TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Thanks so much for your response! Do you reckon we're going to see a marginal improvement in deal activity/exits because of this?

I would not expect the new Budget and the associated increased government borrowing to have much of a positive impact in terms dealmaking activity, outside of perhaps some specific sectors the government will be able to invest more into - although it is doubtful that given the current budget deficit issues, economic stagnation, and persistent inflation we will see a significant ram up in investments.

The other potential consequences mentioned, to the extent they actually materialise, would have a negative effect: crowding out effects and increasing interest rates will make general borrowing and therefore financing of transactions more difficult, while decreasing confidence in the UK's ability to repay its debts should lead to a decrease in willingness to invest in the UK economy. The only tailwind I cans see as a result of the new Budget would have more to do with the increased taxes/spending cuts, as those reinforce investor confidence in the fiscal prudence of the Government.

 

[TortillaTC]

For Skadden, is it a good idea to include selective mentoring schemes (law ones I did via my uni) under the WE section?

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi! Could anyone provide any insight on whether the B&B VI repeats the Qs on the application forum (like I remember them doing last year)? And if so, how would you go about this e.g., do you repeat what you said or think of something completely new?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I would not expect the new Budget and the associated increased government borrowing to have much of a positive impact in terms dealmaking activity, outside of perhaps some specific sectors the government will be able to invest more into - although it is doubtful that given the current budget deficit issues, economic stagnation, and persistent inflation we will see a significant ram up in investments.

The other potential consequences mentioned, to the extent they actually materialise, would have a negative effect: crowding out effects and increasing interest rates will make general borrowing and therefore financing of transactions more difficult, while decreasing confidence in the UK's ability to repay its debts should lead to a decrease in willingness to invest in the UK economy. The only tailwind I cans see as a result of the new Budget would have more to do with the increased taxes/spending cuts, as those reinforce investor confidence in the fiscal prudence of the Government.

Thanks so much for your response! I agree that the potential consequences would lead to a negative effect. However, interest rates have been cut thrice this year and once again (potentially) in December, and the budget seems to have been received better than expected (softening inflation). Inflation has come down to 3.6% after some persistent months at 3.8%.

Besides the budget, do you reckon these are actually positive economic indicators for (somewhat) better dealmaking? Of course not 2021/22-style but mild improvement(?). I was also wondering about if/how this affects the attractiveness of private credit.

 

[asplawyer100]

DLA wg invite. Applied on their deadline.

Which office?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

From my exp this usually means 23:59 tomorrow, but I would submit it before the 30th just to be safe

Please I will like to know the outcome of your application if you do end up applying, because they literally rejected me the next day 😭and I think it's because I applied late but if you get the WG then I know its because my application was trash lol

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone know what time the Skadden and Eversheds deadlines are on the 1st?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Does anyone know what time the Skadden and Eversheds deadlines are on the 1st?

I think Skadden is 23:59 on the 1st, so just over 48 hours till their deadline. Probably best to get it in at least a few hours before in case there are technical difficulties with the platform!​

 

[user55998384]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu: for a q on why the firm, i have structure it in terms of paragraph 1) work paragraph 2) int presence and 3) blended in qality of training + pro-bono work - i have advised to have quality of training as a point on its own but i do not have too much substance on it as attending insight days + speaking to trainees there was no like specific stnad outs that i got so do you think my structure is okay?

 

[gmcaolaw]

Who do we address the Davis Polk cover letter to?

 

[lawstudent2]

I think Skadden is 23:59 on the 1st, so just over 48 hours till their deadline. Probably best to get it in at least a few hours before in case there are technical difficulties with the platform!​

Thanks!

 

[yk1906]

Do you think it's a mauvais ton to mention an upcoming internship if it's at a very prestigious place?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Which office?

London

 

[yk1906]

Do you think it's a mauvais ton to mention an upcoming internship if it's at a very prestigious place?

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[Amgrad]

Davis Polk keeps sending me a reminder to my unsubmitted app, whilst I think it'd be a waste to apply if I am ineligible as I don't have a law degree or studying PGDL. How can I tell them to withdraw my app if there's no button like Linklaters?

Also, specific question for @Andrei Radu since you a future trainee there, how is your experience at Barbri? I heard its alumni has the highest SQE pass rate compared to other providers, wondering after completing PGDL at BPP/ULaw we can pick Barbri as SQE prep?

 

[bh.sa]

Davis Polk keeps sending me a reminder to my unsubmitted app, whilst I think it'd be a waste to apply if I am ineligible as I don't have a law degree or studying PGDL. How can I tell them to withdraw my app if there's no button like Linklaters?

Also, specific question for @Andrei Radu since you a future trainee there, how is your experience at Barbri? I heard its alumni has the highest SQE pass rate compared to other providers, wondering after completing PGDL at BPP/ULaw we can pick Barbri as SQE prep?

I got those emails from AllHires too, I think you don't have to do anything because you haven't submitted your application, so the firm hasn't received it anyways

 

[lawberri3]

did anyone who did macfarlanes second stage get a confirmation email? i closed my laptop as soon as i pressed submit and watched the video (ptsd) i forgot to let the exit page load.

 

[p2bv]

Do you think it's a mauvais ton to mention an upcoming internship if it's at a very prestigious place?

If its a vacation scheme, I wouldn't mention it for other VS applications as it wouldn't make a difference but for DTC you could mention it as it shows you would have legal experience

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Has anyone heard back yet from CMS? I completed the critical analysis assessment on 30th October

 

[Amelia.05]

Hii, just completed Milbank's first-stage assessment. When did everyone hear about rejection/second stage, and did you get a feedback report?