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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Stupid suggestion incoming but have you tried applying to regional offices/regional law firms?

They're a lot easier to get to AC stage from personal experience - I've been rejected from the larger firms but the regional ones come through.

Everyone applies to the high-paying Magic Circle/US firms but there are a lot of regional offices out there.
Tbh no as I really want to work in competition and hopefully be seconded to Brussels. So regional firms have not been on my mind.
 
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I think everyone needs a break. And just a reminder - assume the best of intentions from people. If something is clearly rude, ignore and report. I understand everyone is stressed but no more fighting/arguing/whatever or you'll all go in the get along shirt.
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Alfredo1234

Standard Member
Dec 23, 2025
7
44
Chill. I got 12 PFOs and 5 Holding emails so far, will be applied to 38 firms by end of this month if there is no AC yet.
38!!! My opinion may be of little value to you but honestly I would try spend far more time on each individual application. I have applied to 10 so far. Currently at 1SVS and 1 PFO, waiting on 8. I know everyone works differently but I’ve found spending longer on each application and prioritising quality over quantity is best way forward.
 
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soph107048

Star Member
Premium Member
Aug 22, 2025
25
26
might be a stupid question but for VI’s with seriously loaded questions, does lack of eye contact shoot you in the foot? ie i had to look at the question constantly to ensure i wasnt missing anything or waffling, and am unsure whether thats something that would classify as lack of engagement
 
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Donuttime

Legendary Member
Premium Member
May 17, 2021
290
348
might be a stupid question but for VI’s with seriously loaded questions, does lack of eye contact shoot you in the foot? ie i had to look at the question constantly to ensure i wasnt missing anything or waffling, and am unsure whether thats something that would classify as lack of engagement
this was me for reed smith omg, i dont think its that big of a deal?
 

Afraz Akhtar

Legendary Member
Staff member
Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    171
    387
    If a firm says they are CV-blind, at interview can I not mention my university eg I am part of a society and it slips out?
    @gmcaolaw you can mention it if you choose to, however the general consensus is to avoid highlighting any personal details so as to avoid any unconscious bias - or a risk of it at the very least. Yet, this is for your benefit and not theirs - so if you'd like to mention it, then go ahead :)
     
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    Donuttime

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    May 17, 2021
    290
    348
    I think everyone needs a break. And just a reminder - assume the best of intentions from people. If something is clearly rude, ignore and report. I understand everyone is stressed but no more fighting/arguing/whatever or you'll all go in the get along shirt.
    John Lennon Love GIF by INTO ACTION


    a83a8083c67501c333c12e867bb7fcb0.jpg
    I agree Jessica!! lets adopt a "See it, ignore it, report it" strategy :) :) :) will adopt this going forward haha. But lets also try not to be rude because there are no silly questions on this forum!!
     
    Agreed, but I have graduated. Last cycle I applied to only 1 and I made into AC for DTC as I joined the cycle late in Summer. This cycle I applied to more firms as possible since my visa would end this year and more experience to align with firms. I barely progressed on VS app as it probably not suit me or it's more competitive.
    38!!! My opinion may be of little value to you but honestly I would try spend far more time on each individual application. I have applied to 10 so far. Currently at 1SVS and 1 PFO, waiting on 8. I know everyone works differently but I’ve found spending longer on each application and prioritising quality over quantity is best way forward.
     

    JasmineM9

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 23, 2019
    193
    349
    Anyone still waiting on the following:

    Milbank post stage 1 (did the test on 6th of Jan

    Weil post VI - did the test 22 December (leaning towards a pfo and that is ok)

    Linklaters spring - post WG/ Capp got excellence and working with others as strengths and got resource and work management as weakeness.

    Goodwin Post VI - haven’t seen any progressions yet so low priority atm.

    Kirkland post app - I have already crossed it off on my tracker but my traitor heart is still holding hope !

    Vinson & Elkins - applied recently so not expecting any action just yet.

    The last I heard from a firm was 4 weeks ago, this is so frustrating🥺
     
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    soph107048

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 22, 2025
    25
    26
    this was me for reed smith omg, i dont think its that big of a deal?
    did you end up making it through to the next stage if I may ask? cause im so worried itll appear as me reading off of something rather than sanity-checking whether im rambling about the correct topic. lmao I hope this one is not a RIP cause I feel the overall answers were otherwise good.
     

    Donuttime

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    May 17, 2021
    290
    348
    did you end up making it through to the next stage if I may ask? cause im so worried itll appear as me reading off of something rather than sanity-checking whether im rambling about the correct topic. lmao I hope this one is not a RIP cause I feel the overall answers were otherwise good.
    no unfortunately didnt progress through but i dont think looking every so often is a bad thing
     
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