TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Sorry to butt into convo and I also recognise im probably getting a bit ahead of myself but does anyone know how firms are (if given a TC from a Spring VS) with waiting until all vs schemes (August) are done to accept an offer?
I'd realistically pick the spring firm but I definitely want to consider all my options. I know it is firm specific but does anyone know if theres a sorta standard or if specific firms are public about things

I'm wondering this too...

 

[biglawslave]

Hey! Does anyone know what the Macfarlanes 1st assessment is like? Is it an Amberjack/Capp and does it have a VI? Applying to their DTC but I couldn't find much info.. Thanks in Advance!

 

[AGB2060]

8 with 2 VS impressive tbh Congrats!

Thank you thank you! Kinda put my all into this forgot about uni haha

 

[lawstudent2]

Anyone still waiting on Ashurst? Saw one person get a call earlier.

Idk what to make of it, I cannot tell if they have made all of their offers today and we are about to get rejected or if there is still a chance

 

[MarriedToWaiting]

Idk what to make of it, I cannot tell if they have made all of their offers today and we are about to get rejected or if there is still a chance

Not unheard of for firms to make offers late into the day. Having said that...This is a painful wait.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

This is my 7th AC and I’ve never experienced an interview like this one, at every single thing I said the interviewer interjected in some way to probe at. First it seemed fair, but it came to a point where they were just laughing at their own jokes poking fun at things I said. I don’t really care if I get an offer, I would never want to work with a partner like that but wow I knew law could be bad but I never anticipated that what a horror story!

Honestly disgusting. The worst part is that they had to go through an interview to get where they are. The fact that they lack any sort of empathy having been in your shoes more disappointing. There will be better things around the corner, I am sure of it. Good luck with the rest of the application season

Tbh they likely have not been in our shoes. The rigmarole for traineeship has just gotten more and more complex and it is likely that the people setting these up have no idea the hoops we have to jump through. Regardless, they should have basic empathy and know what it's like to apply for a job. Hope you get some good news @aspiringtrainee1 !

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Travers Smith partner interview???
Randomly called me earlier today - I applied for Summer (might be the only option).

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Travers Smith partner interview???
Randomly called me earlier today - I applied for Summer (might be the only option).

Congrats!! Go go Mrs MP, I got a PFO while ago..

 

[jy1041405]

I still have not heard back from Simmons London.
I've emailed them very politely asking any update regarding my application as it seems that a lot of people received a rejection email saying that they are at capacity. That was about a month ago and I still haven't heard back. Should I send a follow-up email or should I just assume PFO?
If anyone has any words of wisdom please let me know including @Abbie Whitlock !! Thank you in advance

 

[SueD]

Has anyone progressed with PMC for summer VS London? I have only had confirmation email (when I applied in November) and no response to an email I sent at the start of February asking about likely date to hear anything..

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Hi everyone!
I have a first round interview for Bristows coming up on Friday with a partner and senior associate and would LOVE any tips you guys have on approaching preparing for the interview
.
I'm excited for this one as this is my dream firm and has been for many years now. Hoping to just enjoy the process and speaking to the team face to face, but would appreciate any advice on the commercial discussion and what the problem-based scenarios might look like. Thanks

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Had DL@ Pip assessment centre today.

Just wanted to let you know that this forum was the most helpful- and the people in it make a true difference.

I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to hear back? There’s another one on tomorrow.

I’ve got so many rejections this cycle. A lot of PFOs. A lot of VI’s too, and PFOs as a result. I’m glad I got a chance for the AC and I really hope to get this I’ve been struggling with insomnia and anxiety as a result, but this forum keeps me going and really motivates me, so thank you guys.

 

[haribolover]

Travers Smith partner interview???
Randomly called me earlier today - I applied for Summer (might be the only option).

Congrats! Did you apply close to the deadline or early on?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I still have not heard back from Simmons London.
I've emailed them very politely asking any update regarding my application as it seems that a lot of people received a rejection email saying that they are at capacity. That was about a month ago and I still haven't heard back. Should I send a follow-up email or should I just assume PFO?
If anyone has any words of wisdom please let me know including @Abbie Whitlock !! Thank you in advance

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear you haven't heard back yet!

If you haven't heard anything in a month, I would send a polite follow-up just in case your email got lost in their inbox. I wouldn't automatically assume a PFO either way!

 

[balegde]

Not unheard of for firms to make offers late into the day. Having said that...This is a painful wait.

yeah deffo painful. I think we've surpassed the time where they would call today. Just hoping they haven't called everyone today and will ring tomorrow...

 

[elizabethkate]

After first interview, just a final second interview. Then TC offers/outcomes.

amazing thank u! i wonder what the 2nd interview looks for that the first can’t cover

 

[toughluck]

Hi!

From my understanding, a 'panel interview' is usually an interview where there are two or more interviewers at the same time (so it is usually a mix of partners, senior associates, HR, etc.). It is different from a normal interview in that they may take turns asking questions or build on each other's follow-ups, or one might lead and the other(s) observes and takes notes.

In terms of content, I would say it is likely to be similar to other AC interviews - it is usually a mix of motivational, commercial, and competency questions. There may also be situational or strengths-based questions as well!

My main advice would be to maintain eye contact with whoever is asking the question initially, but when you answer, involve the whole panel and speak to them all. Best of luck with the AC!

thank you! my concern lies in the commercial element; i want to assume it'll be a short commercial article and not a written exercise since i reckon they would outright state that, but i'm also wondering if it could be open-ended commercial questions with no article or case about trends and so am unsure about how to divide my time in preparation, any thoughts?

 

[silonthesofa]

amazing thank u! i wonder what the 2nd interview looks for that the first can’t cover

First interview is a partner and senior associate, second is two partners specifically from the training committee. So I think first one is to see do we like you and second one is to really dig into your capabilities.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Ashurst VS Offer! They just called!

Congrats!

On the back of it, I get there is a need to put people on a reserve list for people who attended the intermediate stages e.g., written exercise / AC, but I haven't heard back post-initial application... Why can't they just reject those people like me

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know the general trend for when winston & strawn might reach out?