TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[JBM]

Congrats! is this for spring or summer please (gdc)

spring

 

[johnsmith]

HL rejection is finally through!

 

[Chelsea101]

For those who applied to CMS, did you get sent the Watson immediately? Or was it more like a few days after? Thanks!!

 

[Amgrad]

Has anyone received the invite yet for the 2nd Meet?

I did on Monday! Today is the deadline for RSVP

 

[Bread]

Any Davis Polk open day invites/rejections? It's on tuesday...

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

 

[DavidJC]

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

Seems like it, I got the same, and had an identically worded email for the one last month too

 

[johnafleck6]

They do something called PHirst Steps which is a 1 week work experience for both students and graduates. But I can’t find any info that this scheme will lead to a TC

Hey, I did their PHirst Steps scheme this summer. It is basically a vac scheme in the sense that it leads to a final interview (process is expedited as opposed to applying for direct TC). After this, they do offer TC's if you're successful.

 

[A worried paralegal]

Any Davis Polk open day invites/rejections? It's on tuesday...

Just got a reserve list spot

 

[A worried paralegal]

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

Me too

 

[A worried paralegal]

Does anyone know how long it takes Mayer Brown to get back to us after completing the online assessment and VI?

They took 3 months last yr

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Gimme unlimited prep time

 

[l789]

Hey, I did their PHirst Steps scheme this summer. It is basically a vac scheme in the sense that it leads to a final interview (process is expedited as opposed to applying for direct TC). After this, they do offer TC's if you're successful.

Hey could I ask what advice you would give for the application questions. Is it possible to DM you about this?

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

 

[boots pharmacy]

There's something about the Freshfields vi that causes chaos to happen

Literally... some stranger started buzzing my doorbell in the middle of my first VI, caused a commotion.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

I always aim for a minimum of 80% of the word count. Usually this is the first impression a firm will have of you so it's key to show you took the time to fully engage with their questions; show them that you care (even if you don't lol). Also, you can always find another sentence or 2 that is relevant to the question + you won't have to worry about it then. If your application gets rejected, at least you won't question whether it was due to the lack of words you wrote.

 

[jojo23]

Literally... some stranger started buzzing my doorbell in the middle of my first VI, caused a commotion.

Freshfields: putting the 'magic' into magic circle.



They should pay me for this tagline (I will accept a tc).

 

[RJ Ruban]

For those who applied to CMS, did you get sent the Watson immediately? Or was it more like a few days after? Thanks!!

Watched there TikTok’s - they’ve said they screen applications and then send Watson glaser so looks at your written application and then consider whether you can go to the next stage.
Depends on the location, but they do send Watson Glaser before hand to some applicants but didn’t specify time or date

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

wnc wvs offer

And gibson dunn offer same day. best day of my life

Huge congratulations - what an amazing day!!! You should definitely take the time to celebrate - you've earned it!

 

[Deleted member 38167]

@Abbie Whitlock can you please delete my account? I have messaged privately and on here, could you kindly provide some assistance

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

Hey!

It's generally a good idea to use as much of the word count as you reasonably can, since the limit is there to give you enough space to fully develop your points. However, being a bit under is usually fine - what matters most is that everything you include is clear, strong, and relevant to the question being asked.

If you still have some words left over, you could see whether there is an opportunity to add a bit more context or detail to an experience, or include an extra example or piece of evidence to strengthen your answer. That said, I would avoid adding filler just to reach the exact number - a strong and concise answer generally comes across better than adding filler that is unfocused.

Best of luck with your application!