TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Dannie]

I applied on the deadline itself last year and got the AC so its definitely worth a try

thank you watsonglazed donut

 

[Chriss]

has jones day sent out ACs for their summer scheme? or interviews? havent applied yet and wondering if its worth applying

 

[Dannie]

Has anyone passed HSF test?

 

[legallybrunette8]

Nvm B&B post-VI PFO just came through. That's my top choice firm gone LMAO

 

[p2bv]

Bird and Bird PFO post VI for summer

 

[Elsie07777]

Anyone heard back from Weil or Simmons & Simmons after VI?

 

[AMullin]

Just had an invite for Reed Smith assessment and VI - anyone know if its automatic or does that mean I actually passed a paper sift...? I applied on 22/11.

 

[Amgrad]

Just had an invite for Reed Smith assessment and VI - anyone know if its automatic or does that mean I actually passed a paper sift...? I applied on 22/11.

It's not automatic, there were plenty of people got PFO post app at Reed Smith, including reapplicants

 

[anon78365222111]

For everyone that did CMS VI do you think they’ll reply to us before Christmas?

 

[applicant457]

is the Clyde & co OA different from the VI?

 

[Vakil]

Nvm B&B post-VI PFO just came through. That's my top choice firm gone LMAO

I’m really sorry about this. Doesn’t mean you won’t end up somewhere even better. Onwards and upwards.

 

[wooliewoo]

Is it just me or has the process of applying to numerous firms been so demoralising, especially this year? I completely understand that the competition is harsh, but the feeling of having to be perfect during every stage of the long 4-5 stage process for a vac is so draining, not to mention that half the firms won't even read the app you spent hours on unless you pass their benchmark or have specifically what they look for. I am so burnt out already, and having received some rejections I feel quite hopeless of securing a TC by the end of university. What's worse is I don't know whether sacrificing some uni work to do these apps will even be worth it. Good luck to everyone, as this process definitely isn't easy 🙃

 

[RSC2001]

Has anyone passed HSF test?

Yeah, I got an email saying I passed a few hours after I did it

 

[deejaykay]

Left my Bird & Bird app way too late. Can anyone shed some light on the question: "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?" Is it a genuine question on the sector, or am I meant to tie this back to B&B? Or is it in fact a redundant question, because an opportunity for the sector is an opportunity for B&B? HELP!

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Anyone heard positively from the following?

Willkie Farr & Gallagher - post-Video Interview

Weil, Gotshal & Manges - post SJT

Clifford Chance - Post-WG (direct TC app)

Clifford Chance was a rejection today. No I won't be answering DMs. It's always the asme questions honestly. When did you apply etc etc. Time to focus on the future.

 

[wooliewoo]

Left my Bird & Bird app way too late. Can anyone shed some light on the question: "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?" Is it a genuine question on the sector, or am I meant to tie this back to B&B? Or is it in fact a redundant question, because an opportunity for the sector is an opportunity for B&B? HELP!

Hi! I personally answered the Q like this: (1) Describe some recent news / updates and how it's affected individuals / clients. (2) Highlight one of their sectors, and explain how they could help or what kind of work they would receive as a result of this news and be specific e.g., renegotiating insurance contracts. (3) Result e.g., can expand the firm's client base, strengthen their expertise in that sector etc., Hope this helps and good luck

 

[johnsmith]

Clifford Chance was a rejection today. No I won't be answering DMs. It's always the asme questions honestly. When did you apply etc etc. Time to focus on the future.

Sorry to hear, and also got a no today for DTC.

 

[Mariam Beldishevski]

Bird & Bird PFO with no VI. i thought i had done well aswell hahaa

 

[abc124]

Are there any commercial awareness questions in the Weil VI?

Actually if anyone has insight into the Weil VI, I could help with Reed Smith, Mayer Brown, Freshfields, Hogan Lovells VIs (also A&O but I think it's closed already?)

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Does anyone have any tips for answering Macfarlanes' VS Q:

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? Max 300 words

For example, should I connect my own experience's to the firm's values, or more their strategy / work e.g., private client work, buddy firm strategy etc.,? Thank you!

Old boy's clearly a Macfarlanes man, through and through.