TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[routetotrainingcontract]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying

 

[Superfrozone]

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying

This is my exact thoughts!

 

[mg42guy32]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

Likewise and I'm still going to apply to the winter vac anyway haha

 

[User2640]

Hello!

Just to add to previous users, generally, you only capitalise the names of agreements (e.g. share purchase agreement) when you’re referring to a specific, defined document (e.g. “under the Share Purchase Agreement dated X”). If you’re speaking more generally (e.g. “the parties entered into a share purchase agreement”), then I’d keep it lowercase. Just make sure you are consistent throughout!

How about when mentioning practice areas/sectors, is it better to capitalise them? Thank you very much!

 

[TortillaTC]

Weil Insight Day rejection, I did struggle a bit with the application questions though so I'm not too upset about it

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

 

[coolwizard22]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I did their Flying Start Programme last year and the grad rec team said that we should definitely mention if we have met them. It sounds like it's something they look for. However, if you haven't, I wouldn't worry - there are plenty of other ways to have a strong application.

 

[DavidJC]

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

12 Oct on the deadline

 

[c.t.tc]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I mentioned briefly something a trainee said at a law fair I went to but that's all so I don't think it's an absolute deciding factor

 

[lawyersum]

If so, would grad rec possibly give results for the online test? just so one can know what areas to work on since lots of firms are using similar tests this cycle

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

 

[s123]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

 

[johnsmith]

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

The issue for them is that could open up a can of worms for them. You get rejected but know you had a strong score you ultimately may end up asking them why you were rejected - far easier to leave it vague based on the volumes they get.

 

[silonthesofa]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

It obviously always helps to have met the firm, but it's not a deal breaker. I made it through having never interacted with them at all. What you need to do is demonstrate that you know the firm. Mentioning a recent deal of theirs is a good way to do that, or something about them that makes them stand out. Meeting them at events helps to provide that insight, but it's definitely still doable without. Also, I strongly recommend their Forage course. I did it prior to my AC, but it would still help with your VI because you'll really understand what their IP practice is about.

 

[msclm]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

After partner or HR?

 

[s123]

After partner or HR?

partner

 

[Jessica Pearson]

HSF WVS pfo (after passing the test benchmark). Applied 18th Sept

 

[an03]

HSF WVS pfo (after passing the test benchmark). Applied 18th Sept

Same

 

[jacobn04]

HSF Kramer AC for the WS! Any tips? It's next Tuesday...

 

[silonthesofa]

HSF Kramer AC for the WS! Any tips? It's next Tuesday...

@jacobn04 Congrats. That's the first HSF Kramer AC I see. Could I please ask when you applied?

 

[jacobn04]

@jacobn04 Congrats. That's the first HSF Kramer AC I see. Could I please ask when you applied?

I applied hours before it closed on the 1st

 

[Kjaerlighet]

Completed Ashurst Written Case Study last Thursday (9th Oct).

Did not hear anything since.

Anyone heard from Ashurst about progressing onto AC? How long does it take them to tell the results?