TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

Did you manage to find anything on the TCLA Directory or "Law Firm profiles" in the Dashboard because I can't seem to be able to find TCLA resources on Milbank.

Edit: oh sorry you meant general information. Like another person said I used non-billable (I love the way they write quite simply), legal cheek, chambers student (some firms don't have a profile), legal500, sometimes RollOnFriday.


Are you a premium member?

Past successful applications are under 'Premium Database'

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Did anyone else just submit an absolute stinker of an application for Paul Hastings, I did the why Paul Hastings okayish, but the other one on why scheme was an absolute stinker. Just didn't have enough time I could not get my self to do it after doing Akin (((((

 

[helenaskelton]

For those who have applied to Birketts before, I was wondering at what stage the firm usually contacts your academic and employment referees? Will they inform you before contacting them? This is the first time I've seen a referee section on an app form, so have no idea how firms typically use this information. Any insights would be very appreciated!

Did the VS at Birketts last year. Just put an academic and work exp referee. Don’t think they check!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

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?

They start end of Jan!

 

[M85672]

They might change your scheme dates (example-spring to summer or summer to spring) or ask you to find a replacement yourself whom you can swap with (tcla really helps here and usually works) Otherwise, you may be able to shift to a direct tc route and take any additional assessments required if the firm allows this(they may refuse as well). I also believe the reason should be valid (such as term dates and scheme dates clash or medical emergency) so that you are not disadvantaged .

Thanks! Nice to know... will cross that bridge if I ever get there (its a very distant bridge as it stands)

 

[PFO King]

For Burges Salmon WVS Q, they’re saying ‘can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you’.

Do we literally only need to write about one instance?

was there a response to this?

 

[legallybrunettte]

Hi everyone! Just wanted some advice here, the NRF VI deadline is at 9am and I got sick 3 days ago and I hoped I'd get better and I haven't. My voice has been lost all week and I still can't really project what I'm saying. Do you think it's worth emailing them and asking for a couple days of extension?

 

[Novaa]

Hi everyone! Just wanted some advice here, the NRF VI deadline is at 9am and I got sick 3 days ago and I hoped I'd get better and I haven't. My voice has been lost all week and I still can't really project what I'm saying. Do you think it's worth emailing them and asking for a couple days of extension?

HeyHey!! I’ve previously seen that people have been provided extensions for illnesses, so most firms should be understanding of this type of situation.

I’d send an email just explaining the situation and how you weren’t sure if it would be the best course of action to complete the VI when you can’t project your voice.

Fingers crossed they understand and let you have an extension

 

[legallybrunettte]

HeyHey!! I’ve previously seen that people have been provided extensions for illnesses, so most firms should be understanding of this type of situation.

I’d send an email just explaining the situation and how you weren’t sure if it would be the best course of action to complete the VI when you can’t project your voice.

Fingers crossed they understand and let you have an extension

Thank you so much!

 

[wrpark]

Hey guys! quick question, the K&L Gates application has questions asking "why K&L Gates", "why commercial law", and two about positions of responsibility along with another section for a cover letter, any idea on how to differentiate my answers to these? I don't really know what else I can write about in my cover letter that's not already addressed in the application questions. Thanks in advance ))

 

[Wompycapy]

Guys, is anyone happy to share insights about Norton Rose Fulbright VI?
Very happy to exchange in return, I can share insights on Reed Smith VI, Milbank questions, Akin TI, Baker McKenzie VI, White & Case VI, and PwC VI.

Hi for White & Case did you apply for spring or summer? If you don't mind sharing.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

On MoFo's portal, what is the Advanced Degree transcript?

 

[TS.Law]

On MoFo's portal, what is the Advanced Degree transcript?

I'm also not sure, but I uploaded my postgraduate transcripts as I didn't find any other place to inform that

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hoping we all get good news starting from today and end this app cycle with TCs from our dream firms! Best of luck TCLA gang! ​

 

[nbjani]

Right so are we expecting a barrage of emails starting today? Fingers crossed. Do we know if not hearing back from W+C post app/first non-selective assessment is a bad sign? Also any idea if anyone has heard back from HFW post-app yet?

 

[summersun]

Starting this week well with my first Ac invite of 2026 (Shepherd Wedderburn ) !!! So happy !

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

was there a response to this?

I can't speak specifically for this firm, but 99% of the time they are looking for a response to the exact question they asked, and following their language precisely should not be penalised (especially in law).

That's they will not necessarily penalise you if you write about more than one moment here (depending on the recruiter), but there will remain a chance they might, so I would answer the question exactly as stated. However, that's not to say you can't work in background information to justify the moment.
Imo, a big part of law is understanding precise language and wording, and for me that applies to questions.

 

[User2640]

Did the VS at Birketts last year. Just put an academic and work exp referee. Don’t think they check!

Thank you!

 

[EfficientBag123]

Anyone heard from Latham or bakers for spring vac yet?

 

[iklawapps]

Hi : ) I had a question on written exercises if anyone might have an idea.

I understand how people keep saying tailor your format to the assignment, but I'm wondering if anyone had any practical tips on the difference between stuff like if they ask you to write an internal/client email or a memo/note or something else. Besides not using fancy language for clients, I'm not really sure what differences there would be formatting wise. Does anyone have any tips or know of any exemplars?

Also, ik that TCLA did a written exercise workshop in December, but I couldn't attend. Is there a recording on that anywhere by any chance

Thank you in advance for your help < 3