TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Goodbyetc]

I think I was just told in December at some point. As far as I know though no one has gotten an AC or PFO in this thread yet so guessing decisions haven’t been made. People are still on WG stage so idk when we’ll hear

Thank you! For some reason I thought the ACs were late dec early jan no clue why I think I’d blanked at that point

 

[deejaykay]

Hi!

I'd say it is a sector-focused question, but you're not overthinking it - I think it is a good idea to link it back to Bird & Bird as well! The aim is to show you understand an industry they specialise in and can assess the commercial implications for clients and the firm.

I would pick one sector (such as tech, life sciences, energy, etc.), identify a specific opportunity for that the firm can utilise (i.e. AI regulation opening advisory work, renewable tech investment, etc.) and then explain why this creates work for Bird & Bird and how the firm is well-placed to help clients.

So it's not redundant - the key is showing that you can spot a sector trend and think commercially about its impact. If you can explain how this opportunity could drive client needs and the type of work Bird & Bird might be involved in, it demonstrates that you understand both the sector and the firm's positioning in it.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Thanks, Abbie, that helps a lot. With this and @wooliewoo's advice, I feel more confident approaching this. Thanks so much for the outline. Super grateful for this community keeping me sane.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If an application has a (1) Why firm question and (2) question about one of their sectors of your choice, if I mention a primary reason for applying is based on a specific sector-strength in q (1), is it best to talk about that same sector in q (2) or does that make me seem a bit limited in my interests?

Hi!

I'd say it's completely fine to talk about the same sector in both questions - in fact, it can make your application feel more focused, as long as you add new depth rather than repeating yourself.

In the "Why firm?" answer, you'd frame the sector as one reason you're drawn to them (e.g. their reputation, clients, recent deals, etc.). Then in the sector-specific question, you'd go deeper and discuss the trends, opportunities, risks, and how the firm could respond.

You won't look limited unless you only talk about that sector across the entire application. Therefore, if you're concerned, I would briefly reference other appealing areas that they practice in - but keeping one consistent sector thread can make your motivations look intentional and genuine.

I hope that helps!

 

[Lawlawland]

Goodwin and Kirkland have such long applications I almost wanna give up applying smh.

No WGT or SJT is the sole fuel that's driving me to apply there at this point.

 

[whywhy88]

In my cover letter, is it okay to refer to Norton Rose Fulbright in full once, and refer to them as NRF throughout the rest of the answer? Or is it better to just say the firm's full name every time?

 

[londonlawyer]

Has anyone tried to ask Freshfields for WG scores?

 

[Lawlawland]

Anyone here attended the RPC insights day?

I remember them telling something about the strikingly real question but I can't figure it out from my notes... I would highly appreciate if you could DM me.

Happy to help with other open Day insights

 

[anon78365222111]

Hi, I have a presentation coming up at an AC where I have 30 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to present. I've never done this before, do you have tips on how to approach this, how I could start to engage them and how to structure it and just general tips to stand out. Thank you, p.s there's no slides. @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[Lawlawland]

Hogan Lovells stage online immersive assessment was very similar to the Freshfields one, and exactly why it was daunting.

I attended their Open Day and wrote a solid application for it, smh

 

[Lawlawland]

I would like some insights on the Linklaters feedback report:

It says my strengths are Critical thinking and Resilience, does it mean I have passed the WGT part of that test?

And is Resource and Work Management being the weekend a bad thing?

 

[BM99]

If you pass the stage 1, it is automatic.

Didn't realise I have to pass stage 1 to get stage 2! Did the grad recruitment say that?

 

[BM99]

I would like some insights on the Linklaters feedback report:

It says my strengths are Critical thinking and Resilience, does it mean I have passed the WGT part of that test?

And is Resource and Work Management being the weekend a bad thing?

I think for WGT they look more into the second WGT you will receive after the Capp assessment.

For resource and work management I think there were people getting this as weakness in previous years, and they progressed to AC.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Hi!

I'd say it's completely fine to talk about the same sector in both questions - in fact, it can make your application feel more focused, as long as you add new depth rather than repeating yourself.

In the "Why firm?" answer, you'd frame the sector as one reason you're drawn to them (e.g. their reputation, clients, recent deals, etc.). Then in the sector-specific question, you'd go deeper and discuss the trends, opportunities, risks, and how the firm could respond.

You won't look limited unless you only talk about that sector across the entire application. Therefore, if you're concerned, I would briefly reference other appealing areas that they practice in - but keeping one consistent sector thread can make your motivations look intentional and genuine.

I hope that helps!

This is so helpful thank you!

 

[Lawlawland]

Didn't realise I have to pass stage 1 to get stage 2! Did the grad recruitment say that?

That's the process.
Last year, I failed stage 1, didn't get stage 2 invite.
This year, I cleared stage 1, and did stage 2 (for OD)

 

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

does anyone know for Latham's 1st test if the camera will be on?

 

[Rads]

Hello, does Macfarlanes allow you to apply for both their VS and TC?

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
What is the general procedure if you've been accepted into a Summer VS, but still have a few applications being considered for other Summer VS. Could you ask them to reconsider you to Spring? Is it worth reaching out now, even before they've decided to progress my application?

 

[AMullin]

I would like some insights on the Linklaters feedback report:

It says my strengths are Critical thinking and Resilience, does it mean I have passed the WGT part of that test?

And is Resource and Work Management being the weekend a bad thing?

For what it’s worth I did the test on 13/11 and the feedback report said my strengths were Commercial Thinking and Working with Others and my weakness was Leadership.

I’ve not heard anything back at all though so assuming PFO.

 

[Trophy]

I would like some insights on the Linklaters feedback report:

It says my strengths are Critical thinking and Resilience, does it mean I have passed the WGT part of that test?

And is Resource and Work Management being the weekend a bad thing?

Those are good results.

I think Resource and work management and leadership are two skills that develop the further you get into your career especially as firms hire people as young as 19 they won’t be expecting a leader but rather a team player.

I’ve attached their framework for you to look at.

 

[Lawlawland]

For what it’s worth I did the test on 13/11 and the feedback report said my strengths were Commercial Thinking and Working with Others and my weakness was Leadership.

I’ve not heard anything back at all though so assuming PFO.

Thanks for the insight!

Regarding the PFO...
From what I heard from them via the Open Day, they don't read application until after the deadline (and 5 more days to allow last day applicants finish the WGT).

So I would encourage you to stay hopeful