TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[ttlaw12344]

Hi all , is PMC app just a covering letter?

 

[User2640]

Hi all , is PMC app just a covering letter?

Also two app form questions (250 each)

 

[TCLAuser2002]

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!!

when did you apply?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

when did you apply?

oct 1

 

[TCLAuser2002]

oct 1

and when did you complete the Watson glazer*

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

and when did you complete the Watson glazer*

Nov 13

 

[radssss]

Ooooof, finally it’s Monday tomorrow and we are all going for start hearing back from firms (i am very anxious and very relieved)

 

[zonnonomo]

new years benders have me doing nrf & goodwin vi hungover 💔🥀

 

[EfficientBag123]

Ooooof, finally it’s Monday tomorrow and we are all going for start hearing back from firms (i am very anxious and very relieved)

Relieved?? My head is going a mile a minute😭

 

[Lawlawland]

(disclaimer: I'm not asking for the questions🙏🏾)

Could someone who did the Goodwin VI temme what's the time alloted for preparation? And if the questions are competency based or motivation for the firm?

 

[jamieclarke]

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)??

What makes you think this?

 

[Bread]

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)??

would also like info on this! The receipt email says apps will be reviewed after the deadline and the website says that apps are reviewed before VIs, but the website also places the VI stage before the application form deadline?? I really hope that it's just a mistake on their part (they also say "entry reqirements so clearly they dont have the strongest attention to detail), especially cause VI invite isnt automatic

 

[jamieclarke]

Asking for a friend who got a Capsticks PFO without an invite to the online test the emailed implied was automatic.
He applied on deadline day is it possible he got rejected because it was rolling and already filled?

Did anyone get an auto invite to the online test or PFO before the invite? Any advice appreciated because I believe his application was strong and he met the minimum grade requirements.

Shiv Roy fan is crazy

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I know it's hard but try not to dwell.

I have done VIs before and truly absolutely bombed it (in my eyes), and still progressed. It is different for every firm, some are mainly looking at hoe you communicate, some have tick box lists for what you say in your answers, most are a little of everything. Also for firms like Reed Smith where the VI is done in conjunction with the SJT, then there's usually a mixed weighting there. So if you do well in the test, that may offset a poor VI too.

Thank you for your kind words! You’re right, hopefully something positive comes out of it!

 

[jamieclarke]

would also like info on this! The receipt email says apps will be reviewed after the deadline and the website says that apps are reviewed before VIs, but the website also places the VI stage before the application form deadline?? I really hope that it's just a mistake on their part (they also say "entry reqirements so clearly they dont have the strongest attention to detail), especially cause VI invite isnt automatic

Grad rec are useless. Water is wet etc. VI wont need doing before deadline as it is not automatic.

 

[radssss]

Relieved?? My head is going a mile a minute😭

I rather hear back with a pfo than keep thinking about the damn applications everyday and getting stressed😭😭😭