TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[msclm]

Does anyone know if Sidley has an online test at all? Can’t find much info about the process post-application online!

It’s an online application, then shortlisted for HR interview, then shortlisted again for the partner interview

 

[shays]

anyone has any insight into WFW VI? How many questions/types/prep time? thanks

 

[nbjani]

anyone has any insight into WFW VI? How many questions/types/prep time? thanks

I'm yet to do mine but earlier responses to this question say that it's minimal prep time (like 20-30 seconds I think), plus like 4 questions?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Just wanted to ask for a bit of advice if possible. I want to apply to W&C for their vs and I know their deadline for apps closes on Monday. I could also apply for their DTC but I only have one previous vac scheme and it’s not at a US firm or MC firm. I have loads of non-legal experience however. Does anyone know how w&c recruit (i.e are they more vs) and if they do take a decent DTC intake, would only having one vac scheme disadvantage me? Thanks for your help all.

 

[Novaa]

Just wanted to ask for a bit of advice if possible. I want to apply to W&C for their vs and I know their deadline for apps closes on Monday. I could also apply for their DTC but I only have one previous vac scheme and it’s not at a US firm or MC firm. I have loads of non-legal experience however. Does anyone know how w&c recruit (i.e are they more vs) and if they do take a decent DTC intake, would only having one vac scheme disadvantage me? Thanks for your help all.

Would also like to know this!!

Currently sick and idk if I can push through for that application lol.

 

[plsgivemetc]

Just wanted to ask for a bit of advice if possible. I want to apply to W&C for their vs and I know their deadline for apps closes on Monday. I could also apply for their DTC but I only have one previous vac scheme and it’s not at a US firm or MC firm. I have loads of non-legal experience however. Does anyone know how w&c recruit (i.e are they more vs) and if they do take a decent DTC intake, would only having one vac scheme disadvantage me? Thanks for your help all.

Would also like to know this!!

Currently sick and idk if I can push through for that application lol.

on their website it says they recruit approx 80% of trainees from vac schemes

 

[Novaa]

on their website it says they recruit approx 80% of trainees from vac schemes

Welp, let me go get some paracetamol.

Thank you for confirming!!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

on their website it says they recruit approx 80% of trainees from vac schemes

Damnn okay I guess it might have to be a VS application - Thank you!

 

[ABC234]

Has anyone heard from HFW post application?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Welp, let me go get some paracetamol.

Thank you for confirming!!

Power through, you've got this

 

[oliviabeijing]

I've really heavily focused on my main area of interest in my cover letter for TS. Is this bad? Should I discuss all their main practice areas more holistically? Or am I better off lending my word count towards my in-depth research for this one practice area...?

I have discussed other sectors and practices in my work experience section (I added in my research for those other areas there). Which is why my initial strategy was to go all in, in the cover letter, for this one area. Reading it back now idk if thats a good idea?

 

[Fred_Stuart]

Freshfields PFO after Stage 2

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Freshfields PFO after Stage 2

when did you do stage 2 and it is trainee associate programme or VS

 

[law123456789]

Freshfields PFO after Stage 2

same here

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Freshfields PFO after Stage 2

Hi, sorry to hear that is this for the DTC or VS?

 

[Fred_Stuart]

when did you do stage 2 and it is trainee associate programme or VS

13th December and Summer VS

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Is Withers also very heavily VS?

 

[flamingocelot]

For people who have heard back from Fieldfisher about their pathways to practice scheme (rejection or onto further stage), when did you apply?

 

[nbjani]

Has anyone heard from HFW post application?

Nope

 

[toughluck]

anyone know if you'd be disadvantaged by rescheduling for a later batch of ACs? considering if i should reschedule my spring linklaters AC because i have an exam the day before and this AC came on such short notice. have some practice from another MC AC so not the end of the world if i go next week but obviously feeling like im in a bit of a bind as both the exam and the AC are important to me