TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bread]

Adding to the group Mishcon shaming having got Spring PFO. Three pieces of the general feedback are:
• Use of strong relevant examples to support your answers
• Demonstrating strong motivation for pursing a careers in law, specifically at Mishcon de Reya
• Showcasing excellent understanding of the firm and its practice areas

Having done a vac scheme with them in the 2025 cycle I would have LOVED to have been able to use that to demonstrate all of these, but the AI chat hyper-fixated on one of my experiences (uni society committee role) for 80% of the interview. So I had little to no chance to do this. Then a generic SJT which offers absolutely no opportunity to show interest or knowledge of the firm and is widely recognised as being extremely inconsistent in its results. Got rejected from the TC last year partly because they felt I used their AI too much and now I've been rejected based partly on their new shiny AI recruitment model. What a joke.

That’s unbelievable

 

[Gr33ntea]

CRS rejection post app

So sorry to hear this did they explicitly say in their email that they would not be progressing your application any further?

I’ve received a message basically apologising for delays and saying they’ll get back to me soon? Guessing this is pfo but not sure lol

 

[Gr33ntea]

I am sorry to hear that! What exactly did they say in the rejection email? They just sent me an email saying that they are still reviewing applications. Did you receive the same one?

I got this, confused as to whether this is pfo?

 

[ssch7]

Adding to the group Mishcon shaming having got Spring PFO. Three pieces of the general feedback are:
• Use of strong relevant examples to support your answers
• Demonstrating strong motivation for pursing a careers in law, specifically at Mishcon de Reya
• Showcasing excellent understanding of the firm and its practice areas

Having done a vac scheme with them in the 2025 cycle I would have LOVED to have been able to use that to demonstrate all of these, but the AI chat hyper-fixated on one of my experiences (uni society committee role) for 80% of the interview. So I had little to no chance to do this. Then a generic SJT which offers absolutely no opportunity to show interest or knowledge of the firm and is widely recognised as being extremely inconsistent in its results. Got rejected from the TC last year partly because they felt I used their AI too much and now I've been rejected based partly on their new shiny AI recruitment model. What a joke.

that’s crazy! what do you mean you used their AI too much? during the vac scheme for your tasks?

 

[Flu1dity]

that’s crazy! what do you mean you used their AI too much? during the vac scheme for your tasks?

Correct yes. For what it's worth I don't think it was unfair. In hindsight and from hearing trainees discuss how they use AI (not mishcon trainees specifically) I should have used it more sparingly/to revise my own work rather than as a starting point on tasks. It does now just feel incredibly hypocritical though lol.

 

[KuriTH]

Bumping this also does anyone know for Baker McKenzie?

No. I had some below 60 grades my first year. I do have some work experience tho when I applied

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

DLA PIPER AC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t know what to expect!!!!!

If anyone is kind to share some insight, I can provide insight about Dentons, Bird&Bird, Pinsent Masons and Dechert!

 

[GSJ]

anyone not heard from Clyde Spring post VI

 

[koolkid]

Apparently Mishcon is gonna be the second most hatred firm after Fieldfisher, would you all blacklist them for the next cycle?

Oh no whats the deal with the Fieldfisher hate?

 

[i_need_a_holiday]

CC TC offer!

congratulations!!

 

[Jude Dunne]

Has anyone heard back about the Simmons and Simmons Bristol Summer Vac yet???

 

[clbtchnhl]

feeling really unmotivated for the virtual OC AC, all the PFOs are kinda getting to me

anyone have any tips for the OC commercial interview, would be so grateful

 

[elle.brokovitch]

seemingly in the same boat as everyone else-received a mishcon PFO this afternoon. to be honest, I am glad just to hear back as the waiting game was putting me on edge and I'm trying to plan forward for any potential AC's esp with exams coming up too. seem like a great firm but i'm not too sure about the application process, the bright apply ai thing really threw me! a few of my friends haven't heard back yet from them so i am manifesting they get it!

 

[Dannie]

W&C final round interview!

 

[justagirl23]

does anyone know where i can find practice written assessments, preferably 40 mins long

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Anyone still waiting on Orrick?

 

[AryanAgg]

Anyone still waiting on Orrick?

I am but maybe it is PFO for me I think.

 

[summersun]

Anyone still waiting on Orrick?

yes but I don't think they send the WG in batches....

 

[Donna Paulsen]

yes but I don't think they send the WG in batches....

Omg cba x

 

[elle.brokovitch]

Usually I try to stay positive but I think 4 post AC PFOs are getting to me. I have never felt so low and my confidence has never plummeted this bad before.

I already had imposter syndrome but this just exacerbates it. I think I'm going to take some time off and just throw myself into my studies as much as possible given how much studying I've lost doing applications. All my friends are getting the schemes, I am super happy and proud of them but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me and that everything was a fluke.

I hope that if anyone else out there is feeling the same way, just know you're not alone! but it really is tough and every time I think about it I feel like crying haha. Hang in there guys <3

honestly the fact you have gotten through to four AC's really shows your talent and ability, it is so rare to get to that stage so the fact you have gotten there really shows that you are a valuable and incredible candidate! truly well done, you should be proud of yourself, and if you can get through to these four, you certainly can get more (and a tc at the end of it) <333