TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Madison Pinewall]

Thank you! I’d been worrying Skadden was very focused on Oxbridge/1st from RG or nothing but it seems they reviewed apps holistically. Maybe they liked my neurosurgery career choice lmao.

I’m always reluctant to input the rare information cos I worry it’ll impact my app negatively but maybe some firms are open to it more, as you’ve said it shows their resilience and stuff.

For context I went to a very low performing comp state school, grew up on a council estate, eligible for free school meals, first gen to go uni in my family, low income household, etc.​

PUT THAT STUFF IN!!! I tick a LOT of the boxes you just said (essentially all but I went to a private secondary thanks to a scholarship/bursary), RARE doesn't go through selling a sob story, it places you in a category where it will say you far exceeded expectations given your background. This is impressive!! Be proud!!

 

[RSK]

White and Case, Baker, Sidley and I was gonna do RPC but I might switch to Gibson Dunn. I know a lot of these are rolling... but I sorta think a month in advance should be enough for my application to be considered (correct me if I am wrong though)! To be honest I'm just scared I haven't done enough as I was aiming for 10 but some people have said do less, some do more! I have done 11 so far and 15 felt right haha

I think it should be fine - I applied to W&C last year on the deadline day and was progressed to both VI & AC. Bakers sends out their tests in batches so I presume it should be fine too, GD is super rolling from my experience but I don't see why you wouldn't progress if you put in a super tailored app.

 

[BealMcAlly]

It's never too late 👌. Last year I applied an the deadline day and still progressed to the blended assessment so you'll be fine.

Fingers crossed. I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last year and made it to the blended assessment and was traumatised as my scores were *abysmal*

hoping my improvement in the Amberjack makes a difference this year.

 

[BealMcAlly]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

it will be from 'Candid' and the subject line will be quite clear.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Are Reed Smith still sending blended assessment invites or did I leave it too late by applying yesterday?

Hey!

Yes, they review any applications sent in before the deadline! There is still plenty of chance to be progressed to the next stages of the process

 

[Dannie]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

mishcon de reya also

 

[Trophy]

PUT THAT STUFF IN!!! I tick a LOT of the boxes you just said (essentially all but I went to a private secondary thanks to a scholarship/bursary), RARE doesn't go through selling a sob story, it places you in a category where it will say you far exceeded expectations given your background. This is impressive!! Be proud!!

I agree. Rare is the best thing to fill out.
I did a bit of work with them and was able to find out what my score was according to my school and postcode etc. my Index of Multiple Deprivation was score 1. This is a 1-10 scoring system based on where you live and the deprivation rate. It’s an indication of the schools and the environment. For example someone who lives in an affluent area like Richmond in London is 9. You can also just search this online if you’re interested in knowing.

This along with your academics is fed back to the firm and they’ll be able to see if you performed beyond peers in your situation as well as those across the country. I always fill out a rare form but I do not fill out firm specific ones (just my preference).

 

[BealMcAlly]

mishcon de reya also

MDR use CVmail and will come from '[email protected]'

 

[scoffee]

Hey, does anyone have any insights/tips for Dentons VI?

 

[WeGotThis!]

two PFOs on my birthday (Skadden & Reed Smith), please enough is acc enough. Should I just not check my mailbox for the rest of the day so i can actually get in the birthday spirit loool

Happy Birthday to you!🎉

I feel that you should just switch off and enjoy your day. It's one day in the year

 

[RSK]

Happy Birthday to you!🎉

I feel that you should just switch off and enjoy your day. It's one day in the year

Thank you; really appreciate it <3

 

[WillKitchen]

Good news bad news day: Rejection from Skadden, invitations from Kennedys and RPC!

 

[AGB2060]

Hey!

When I did the Kirkland VI last year, it was 3 questions. I'm pretty sure it was more than 15 seconds to prepare (30 if memory serves me correctly!). If you have any other questions about the VI, just reply to this

Thank you!! Sent you a message

 

[londonlawyer]

Would it be too late to apply to akin? Could someone kindly lmk what qs are on the app form please

I attended their application workshop and the head of grad recruitment said try to apply before Christmas. She mentioned that some of the years they didn't manage to read all the apps that were sent after Christmas. So I'd say get it in this week! Good luck!

 

[emily3827]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

not always with HL - like i got one that just said vacation scheme application

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Was this in response to the Job Sim?

 

[M123]

Has anyone who applied to DLA’s Manchester office heard back post-WG?

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

I hope to get 1 TC this year... so far I've been rejected from 4/8 firms I've currently applied to. Sigh

looking to apply to another 6-8 more firms

Hi there,

Totally get how demoralising that feels - this part of the process is tough, especially when the rejections start stacking up. But honestly, what you’ve described is still very normal.

• Four rejections at this point really isn’t a red flag. A lot of candidates who go on to get TCs (sometimes more than one) have a pretty rough early run.
• You’ve still got half of your current applications outstanding, and you’re planning another 6–8. That’s a solid number- you only need to land one.
• Each firm looks at you in isolation. A rejection from one doesn’t 'carry over' or say much about how the next firm will see you. Plus, you'll likely improve at the highly unique skill of application writing, online tests etc.
• Applying to more firms isn’t a sign you’re failing - it’s just how the odds work in a competitive process, especially if you’re being selective and reflective.

It can help to reframe things slightly: the goal isn’t to get through without rejections (almost no one does), it’s to give yourself enough well-prepared chances that one converts.

If it helps, this is often a good moment to pause and lightly recalibrate rather than panic - maybe check whether your firm spread makes sense, or whether there’s one small tweak you could make to answers for the next batch.

You’re not behind, and you’re not out. Keep going - this stage is draining, but it’s still very much in play!

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

has anyone here asked Links for their WG score (wondering if its worth asking or not but I do wanna know)

Hi Panon,

If this helps - I asked for my WG score from Links last year after a successful Open Day application (which includes the WG).

They responded within two days or so with my score.

Therefore, there's a good chance they'll do the same for you this year.

Goes without saying, but just make sure your email is politely and professionally worded, as you don't want any perceived miscommunication to count against you!

Hope this is helpful!

 

[Suii]

Has anyone heard from Pinsents regional?