TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[rjh2001]

Hi everyone,

Currently working on the PMC application and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to approach this question:

PMC has offices in several locations. How do you think our office locations support our work and client relationship and how could this be improved? Consider a new office opening or practice area expansion/addition. (250 words)

I’m considering focusing on one of PMC's strong sectors (like Shipping) and their London and other global offices, then suggesting a new office in an emerging market. I don’t think I would have enough words to cover multiple sectors and all regional offices as well.

Does anyone have advice on how to make the explanation of how existing offices support client relationships more specific and concrete? I’m worried that simply mentioning local market knowledge or real-time support might be too general?

Many thanks!

Rory.

 

[soph107048]

I recieved the assessment and have completed it but not heard anything since

did you receive it before 17th dec? If you don’t mind me asking.

 

[Konstantinos Asprogerakas Grivas]

Hello! I have a VI for Goodwin with a deadline the 7th of January. I have failed all similar VIs in the past and I was wondering if anyone has some advice! Thank u!!!

 

[tc2026]

not heard anything back from HL after submitting the initial application for the DTC. anyone else in the same boat?

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone got any insights into travers as a firm? Finding it hard to compile a definitive research profile for the firm, a lot harder than it has been for other sc and mc firms

 

[oliviabeijing]

did you receive it before 17th dec? If you don’t mind me asking.

Received on 18th and completed 20th. Received skills report on 21st!

 

[hawkins19]

I'm a bit confused by the Forsters application process. Does your written app have to be submitted, reviewed, and your video interview completed all before the deadline (Monday)??

 

[Dannie]

Any V&E VI insights? Happy to share things you need <3

 

[DavidJC]

anyone got any insights into travers as a firm? Finding it hard to compile a definitive research profile for the firm, a lot harder than it has been for other sc and mc firms

I think there's a pretty good profile of the firm available here: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/profile/travers-smith.19

I think they're essentially kind of a SC version of Slaughters, but with particular expertise in mid-market PE (funds, finance, M&A between £100-500m), and I think their "room-sharing" system is a USP especially for training (up to six people with seniority anywhere from partner to trainee sitting together so you get a range of experience and opinions to learn from). Also everyone I've met from the firm raves about Braithwaites (inhouse canteen) but I don't know if it's actually appropriate to mention that in the cover letter

@Afraz Akhtar can probably provide more detailed insights as he's a future trainee at the firm!

 

[Saul_specter]

I think there's a pretty good profile of the firm available here: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/profile/travers-smith.19

I think they're essentially kind of a SC version of Slaughters, but with particular expertise in mid-market PE (funds, finance, M&A between £100-500m), and I think their "room-sharing" system is a USP especially for training (up to six people with seniority anywhere from partner to trainee sitting together so you get a range of experience and opinions to learn from). Also everyone I've met from the firm raves about Braithwaites (inhouse canteen) but I don't know if it's actually appropriate to mention that in the cover letter

@Afraz Akhtar can probably provide more detailed insights as he's a future trainee at the firm!

Thanks mate, appreciate it

 

[EfficientBag123]

They said at the Bristol OD that we’d start to hear back re ACs in January and into February. It’s going to be massively competitive as only 8 VS spots in the Bristol office.

Okay sweet cheers.

 

[Saul_specter]

Give that slaughter ACs start imminently for vac schemes, is it safe to say that if we’ve still not heard back by now it’s a likely PFO?

 

[svb risk management intern]

What do I do if by mistake I forgot to put half of the modules and grades for my third year at university? Is it worth emailing, or should I write it off?

 

[kukubird]

Any V&E VI insights? Happy to share things you need <3

Congrats! When did you hear back?

 

[radssss]

What do I do if by mistake I forgot to put half of the modules and grades for my third year at university? Is it worth emailing, or should I write it off?

Email the firm recruitment team with the grades, if the portal allows you to add supplementary information (like allhires does) do that asap and email the firm to let them know and write your grades again in the email too (this might be the most effective way) and if your application is reviewed and you’ve got a decision like the next stage assessment, then it’s best to email the grad rec and ask for advice, I was in a similar situation a year ago with withers and they refused to let me make a second vac scheme application even after I withdrew my incorrect application, asking them to help me make the changes as I sent them the only grade in entered incorrectly via email (I had realised my mistake a day after I sent the application so I believe it wasn’t reviewed by then) so I think it depends from firm to firm, they may just add this info to your app, withdraw your app and let you reapply for the scheme again, the supplementary information thing might work or they might just not allow you to apply this year.

Email them asap to avoid any disappointment because they might not help u if they review your app and send a decision.

 

[prawncrackers]

Hi! I have stage 1 online assessment for Mills & Reeve, would love if anyone could provide some insights 🥹

 

[Sr. Maybe]

Does anyone have any info on PHirst Steps Work Placements with Paul Hastings? Is there an eligibility requirement to be able to apply to it, and will applying to PHirst Steps negatively impact any future Training Contract applications to PH?

 

[jamsparkle]

Does anyone have any info on PHirst Steps Work Placements with Paul Hastings? Is there an eligibility requirement to be able to apply to it, and will applying to PHirst Steps negatively impact any future Training Contract applications to PH?

https://www.paulhastings.com/en-GB/careers

"Applications for both our December Insight Day and PHirst Steps Work Placements open on 20 October 2025. These opportunities are open to penultimate- and final-year law students, final-year non-law students and graduates."

"We are looking for individuals with distinguished academic credentials. We expect candidates to have high level of achievement both at A Level (or equivalent) and degree level. This would normally mean an upper second or first class degree and a majority of A grades at A Level."

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

I have my Milbank ac in 3 days. What recent news events or trends in markets do you think I should be aware of going into this? I've been successful at ACs and interviews at international firms but this is my first US firm AC. So any advice would be super appreciated!!

 

[EfficientBag123]

Anyone heard from baker McKenzie or Latham for spring vac scheme? I