TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[opticskibidi]

Nice! Is this for wvs or spring/summer?

WVS 😁

 

[JBM]

Does anyone have insights for WNC VI. Happy to trade for FF or HL second stage assessments, or Gibson Dunn first round interview. Baker Mckenzie AC, Simmons AC, CMS interview or Links AC.

 

[Bbhu19]

On the 25 Sept!

Could I ask what your strengths and area of improvement was on your sjt

 

[whywhy88]

First rejection of the cycle HSFK WVS, post-meeting test benchmark. On one hand I'm not surprised as I don't meet the 2.1 in every module requirement (albeit with mitigating circumstances), but on the other I am gutted as I thought my written application was quite strong. Ah well, onto the next I guess.

 

[silonthesofa]

First rejection of the cycle HSFK WVS, post-meeting test benchmark. On one hand I'm not surprised as I don't meet the 2.1 in every module requirement (albeit with mitigating circumstances), but on the other I am gutted as I thought my written application was quite strong. Ah well, onto the next I guess.

Same. Don't have a 2:1 in every module, but with strong mitigating circumstances, and I did an open day of theirs. I really don't think my application could have been stronger, so it's a bit of an "okay, I guess they're off my list of firms to apply to" if I won't ever get through then on the basis of my academic record.

 

[elizabethkate]

Milbank test was hard that last question! my answer was very wishy washy

 

[iwatchsuits]

Simmons pfo as I did not reach the test benchmark.

So sorry to hear. I wish you all the best with the rest of your applications. If you don’t mind me asking, what were your scores? Trying to gauge the benchmark.

 

[l789]

yep i have - did mine like two weeks ago - wbu

Never got a video interview, should I just assume PFO

 

[johnsmith]

Never got a video interview, should I just assume PFO

I’m starting to wonder if they just hit capacity or something, or rolled over some applicants from the last open day, as quite a few only got the SJT and no VI

 

[iwatchsuits]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon in regards to the Winter VS? Just got an email saying I will hear by the end of the week, so just wondering if anyone has got a PFO or assessment centre invite yet.

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon in regards to the Winter VS? Just got an email saying I will hear by the end of the week, so just wondering if anyone has got a PFO or assessment centre invite yet.

No response yet, perhaps might mean a positive result for you!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

No response yet, perhaps might mean a positive result for you!

I also haven’t heard anything from Burges Salmon

 

[iwatchsuits]

I also haven’t heard anything from Burges Salmon

Fingers crossed for us!! ☺️

 

[Atam!]

Hi all, please is Freshfields stage 1 assessed together with your submitted application before you get invited to stage 2? or they dont look at your initial application anymore after you progress to stage one and beyond?

 

[jojo23]

Does anybody have any advice on how to best outline work experience for wfw- the word count is so low at 100

 

[emily3827]

are you meant to get a confirmation email after Dechert we - I can't tell if mine submitted

 

[l789]

I’m starting to wonder if they just hit capacity or something, or rolled over some applicants from the last open day, as quite a few only got the SJT and no VI

I’m going to ask at their next virtual event

I’m losing my patience with Latham.

Does anyone know how strict they are with grades ( my uni grades are majority firsts)

 

[Jennifer2003]

anyone any idea what the benchmark for simmons would be? just did my blended assessment and trying to have a guess what the scores might suggest haha

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

is it common for firms to allow you to postpone offers - say their winter offer to spring? I have an AC and partner interview coming up for 2 firms, but have already accepted another wvs with my top firm, so kinda wondering if there is any point to continuing with the process for the other 2 lol

Hello!

From my understanding, it's not super common for firms to let you postpone or "roll over" an offer from one season to another, particularly if they are separate processes. In the past, I have been able to change my 'preference' (for example, where you are able to apply for both spring and summer at the same time) but I'm not particularly sure how it would work if you have to apply separately for each scheme.

That said, if you are really keen on one of the firms but the timing doesn't work, it can't hurt to ask - it might be that they'll let you defer to a later program if you have a good reason (like you do!).

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anybody have any advice on how to best outline work experience for wfw- the word count is so low at 100

Hello!

I'd try to keep it short and focused - 100 words goes quickly, so stick to the most important information that shows your skills. Briefly mention what you did, what your responsibilities were, and what you learned / the skills it taught you.

You don't need to describe everything - just highlight the most relevant or impressive parts, and use bullet-point style sentences to help keep it clear and concise. In essence, think "impact + reflection" rather than a long description.