TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

Mentally prepping, are these HSFK PFOs for summer or spring?

ahhh im so sorry to hear ab that - they always emphasis the amount of interaction helps so that is a shame given the 1st year shceme - was it for spring/summer?

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now 😂

 

[Trophy]

@Abbie Whitlock

I need some clarity answering this question for Farrer&Co

"In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications, and work experience equipped you for a legal career?"

What exactly are they asking for here?

not applied there before I would say it is focusing on the skills you've learnt. for example academic studies is there a module you did that made you interested in a specific area of law furthering your interest? do you hold a scuba diving qualification (random I know) but from this qualification you could say it pushed you out of your comfort zone and taking risks which can be key in deals in transactional seats.

work experience is kinda easy just what have you learnt from work which relates to law, is it speaking with customers, helping people, researching, networking. Have you done maybe a legal adviser role at university this is a god example to use...

I hope this made some sort of sense haha

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Gibson Dunn Zoom Interview.

I imagine this is the stage most people get. It's exciting though haha.

Congrats! Do you have any tips for the SJT and proofreading exercise?

 

[yk1906]

Don't count yourself out, I'm rooting for you!! My grades are not amazing so honestly the 1/9 was probably the final straw in my case lol

hahaha thanks, I just never got a 1/9 so was a bit shocked

 

[Dannie]

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now 😂

elle where is your profile pic

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now 😂

Some firms value you more than others. Didn't even bother talking about my open day with HSFK.... Goes to show no one really knows anything. Good to hear about your AOS conversion, you should be very proud of yourself. Is the BBQ stand outside the front door of AOS still there? Used to do great pork belly if you're into that.

 

[yk1906]

Just jumping on here because I am assuming this is about the Amberjack - I have practised loads after getting a WHOPPING 0 for Creative Force last year for RS's DTC. It left me completely mortified because it's all about adaptability, which I use a lot in my day job - and verbal reasoning measures different strengths to applied intellect.

You may already know this but applied intellect measures your EQ, social awareness, and your intelligence of course compared to verbal reasoning which measures if you can pick up on information based on what you read.

I assume most of you are practising but if not, and I know it's not cheap, buy the practice tests. I found them so helpful. Also, just a caveat about digital mindset, apparently that's the least important pillar according to the aptitude-test-prep breakdown.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[ali-k]

im confused lol was there an option to apply for spring or summer scheme, i forgot which one i picked.. (for HSFK)

 

[user55998384]

im confused lol was there an option to apply for spring or summer scheme, i forgot which one i picked.. (for HSFK)

haha yes there was an option which one to pick

 

[Seliiina]

Got invited to WE last week, about 2 weeks to receive for me

Do you have any tips for it? Would be very appreciated x

 

[abc124]

hahaha thanks, I just never got a 1/9 so was a bit shocked

No yeah I completely get it, it feels so uncalled for haha 😭

 

[shadowboxer909]

Congrats! Do you have any tips for the SJT and proofreading exercise?

I wish I had tips but I can't even remember doing an SJT or proofreading exercise.

If it gives anyone hope, my grades at university were okay but not amazing (mid-2:1 overall but a couple of 2:2s and one third), my grades at GCSE/A-level were really good (all A*s) and my essay writing skills are okay but nothing to sing from the rooftops about.

The process so far is far more random than I'd expected.

 

[elle woods]

elle where is your profile pic

😭 I'll put it backkkkk

 

[llblawstudent]

Do you have any tips for it? Would be very appreciated x

Hey when did you hear back btw? Applied for dechert spring in early nov, thinking it’s a pfo now lol

 

[yk1906]

No yeah I completely get it, it feels so uncalled for haha 😭

Good luck to you with your other apps!

 

[elle woods]

Some firms value you more than others. Didn't even bother talking about my open day with HSFK.... Goes to show no one really knows anything. Good to hear about your AOS conversion, you should be very proud of yourself. Is the BBQ stand outside the front door of AOS still there? Used to do great pork belly if you're into that.

mans
haha I think it is! It smells divine everytime i walk past there

 

[user55998384]

Some firms value you more than others. Didn't even bother talking about my open day with HSFK.... Goes to show no one really knows anything. Good to hear about your AOS conversion, you should be very proud of yourself. Is the BBQ stand outside the front door of AOS still there? Used to do great pork belly if you're into that.

as in you didnt speak about the OD in your application for HSFK?

 

[shadowboxer909]

😭 I'll put it backkkkk

Where is your crown? You're missing a crown next to your name. Disappointing.

 

[yk1906]

Speaking about the offices - randomly passed by the Weil office today while on my mental health walk. Was hoping it would be a good sign 😂

 

[user55998384]

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now 😂

hahaha maybe so - AOS is insaneeee tho so definitely dont feel disheartened!