TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jojo23]

Since there have been some changes to this I’ve decided to revive the league table once again:

1st place: Freshfields (79 days) UNDEFEATED CURRENT RECORD HOLDER - waiting post VI…
2nd place: Sidley Austin (78 days) RUNNER UP and finally at last post app outcome - TI invite
3rd place: Milbank (38 days) PFO post SJT
4th place: Travers Smith (37 days) PFO post app
5th place: Covington (30 days) PFO post app
6th place: Faegre Drinker (27 days) PFO post app
7th place: Orrick (24 days) PFO post WG

Unfortunately Faegre didn’t make it past 6th place but I wish them the best of luck for the next app cycle! Now we wait for FF DTC post VI…​

The fact that you coloured them is sending me

 

[Allura Grant]

anyone got a w&c pfo?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

just told i failed my Sidley HR call. i'm lowkey convinced im just unlikable because i've failed 2 ACs and couldn't pass this call. i did so much research so idk where im going wrong atp.

also they don't even give feedback?

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear that - getting a rejection after you have clearly put in a lot of effort without research is definitely frustrating, and it is totally normal to feel upset about it.

However, I really wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you are "unlikeable" at all - that is almost never what these outcomes come down to. At the AC or interview stage, margins are extremely fine and decisions can hinge on really small things (such as slight differences in answers or even just how others performed in comparison). Being unsuccessful in a couple of ACs and interviews isn't a reflection of your personality at all, and is unfortunately just part of a very competitive process.

The fact that you have reached multiple ACs and interviews already is a really strong sign that you are doing a lot right! Plenty of candidates will get multiple rejections at this stage before receiving a TC offer! I know I definitely felt I similar way to you after being rejected after vacation schemes, and often worried it was based on personality, but ultimately I ended up at the firm that is the best fit for me anyway. Sometimes it might not be a good "fit" necessarily, even if you performed well and were likeable, and that's okay! You'll end up at the firm that is the right fit for you, and your prior experiences at these ACs and interviews will help you get there.

I can definitely see how the lack of feedback is frustrating, even if it is unfortunately relatively common in the process. If it helps, you could perhaps reflect a bit on:

• How you are coming across in terms of structure and clarity in your answers (this is one of the main things I worked on, as I knew I tended to ramble under pressure!)
• Whether you are being specific enough with examples and applying them well
• How you are demonstrating "fit" for the firm beyond research (e.g. motivations, commercial awareness applied specifically to them, etc.)

I know it is easier said than done, but try not to let this knock your confidence too much! You are clearly getting close, and that usually means it is a matter of making small tweaks to your technique, rather than that you are doing anything fundamentally wrong.

We'll all be rooting for you!

 

[Partcore22]

They get back on 6th April!

wait how do u kno?

 

[Partcore22]

Anyone heard from DACB Manchester?

vac scheme or training contract

 

[DennyCrane]

Sidley Austin PFO. Entirely expected since it was one of my first applications

 

[Partcore22]

Does anyone know if DWF Birmingham run two schemes and what the dates are

did u apply for bham office, i havent heard anything

 

[alanshore]

Sidley Austin PFO. Entirely expected since it was one of my first applications

There's always Crane, Poole and Schmidt to go back to

 

[DennyCrane]

There's always Crane, Poole and Schmidt to go back to

Denny Crane

 

[MET21]

Out of curiosity, is anyone else still waiting to hear back from Bakers post summer vac scheme AC?

 

[Hector123]

Stephenson Harwood post VI update anyone? x

 

[Justin]

Anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell AC?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

As I have come to the end of this cycle, I wanted to do a small round-up! (I saw others doing this previously and wanted to do one of my own):

My Results From The 2025/26 Cycle
Out of a total of 17 applications (16 VS, 1 TC), here are my (not so amazing) results: Made it only to Application Review/ Online First Stage Test with: 10 Made it to Video Interview/ Written Exercise with: 7 Made it to Assessment Centre with: 6 Final number of Offers: 2 VS This sheep is hoping to leave this cycle with at least 1 TC!

Oh. 6 7... Anyways, it's quite clear that my main pitfalls are my application writing/test taking abilities, as well as my AC performance. It's quite helpful to lay it all out like this! Fingers crossed for everyone doing a scheme soon - let's hope we all convert! And best of luck to those who are waiting to hear back