TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Just received the Cooley holding email.

It looks like some candidates have already been progressed to the Watson-Glaser stage, while others (including me) have received a holding update.

Has anyone not received the holding email at all? I’m trying to work out whether the holding message has any signalling value, or whether progression to WG / AC can still happen from this pool. Any insight appreciated.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Is a deadline day application to Gibson Dunn worth it? I like the firm but they are rolling and I will not have time to finish their application before the day it is due. Have they given out next stages for summer?

 

[elizabethkate]

Bates Wells VS WG invite wooo!

well done!! when did you apply

 

[llblawstudent]

Is a deadline day application to Gibson Dunn worth it? I like the firm but they are rolling and I will not have time to finish their application before the day it is due. Have they given out next stages for summer?

In the same dilemma, they’ve even already given out some vac schemes

 

[Deleted member 42704]

they've given out vac scheme offers already - but definitely not all of them. So there is still a chance

I know they have also given out TC offers too, not a lot but I know someone with one haha (don't ask, I don't have more detail than this!)

have you been able to progress with Gibson?

 

[stilltrying]

has anyone received an interview invite from Sullivan and cromwell - been on hold for about a month now

 

[rulebritannia]

Any tips for my interview at BCLP next week please?

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

That Cooley holding email at least sparked my otherwise dry inbox but god was it terrifying

 

[switchingup]

I just got a PFO from Cooley so I think if you got a holding email then it is a good sign

Ahhh, I'm really sorry to read that. Hope you receive good news soon.

 

[johnsmith]

Well done all on the TIs, VIs and ACs!

Just a warning to those who applied to Cooley - the email you have received, or will receive shortly, is just a jumpscare holding email lol. They hope to be in touch with a final decision by 27 Jan at the latest due to a strong candidate pool.

The wait continues...

I also received this holding email - as people are getting WG, this feels close to a no.

 

[ilikelaw]

I also received this holding email - as people are getting WG, this feels close to a no.

hey there’s still hope, just gotta cross our fingers

 

[radssss]

yeah is that a good or a bad thing

It means nothing more bad because - they have received very high amount of applications therefore it is taking them time to go through them!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Just received the Cooley holding email.

It looks like some candidates have already been progressed to the Watson-Glaser stage, while others (including me) have received a holding update.

Has anyone not received the holding email at all? I’m trying to work out whether the holding message has any signalling value, or whether progression to WG / AC can still happen from this pool. Any insight appreciated.

How did you draw that conclusion? Have you heard of people who progressed already?

 

[ilikelaw]

How did you draw that conclusion? Have you heard of people who progressed already?

yeah i’ve seen some people say they have WG invites

 

[BealMcAlly]

yeah i’ve seen some people say they have WG invites

Ugh, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Let's see how the month pans out, I guess...

 

[Willgetatc]

People who applied near the deadline for Milbank, how long did it take to get an update post stage 1 assessment?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

yeah i’ve seen some people say they have WG invites

They applied so early in November before the Open Day and I am waiting to submit after my OD, so I submit it later in December - fingers crossed!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Reed Smith PFO post SJT and VI. So much for no news being good new lol. For reference I applied 25th Oct and did my VI 25th/27th Nov.

 

[johnsmith]

How did you draw that conclusion? Have you heard of people who progressed already?

I do suppose it could be a generic; we haven't had a chance to review you yet, please don't chase us.

 

[ilikelaw]

They applied so early in November before the Open Day and I am waiting to submit after my OD, so I submit it later in December - fingers crossed!

yeah i didn’t submit until mid december so hopefully