TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Molly16]

Hi! If anyone's gotten an offer for Trowers & Hamlins vacation scheme in London, please reply/private message me as we have made a groupchat to get to know each other before June! 😊

 

[AnnaliseK]

Is anyone else a bit concerned about how long stephenson harwood is taking? Spring vac scheme is in only 6 weeks and there's still the online test/VI to go...

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Does anyone have any insights into Katten's video interview with HR and their assessment centre? I've just been invited to complete both and there is limited information on the firm's recruitment process online!

Proof Katten exists!!! Finally!

 

[YW113380]

Congrats!! Can I ask when you did the job sim? Thanks! ☺️

thank you!! I completed the job sim on 12th Jan

 

[User2640]

Is anyone else a bit concerned about how long stephenson harwood is taking? Spring vac scheme is in only 6 weeks and there's still the online test/VI to go...

They’ll get back by the end of the week if this is helpful

 

[Beebee]

Has anyone heard back post Sidley final partner interview for spring/summer?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Simmons PFO for London VS. Email stated they are at capacity for the scheme. Not sure why it wasn't sent with the batch earlier in the month.

 

[ttso]

I always forget how excruciating the post-AC wait is once you're past that 2-week mark. I just want any form of news 😩

 

[TA04]

Simmons PFO for London VS. Email stated they are at capacity for the scheme. Not sure why it wasn't sent with the batch earlier in the month.

same here lol, were we good enough?

 

[Bread]

Quick Q

I got post AC feedback where I was told that both the interviews went very well, but that one area to improve was making my answers less heavy and reducing use of buzzwords.

Kind of confused as to what that means exactly? The specific comments were that my answers came across slightly over rehearsed.

They probably want to see a genuine interest in law/the firm, which can be undermined if you kind of sound like you’re reading off their website.

If, like me, you rely a lot on practice, maybe you could try practicing your delivery to a friend so that you’re more comfortable and come across as less rigid

 

[ABC234]

Orrick pfo

 

[nonlawstudent98]

same here lol, were we good enough?

"Regrettably, we cannot transfer your application to another scheme." - Not sure if this means that they would if there was another scheme they could transfer us to, or they are opening another scheme but we didn't make the cut?

 

[Applicant7874652]

They probably want to see a genuine interest in law/the firm, which can be undermined if you kind of sound like you’re reading off their website.

If, like me, you rely a lot on practice, maybe you could try practicing your delivery to a friend so that you’re more comfortable and come across as less rigid

This is the thing - the feedback said I was personable, motivated, very enthusiastic and my reasons for the firm were very thoughtful (what they told me on the phone). So it wasn’t like I came across as if I was reading the website

 

[PFO Final Boss]

Simmons PFO for summer vac scheme at least we got a response

 

[AryanAgg]

This is the thing - the feedback said I was personable, motivated, very enthusiastic and my reasons for the firm were very thoughtful (what they told me on the phone). So it wasn’t like I came across as if I was reading the website

Seems like they thought the answers were rehearsed, which is what I think they mean by usage of buzzwords.

 

[Applicant7874652]

Seems like they thought the answers were rehearsed, which is what I think they mean by usage of buzzwords.

Yes I agree - anyone have ideas as to how to avoid that?

 

[Jennifer2003]

"Regrettably, we cannot transfer your application to another scheme." - Not sure if this means that they would if there was another scheme they could transfer us to, or they are opening another scheme but we didn't make the cut?

When did you do the blended assessment? I did it October 29th so I feel like they've just forgotten to send me a PFO and have come back with this lmao

 

[ellischloe]

same!

I am hoping we hear back this week though! The AC is in March

 

[ddalki]

Has anyone heard back from NRF post-AC?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

When did you do the blended assessment? I did it October 29th so I feel like they've just forgotten to send me a PFO and have come back with this lmao

Completed mine on 20th November