TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I’ve just had a penny drop moment and realised the vast majority of firms I’ve progressed with in this cycle all use AllHires… That’s acc insane:

Akin Gump: AllHires
Debevoise: AllHires
Dechert: AllHires
Gibson Dunn: AllHires
Skadden: AllHires

The only exceptions are Willkie and Weil. Weil’s app doesn’t count though cos that was just personal details, academics and the rare form.

We need to come up with a petition to ban the use of CvMail though cos it’s so bad. It took me an hour just to enter and edit my academics for Sidley… ​

I'm so jealous...and yes CV mail sucks so badly

 

[FoodieMcFoodieBigBack]

Does anyone have any experience with Linklaters' commercial interview as part of their AC? I've never done an AC which has this component before, and would appreciate any general guidance (I'm not looking for specific questions or details). Thank you!

 

[yuhhhh]

Hey!

I'm not sure if there is a general rule that firms follow, but I would absolutely ask. The graduate recruitment team are likely to be very understanding, especially considering you are ill, and if there are spaces later in the month then it shouldn't be too much hassle to move you to a later one - I would just send a polite email explaining the situation and ask if there is any possibility to reschedule. Even if they are unable to, at least you know that you asked!


Hope you feel better soon, and best of luck with the AC!!

Thank you very much Abbie for your kind words, it means alot!

I will send an email tomorrow morning explaining my situation, and fingers crossed as to the outcome.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

also they don't even ask for work experience so yeah...PFO likely

(holdon lemme manifest good news instead)

 

[Legalfreak212]

To anyone that has already done their AC for Reed smith; were the motivational questions crazy?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

Then they should’ve asked x

 

[BealMcAlly]

Just submitted what I *think* is my last application of the cycle and I feel a wave of relief coming over me. This cycle has been so exhausting with little to no success. It feels like such a test on my resilience.

Good luck everyone still applying for things going forward!

 

[shroomie]

baker mckenzie vi insights, can trade with A&O shearman vi/ac, sidley, goodwin vi, cooley ac/Interview, weil!

 

[Bbhu19]

Who has an Osborne Clarke Virtual AC specifically for London?

 

[Bbhu19]

I got a PFO literally in a couple of hours after WG.

Oh thats harsh, thanks for replying

 

[angdps]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

wait as in headings for the app questions

 

[M85672]

So do I put headings or not... getting paranoid now lmao

 

[LH4]

Did anyone apply to Winston & Strawn? I just submitted the application but there isnt anything i've seen about the application process (ie watson glaser, VI etc)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Did anyone apply to Winston & Strawn? I just submitted the application but there isnt anything i've seen about the application process (ie watson glaser, VI etc)

I think their process after the app is WG -> AC or interview -> VS. I’m sure Orrick is the same too.

Winston & Strawn Application Process | AllAboutLaw

The application process for Winston & Strawn consists of the following stages.

www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP Application Process | AllAboutLaw

Read up on Orrick's application process.

www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

 

[LH4]

I think their process after the app is WG -> AC or interview -> VS. I’m sure Orrick is the same too.

Winston & Strawn Application Process | AllAboutLaw

The application process for Winston & Strawn consists of the following stages.

www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP Application Process | AllAboutLaw

Read up on Orrick's application process.

www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

Thank you!! Wonder how many they take for the vac scheme if the trainee intake is 3

 

[Nimaj]

Who has an Osborne Clarke Virtual AC specifically for London?

Hey, I do! Does anyone have any info on the format this year? Their website says commercial research and presentation but the interview slot is only 45min long and they didn't provide any more details in the email.

 

[sadlawyer01]

baker mckenzie vi insights, can trade with A&O shearman vi/ac, sidley, goodwin vi, cooley ac/Interview, weil!

wait have cooley given out ACs?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Thank you!! Wonder how many they take for the vac scheme if the trainee intake is 3

It might be they take 12 to 15 on the scheme but shortlist 6 to 8 for a post VS interview? I believe some firms with smaller intakes do that but idk for sure cos I didn’t end up applying to Winston.

 

[TortillaTC]

I sweeeear the most tiresome part of submitting applications is proofreading the same damn text for the 100th time. As if an extra letter or word will magically appear, I’m just not trusting myself. After a while, your own sentences stop making sense too - it sounds absurd reading them out as if they’re gibberish.