TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[a0]

Has anyone heard from Macfarlanes about next stages?

I got an AC invite today

 

[Chriss]

I got an AC invite today

congrats, i did their AC last year if you want any insights

 

[Alturistic whale]

How long does Freshfields give to submit their online assessment in?

 

[lelezb1]

How long does Freshfields give to submit their online assessment in?

5 days

 

[calebnash]

I got an AC invite today

Was this for winter or summer?

 

[a0]

Was this for winter or summer?

They don't have a Winter VS, just Spring and Summer. I'm also pretty sure I didn't actually pick which VS I was applying for.

 

[DavidJC]

Davis Polk Insight Day reserve list I'm a bit doubtful anyone would say no but they mentioned there were only 40 spaces for each Insight Day so I imagine it's really competitive.

I've emailed asking if I could be considered for their next Insight Day in November instead but somewhere in my mind I think I remember seeing it stated that I could only apply to one (I don't know if I might have mixed this up with a different firm) but I can't seem to find any information about this on their website or application portal :/ Does anyone know anything further about this?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

HL pfo post 1st stage test😞

 

[SamiyaJ]

HL pfo post 1st stage test😞

Sorry to hear that when did you complete the test?

 

[flower1]

Hello,
This is for White & Case vacation scheme.

Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these. – 300 words

Does this mean I'm supposed to mention either positions of responsibility or achievements, because I was going to mention one extra-curricular, one position of responsibility I held, and one achievement. After re-reading the question, I'm unsure. Also, how do you structure the 'how you developed these' section?

Thank you

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Sorry to hear that when did you complete the test?

No worries we win some and lose some. I did the test on the Monday of the week 26 or 27 Sept.

 

[berocca567]

Is the White and Case test timed? I have one day left to do it and I work full time. 4 days really isn't much.

 

[SamiyaJ]

No worries we win some and lose some. I did the test on the Monday of the week 26 or 27 Sept.

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

 

[legallybrunnette]

Hi, I completed the NRF Artic shores test. Very interesting to say the least... How did others find it? How does NRF score this?

Hi there! It was interesting indeed. Has anyone received word from the firm itself yet or no? I have only received a feedback report form the Arctic Shores company but not the firm. Any ideas of when we should be expecting firm feedback?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

Your most welcome and it might be good news for you 🤔

 

[jojo23]

Is the White and Case test timed? I have one day left to do it and I work full time. 4 days really isn't much.

It's untimed

 

[Amgrad]

Davis Polk Insight Day reserve list I'm a bit doubtful anyone would say no but they mentioned there were only 40 spaces for each Insight Day so I imagine it's really competitive.

I've emailed asking if I could be considered for their next Insight Day in November instead but somewhere in my mind I think I remember seeing it stated that I could only apply to one (I don't know if I might have mixed this up with a different firm) but I can't seem to find any information about this on their website or application portal :/ Does anyone know anything further about this?

Ask if it held hybrid and they can accommodate virtually, so all wait-list can join?

 

[legallybrunnette]

Just received NRF VI invite and my scores were 2/4, 2/4, 4/4, 4/4

Just received NRF VI invite and my scores were 2/4, 2/4, 4/4, 4/4

First of all, Congrats! Would you mind giving a bit of info on your background for example overall grade, RG, non-RG. I understand if you don't wish to share. I achieved similar scores but have not received yet a VI that's why I was wondering. Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm struggling to structure my answer to 'What is motivating you towards a career at Cooley' in 300 words for their open day. I'm mainly drawn because of their life sciences sector (I'm a biochemistry student) and the range of transactional work they do with life sciences companies, but of course a lot of firms have a strong life sciences practice and I am struggling to explain why specifically Cooley's life sciences sector. I am also worried about focusing on one sector too much, and making it sound like I am not interested in anything else they do. I also don't know how much to write about the training/culture/diversity, or if i should instead focus on another practice instead of training?

Hi!

I totally understand where you’re coming from, and it can be hard to distinguish firms from the outside!

What might help is focusing not just on what Cooley does in life sciences, but how they do it, and why that approach resonates with you. For example, Cooley is known for partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical companies from start-up to IPO (and beyond). If that full life cycle work interests you, this could be tied into your background and how you would love to see the real-world impact that commercial law has. This will show that you’ve thought about your motivations, and can distinguish Cooley from its competitors.

In relation to your point about focusing too much on one sector - I totally understand where you are coming from, and you’re right to be mindful. If you can in your answer, I would try and show that you are open-minded to trying other areas and experiencing the full range of work that Cooley offers. However, I would avoid trying to cram in information on multiple practice areas for the sake of it - it’s better to fully explain your motivations for one than half-explain a few.

As for culture / training / diversity, these can definitely be useful inclusions if you can tie in why this links to your past experiences or motivations. I would try and avoid adding it as a generic ‘plus’!

I hope that helps 😊

 

[nbjani]

How would I go about answering questions that ask about "interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements." such as for W+C? I'm stuck on this because I'm a career changer, having worked commercially for over 10 years since my undergrad. It seems a bit redundant to talk about work experience when that will be in the work experience section. Do I talk about uni societies from 10 years ago?