TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[alphabravocharlie]

Anyone know about Ropes & Gray Vac scheme application, I can't find the 2026 one?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Anyone know about Ropes & Gray Vac scheme application, I can't find the 2026 one?

Candid Applicant Tracking System

Rare Candid Applicant Tracking System

ropesgray.app.candidats.io

I think it’s this link here. You do have to scroll down towards the bottom of their GR webpage for it tbf.​

 

[cookedlawstudent]

It is officially one month since I've heard from Freshfields after doing the stage 2 assessment. Imagine waiting this long to hear back about whether you got to the Assessment Centre for a Vacation Scheme with a low conversion rate 💔.

 

[wqueens8]

Thanks so much this is very helpful. Do you have any examples of firms that are lenient and that you progressed with?

For sure. Either this year or last I've progressed with Taylor Wessing (AAB), Goodwin (AAB), Bird and Bird (AAB), Fieldfisher (ABB) and Eversheds (ABB).

 

[noahsmiit01]

Did anyone go to the Paul Hastings insight day? Do you mind sharing your notes/ can you share what the PHirst steps scheme even is? Is it just one week long experience where you get to see one of their core practice areas? Then you have to separately apply fr a TC?

Yeah, Phirst is like the First-year scheme; applying for their TC is a different app, and you don't get fast-track. However, they've been advised only to submit one application.

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, general question here. What is generally the lower limit for an application response? Like at what point do you think you stop being really concise and verge on not being detailed enough

 

[elle woods]

neither! its a SJT on 'shortlister' itself so its a little different but imo much nicer than either cappfinity or amberjack (much much shorter as well!)

Oh I see!! Thank you so much! And there’s no VI? I just did a VI today on shortlister so I associated the website with videos hahaha

 

[noahsmiit01]

Do you guys think Grad team are working tomorrow and on Fri? Wonder whether I will hear anything from them over the next 4 days.

 

[maylawwww]

Oh I see!! Thank you so much! And there’s no VI? I just did a VI today on shortlister so I associated the website with videos hahaha

Yup no VI but written responses for motivation/firm knowledge instead

 

[plsgivemetc]

Do you guys think Grad team are working tomorrow and on Fri? Wonder whether I will hear anything from them over the next 4 days.

are you actually asking if they’re working on Christmas Day😭guys PLEASE SWITCH OFF FOR ONE DAY THIS IS NOT HEALTHY😭😭

 

[Harvey Specter]

are you actually asking if they’re working on Christmas Day😭guys PLEASE SWITCH OFF FOR ONE DAY THIS IS NOT HEALTHY😭😭

Tbf if they were working tomorrow even though it’s Xmas day, they’d probs rock up to work like this:

 

[elle woods]

Yup no VI but written responses for motivation/firm knowledge instead

oh wow in the initial SJT assessment? Ive never done a written response before haha this is interesting - would it be timed like a VI?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Anyone else hoping to find a vac scheme and TC under their tree tomorrow morning?? Like Santa, I'll even take an AC at this point !

 

[BobThebIlly]

should I take the L and assume a PFO from Reed Smith? Applied on the deadline

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hey guys, general question here. What is generally the lower limit for an application response? Like at what point do you think you stop being really concise and verge on not being detailed enough

I think it really depends on the word limit. For Stephenson Harwood, I wrote 450 words for their app qs which had a 600 word limit and progressed to the SJT and VI. For firms that give a 250-300 word limit, I try to reach as close to the limit as possible. I avoid fluff and extra detail by structuring my answers to 2-3 points per question.

Hope this helps