TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[A worried paralegal]

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

Me too

 

[A worried paralegal]

Does anyone know how long it takes Mayer Brown to get back to us after completing the online assessment and VI?

They took 3 months last yr

 

[BatmanBeyond]

Gimme unlimited prep time

 

[l789]

Hey, I did their PHirst Steps scheme this summer. It is basically a vac scheme in the sense that it leads to a final interview (process is expedited as opposed to applying for direct TC). After this, they do offer TC's if you're successful.

Hey could I ask what advice you would give for the application questions. Is it possible to DM you about this?

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

 

[boots pharmacy]

There's something about the Freshfields vi that causes chaos to happen 🤣

Literally... some stranger started buzzing my doorbell in the middle of my first VI, caused a commotion.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

I always aim for a minimum of 80% of the word count. Usually this is the first impression a firm will have of you so it's key to show you took the time to fully engage with their questions; show them that you care (even if you don't lol). Also, you can always find another sentence or 2 that is relevant to the question + you won't have to worry about it then. If your application gets rejected, at least you won't question whether it was due to the lack of words you wrote.

 

[jojo23]

Literally... some stranger started buzzing my doorbell in the middle of my first VI, caused a commotion.

Freshfields: putting the 'magic' into magic circle.



They should pay me for this tagline (I will accept a tc😘).

 

[RJ Ruban]

For those who applied to CMS, did you get sent the Watson immediately? Or was it more like a few days after? Thanks!!

Watched there TikTok’s - they’ve said they screen applications and then send Watson glaser so looks at your written application and then consider whether you can go to the next stage.
Depends on the location, but they do send Watson Glaser before hand to some applicants but didn’t specify time or date

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

wnc wvs offer

And gibson dunn offer same day. best day of my life

Huge congratulations - what an amazing day!!! You should definitely take the time to celebrate - you've earned it! 🎊

 

[Deleted member 38167]

@Abbie Whitlock can you please delete my account? I have messaged privately and on here, could you kindly provide some assistance

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

Hey!

It's generally a good idea to use as much of the word count as you reasonably can, since the limit is there to give you enough space to fully develop your points. However, being a bit under is usually fine - what matters most is that everything you include is clear, strong, and relevant to the question being asked.

If you still have some words left over, you could see whether there is an opportunity to add a bit more context or detail to an experience, or include an extra example or piece of evidence to strengthen your answer. That said, I would avoid adding filler just to reach the exact number - a strong and concise answer generally comes across better than adding filler that is unfocused.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I was just wondering as I'm very new to this, is there a place where I can learn about inflation, difference between fiscal and monetary policy, bank rates etc. I mean like the very basics, beyond reading the news, to first get an understanding of what it is and how is operates?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock can you please delete my account? I have messaged privately and on here, could you kindly provide some assistance

Hey!

Apologies for the delay - I will PM you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I was just wondering as I'm very new to this, is there a place where I can learn about inflation, difference between fiscal and monetary policy, bank rates etc. I mean like the very basics, beyond reading the news, to first get an understanding of what it is and how is operates?

Thank you

Hello!

Great question, and I can definitely share the resource that worked best for me (both when building awareness for applications and commercial awareness competitions!).

I found that the most helpful resource for understanding the basics was Investopedia. It includes information on the current events, but also breaks down complex topics so that you are able to understand what it is and how it operates. For example, I used this for understanding concepts such as securitisation, IPOs and the different types of financing.

Using your examples above, I have found the following that might be a useful starting point:

• This article on what inflation is and how it affects businesses - however, there are also articles on the core causes of inflation, types of inflation, and how it affects investments.
• This article on the differences between fiscal and monetary policy - it explains what each policy is, and the different types within each category.
• This article on what the bank rate means - including how it works, the different types, and examples

Investopedia was genuinely a lifesaver for me in the last cycle when I was building up my knowledge on commercial concepts, so I would definitely recommend!

I hope that assists!

 

[e.jy336]

Does anyone know how strict Sullivan & Cromwell are with grades? I went to a 'good' uni and graduated with an overall 2.1, but got some 2.2s in my first two years...

 

[Tama]

Still haven't heard from Hogan Lovells after completing their first online assessment and getting a feedback report 7 days ago- should I email them or should I just leave it and wait?

 

[Lawlawland]

Did anyone who applied to Travers Smith direct TC on the last day heard back from the team yet?

 

[cheeseontoast]

Does anyone know how strict Sullivan & Cromwell are with grades? I went to a 'good' uni and graduated with an overall 2.1, but got some 2.2s in my first two years...

They are really strict with grades, still try but don't get hopes up. But I guess this applies to every firm

 

[M123]

Hi, I completed the first part of the A&O SJT today but left the browser and turned my laptop off just before the VI section because I couldn’t complete it at the time. Will it be okay, considering we have unlimited time to complete it? I’ve been stressed all day and don’t have the heart to open the browser esp since a W&C WVS PFO today ! 😭 Any help would be appreciated