there is an in person AC after the virtual one or was last year at least.

 

[👩🎓]

Anyone who has completed an AC with PMC know if they will be holding anymore for the summer scheme?

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone not heard from Jones Day? Submitted my app mid December for SVS and have not heard anything since. Should I assume this is a PFO

I would not personally assume so. There is still some time before schemes in March/April. Firms also return back to candidates months later for various reasons - some operational, some merely due to application bulk. Still hold hope, but keep refining your strategy in the moment and keep building those key skills - commercial awareness, interview prep, application writing skills, etc. This way, you will be prepared for ACs regardless of the firm and once you get the invite!

 

[Amma Usman]

Yeh same with freshfields. That 9am email ruined my whole day already smh 🤦‍♂️

Hi there,

I completely sympathise with this, and can certainly say I have been in an exact situation - actually around this time last year. As my alarm clock was ringing, so was a rejection email. I woke up from sleep and that was the first thing I saw. I cried all through the morning. I was on my way to university and kept sobbing on the road. Someone even stopped to shout “EI YO SHE‘S CRYING SO BAD HER MAN BROKE UP WITH HER”… little did they know it was the law firm application process. I felt so bad. The point I’m trying to make, is that those moments and feelings are valid, but don‘t let them get the best of you. Keep going, keep learning, keep pushing. No effort goes to waste. Progress, even so slight, is still progress!

 

[Legal Wizard]

hiya does anyone have experience with requesting reasonable adjustments from freshfields? they sent me the link to complete the law online assessment last Monday and said to email if you think you may need adjustments and not to attempt to complete the test until you hear back from them. I immediately emailed them and got an automatic reply saying they would aim to respond within 3 days. I sent a follow-up email yesterday as I still hadn't heard back and it had been a week at that point. I've now been sent another email with a link to complete the test and a new deadline (Feb 7) but they've still not replied to my question about reasonable adjustments? what do i do? what is going on?

The test is untimed and the time taken to complete it isn’t a factor. Unless you have some other adjustment, I would do the test.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker I have a question about adjustments for my AC, it is a bit personal a topic so if I send a DM could you please kindly answer? Thanks

Yes - you can PM me regarding this.