TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Do firms know if you have completed their forage work experience? Is it useful to complete them?

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744,

While I can't advise on the firms' tracking policies regarding the completion of Forage experiences, I'd say that there are definitely a few pros to completing them:

• You can use the experience as a way to demonstrate your interest in a specific practice area at a firm. The trainee-level tasks you complete can serve as good evidence for your motivations.
• You may discover more refined, in-depth information about the firm's day-to-day work and broader strategy. What sort of tasks can trainees anticipate to complete at the firm? In what specific ways does this align with you?
• Finally, it's also a great way to practise your writing, research, and presentation skills in the context of legal work.

However, I'd say that if you don't have the time to complete a Forage experience, it's definitely not the end of the world. You can still write a compelling and well-researched application without it. Good luck!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Tbh I think that is a big part of it. Jones Day seems to place quite a lot of importance on grades, last year I was on mid 2:1 and didnt get to interview, then i graduated with a first this year and i did

Thank you for the info!

 

[tosin4774]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina, when in September can I expect the TCLA Scholarship Programme to be opened?

 

[FAS444]

just got mayer brown OA

 

[Amz2006]

Just got my Jones Day interview!

hey which scheme did you apply for winter or spring and when did you apply

 

[Tyler2203]

Has anyone received an invitation for Gibson Dunn’s SJT? I heard that they were implementing one this year, but I applied on Friday and haven’t heard anything since.

Many thanks 😀

 

[Joey green]

From what I understand, sometimes when firms are rolling you can ignore it but other times it pays to be early. Is that correct?

 

[ZNadeem]

From what I understand, sometimes when firms are rolling you can ignore it but other times it pays to be early. Is that correct?

Hi! Honestly, I’d say if it’s a firm you’re really keen on, try your best to apply within the first third of the window. Even for firms that aren’t rolling, being early can sometimes help. That said, for many rolling firms, they don’t actually start progressing people until much later — but personally I wouldn’t risk leaving it too late.

 

[raymokhan]

just got mayer brown OA

do you have any tips/know anyone who's done it and what comes up?

 

[zara elles]

Can firms see what I have submitted for my forage work exp assessments. I did I bulk of them during exams last year and rushed a few that definitely arent my best work - is it worth redoing them or not mentioning them at all?

 

[cheeseontoast]

i attended a masterclass/virtual event from paul weiss last year, and I am applying their open day. Would it hinder my chance if i mentioned that i attended their virtual event last year? since the nature of these events are quite similar. Would the recruiment manager saw this and be like: "oooh this person attended a similar event, let's save their spot for someone who never attended our insight event"?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi! Honestly, I’d say if it’s a firm you’re really keen on, try your best to apply within the first third of the window. Even for firms that aren’t rolling, being early can sometimes help. That said, for many rolling firms, they don’t actually start progressing people until much later — but personally I wouldn’t risk leaving it too late.

Hello @ZNadeem
I wanted to apply to Mayer brown but I really would like to attend an open day before I submit my application. So, is it better to wait until after the open day to apply, or should I just submit earlier? The open day would be towards the end of October and Mayer Brown is rolling.

 

[Shahenshah]

For all those with Jones Day interviews, is it for the winter scheme or the later ones?

Winter for me

 

[Shahenshah]

For those who got a jones interview, Congratulations!!!
I just wanted to ask if you all got high 2.1's or first
Thank you!

I got a 2.2 in my first year, 2.1 in my second and third, and then First in my fourth, graduating with a First

 

[Shahenshah]

hey which scheme did you apply for winter or spring and when did you apply

Winter, 3rd Sep

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Quick question- how do you get TCL A Gold this year? I can’t seem to find it on the main page like I did last year. The only option I see is Premium. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[jojo23]

Is Freshfields's WG automatically this year? I saw on their website "Within 72 working hours of submitting your application, you’ll receive an invitation to complete our online assessment."

Are you sure it's a wg? The wording of it sounds like it could be an sjt or behavioural one.. "This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.

We encourage you to approach the online assessment authentically and thoughtfully – it’s your opportunity to show us how you think and work."

 

[noahsmiit01]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic SJT with VI or just SJT only?

 

[dannyp123]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic WG with VI or just WG only?

Wait do you mean their SJT with VI?

 

[dannyp123]

For those who applied for the A&O Winter Vac Scheme, do they send an automatic SJT with VI or just SJT only?

Yeah it's an SJT combined with some numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning questions. Then a few motivational VI questions come up. You can find more info here: https://earlycareersuk.aoshearman.c...nal-judgement-test-what-it-and-how-prepare-it