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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
To be honest, I've felt somewhat validated over the past year because law firms haven't exactly practiced what they've preached.I don’t mean to get soppy on here, but does anyone have some tips on how to deal with rejection? This is my first proper VS application cycle (I’ve applied to a handful previously but didn’t take it as seriously as I am now) and two firms that I really love have rejected me lol. They were the ones at the top of my list. I know it’s not a personal thing and I know it’s competitive, but how do you all motivate yourselves to push through despite the inevitable rejections you encounter along the way? Would love any advicex
You can probably guess what I'm alluding to here which does make me feel somewhat better lol.
Hello!
I would agree with other forum users on this point - I don't think that mentioning Paul, Weiss' developing litigation practice is a red flag in itself, especially if it is framed in a way that shows genuine awareness of the firm's broader strategy and focus areas. I think it is important to mention that you are also interested in the firm's core strengths (e.g. private equity), but as you have stated that you do mention an interest in this, I can't imagine mentioning litigation would be a problem
If you positioned it as one of several points (for example, acknowledging the firm's elite transactional work while expressing curiosity about how it's building out its litigation practice) I think this shows good commercial awareness. It shows you understand the firm's expansion and want to see how that integrates with its core practice areas.
As long as your application shows an interest in Paul, Weiss for its current strengths as well, it's unlikely your application will get binned for mentioning their growing litigation practice!
Hint: Paul, Weiss was heavily criticized for being the first firm to do this.
I'm not naive and I realize that law firms have to face commercial realities but it made me feel that values really are quite hollow when push came to shove. I guess it makes me feel better when I get rejected but I'd also face commercial reality myself if I was offered a role at a firm like Paul, Weiss as I would be the first to accept with really no qualms about it
HeyI don’t mean to get soppy on here, but does anyone have some tips on how to deal with rejection? This is my first proper VS application cycle (I’ve applied to a handful previously but didn’t take it as seriously as I am now) and two firms that I really love have rejected me lol. They were the ones at the top of my list. I know it’s not a personal thing and I know it’s competitive, but how do you all motivate yourselves to push through despite the inevitable rejections you encounter along the way? Would love any advice
I totally get where you're coming from - it really does sting, even when you know it's not personal at all. It's hard not to feel deflated after putting so much effort in, especially at firms you were most excited about.
I would really echo the sentiment from other forum users that rejection is redirection - I was devastated after each application I didn't progress for or VS I didn't convert but ultimately, I've ended up with a TC at the firm that is genuinely the best fit for me. Rejection doesn't mean you're not good enough - it just means that you weren't the right fit for that specific process at that time, and there are so many factors that go into these processes that have nothing to do with your potential or capability.
I think it's important to try to reframe it as part of the learning curve rather than setback. Each application makes you sharper and more confident - you start understanding how to tailor it better, communicate more clearly, and really refine your narrative and profile as a candidate. Even if it doesn't feel that way right now, you are learning and getting closer with every application. It's okay to take a breather before diving back in, and you can come back with more perspective and energy.
Everyone who eventually lands a VS or TC has had their fair share of "no's" along the way (and I've had more than I can count!). The most important thing in this competitive process is to remain reflective and resilient - all you need is that one yes!
You're clearly putting in the work and care - that will pay off! Sending lots of good vibes and encouragement your way, and we'll be here to cheer you on
Thank you so much Abbie!!Hey
I totally get where you're coming from - it really does sting, even when you know it's not personal at all. It's hard not to feel deflated after putting so much effort in, especially at firms you were most excited about.
I would really echo the sentiment from other forum users that rejection is redirection - I was devastated after each application I didn't progress for or VS I didn't convert but ultimately, I've ended up with a TC at the firm that is genuinely the best fit for me. Rejection doesn't mean you're not good enough - it just means that you weren't the right fit for that specific process at that time, and there are so many factors that go into these processes that have nothing to do with your potential or capability.
I think it's important to try to reframe it as part of the learning curve rather than setback. Each application makes you sharper and more confident - you start understanding how to tailor it better, communicate more clearly, and really refine your narrative and profile as a candidate. Even if it doesn't feel that way right now, you are learning and getting closer with every application. It's okay to take a breather before diving back in, and you can come back with more perspective and energy.
Everyone who eventually lands a VS or TC has had their fair share of "no's" along the way (and I've had more than I can count!). The most important thing in this competitive process is to remain reflective and resilient - all you need is that one yes!
You're clearly putting in the work and care - that will pay off! Sending lots of good vibes and encouragement your way, and we'll be here to cheer you on
Similar to everyone else, I don't think this is an issue. I've submitted a 2nd application for the Open Day with significant changes this time and one of those changes includes noting their stated objective of providing a full-service offering in London which inevitably includes Litigation.
I think it's also been reported in a few places that there's been a shift among PE firms towards hiring one firm for almost everything to save costs rather than hiring one firm for finance and M&A, another for antitrust, and another for tax/employment on a single transaction. At the very least, it was part of a discussion I recently had with a structured finance partner at CC at an event two weeks ago.
How long does the Mayer Brown first test take, am trying to figure out when to do it this week and am not sure how much time to set aside?
Can anyone who has taken Cleary's WGT temme if it's similar to or tougher than the CC WGT (both have the same provider)!
struggled to understand what you were “alluding to” at so asked ChatGPT incase anyone else wanted to know !Hint: Paul, Weiss was heavily criticized for being the first firm to do this.
I'm not naive and I realize that law firms have to face commercial realities but it made me feel that values really are quite hollow when push came to shove. I guess it makes me feel better when I get rejected but I'd also face commercial reality myself if I was offered a role at a firm like Paul, Weiss as I would be the first to accept with really no qualms about it
Likely OK, but you should try pushing for an 80pct+ score (heard some firms cutoff around 70--buffer to be safe). Practice helps a ton; pattern recognition etc. I started around the 50/60th pct and after a few weeks of consistent practice managed 90pct+'s. That said, a strong WG score alone isn't enough, got 99th pct for Links last year but wasn't progressed past stage 1...
Love the pfp/user by the way. LOL
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