TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Thanks for the helpful posts on this. It's useful to see what you all think.

My sense at the moment is to stick to one thread. I think GIFs are fine. Many of you make me laugh with your posts, and I find it lightens up what is otherwise a very intense process.

I'd just be mindful not to overdo it. In short, please keep in mind that thousands of people read these threads, and if you *just* post back-to-back GIFs, it makes it hard for everyone to find useful information.

I'm also in the early stages of re-designing the forum. I know it's hard to find information in these very long threads, which I'm hoping to fix.

Finally, as one of you said, please also try not to argue. If there's something you don't like, please report it/message me. I'll always look into it and come back to you. Sometimes, you might not see an action right away, but that's always because we are reviewing it, not because we don't think it's an issue. The more you quote a post you don't like and argue back, the more it escalates the situation for everyone.

Thank you!

 

[Novaa]

What commercial awareness should I prep for an AC?

These will likely help in a case study interview:

- Issues impacting their priority sectors and clients (Case study will usually focus on an example, e.g., I did one with Freshfields where the clients were trying to use green bonds)

- Understand a current deal which interests you (Deal structure? What it’s aiming to achieve? Any challenges?)

- If ANYTHING major has just happened in the world, that’s perfect! (I guess…?) Understand what that means for the world and clients and how law firms might have to step in.

 

[Heartofglass]

At the top of the text box there’s a row of icons to make the text bold or italicised. There’s an icon at the end of that row with three dots. Click that and it should show a new set of options, one of them being the gif icon. Boom you can now upload gifs on the forum:

View attachment 7750​

My time to shine!

Click the 3 dots next to the image sign in the message box. There should be a “GIF” option. Click that, then type what you want. If the options aren’t giving you what you want, use similar words/emotions that convey it. 😍

I love you all. You're beautiful, and never forget that everyone is a princess... hehe

 

[James Wakefield]

So how late do we think Milbank grad recruitment work then…

 

[Donuttime]

Thanks for the helpful posts on this. It's useful to see what you all think.

My sense at the moment is to stick to one thread. I think GIFs are fine. Many of you make me laugh with your posts, and I find it lightens up what is otherwise a very intense process.

I'd just be mindful not to overdo it. In short, please keep in mind that thousands of people read these threads, and if you *just* post back-to-back GIFs, it makes it hard for everyone to find useful information.

I'm also in the early stages of re-designing the forum. I know it's hard to find information in these very long threads, which I'm hoping to fix.

Finally, as one of you said, please also try not to argue. If there's something you don't like, please report it/message me. I'll always look into it and come back to you. Sometimes, you might not see an action right away, but that's always because we are reviewing it, not because we don't think it's an issue. The more you quote a post you don't like and argue back, the more it escalates the situation for everyone.

Thank you!

Thanks for this Jaysen!! Particularly this point I'd just be mindful not to overdo it. In short, please keep in mind that thousands of people read these threads, and if you *just* post back-to-back GIFs, it makes it hard for everyone to find useful information. I think I alongside others, that was my main qualm but happy you addressed this!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Did anyone apply to TLT, Osborne Clarke or Covington last year, and if so, around how long after the deadline did you hear back? I've just realised their deadlines have passed so we should hear back soon I imagine.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

So how late do we think Milbank grad recruitment work then…

If it's anything like Milbank trainees, then the question is how early in the morning do they work until 🤣

 

[WillKitchen]

I’m on the train home after visiting the Cooley London office again this evening for an edtech event. It was very cool to get involved with tech startups and investors.

I spoke to many different clients and lawyers, from UK, US and European offices, including TCLA alumnus Ram Sabaratnam. Really nice to catch up again!

Cooley really went above and beyond to support me. Super impressed!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Can someone confirm my suspicions here?

I was rereading my RS pfo because I clearly have a penchant for pain and noticed the wording implied they reviewed application responses post blended assessment.

My DTC pfo last cycle was worded differently. Did everyone who got a PFO post sjt and vi get the same wording?

 

[abc124]

Can someone confirm my suspicions here?

I was rereading my RS pfo because I clearly have a penchant for pain and noticed the wording implied they reviewed application responses post blended assessment.

My DTC pfo last cycle was worded differently. Did everyone who got a PFO post sjt and vi get the same wording?

I got rejected in Dec and it said 'We have now had the opportunity to review your High Potential Legal Assessment', maybe they have a few templates to make the emails seem more 'personalised'? lol

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Good news tomorrow please. Want something in between all the PFOs... it gives me hope that many who had a lot of PFOs are starting to get AC offers.

Well done to everybody today, and good luck for tomorrow!

 

[BealMcAlly]

I got rejected in Dec and it said 'We have now had the opportunity to review your High Potential Legal Assessment', maybe they have a few templates to make the emails seem more 'personalised'? lol

Maybe, just feel the addition of 'application responses' indicates otherwise.

 

[Jaysen]

I’m on the train home after visiting the Cooley London office again this evening for an edtech event. It was very cool to get involved with tech startups and investors.

I spoke to many different clients and lawyers, from UK, US and European offices, including TCLA alumnus Ram Sabaratnam. Really nice to catch up again!

Cooley really went above and beyond to support me. Super impressed!

So nice to hear this. We miss Ram!

 

[abc124]

Maybe, just feel the addition of 'application responses' indicates otherwise.

Oh wait actually I thought 'High Potential Legal Assessment' meant the SJT + VI but the invite seems to suggest it was the way they referred to the SJT only. So maybe they do hint at the reason for the rejection in the email?! For me it'd defo make sense, I got a 22 in the SJT

 

[Rads]

Milbank needs to PFO me right now, I took Stage 1 mid December!!

 

[WillKitchen]

So nice to hear this. We miss Ram!

He’s doing a great job on his TC. We have a similar background in academia, so it’s really inspiring to see!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Oh wait actually I thought 'High Potential Legal Assessment' meant the SJT + VI but the invite seems to suggest it was the way they referred to the SJT only. So maybe they do hint at the reason for the rejection in the email?! For me it'd defo make sense, I got a 22 in the SJT

I got a 26 this cycle which I thought met the benchmark.

What irks me is that they fully claim they review application answers at stage 1 and tests and vi are selective. They have said a few times in virtual events that once they review your application, they don't look at it again and the VI is reviewed independently.

Clearly they changed their game now.

 

[trainee4u]

So how late do we think Milbank grad recruitment work then…

I got an email from them last year about my AC at 1am, so .... later than that.

 

[EfficientBag123]

did they get back?

No

 

[EfficientBag123]

Hi! Just wondering did you receive your Baker McKenzie AC invite today?

I don’t have one yet