TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[ddalki]

How many applications did most people do this cycle? I only managed 6 😢

I did around 12!

 

[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?

 

[MarriedToWaiting]

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...

Sometimes it can be a question of partner availability, as generally its the partner you interviewed with who calls.