TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Xx123_]

Hi guys please can I have some honest ideas of what you think is going wrong here because I’m getting constant rejections. I’m on my second application cycle, this time taking a far more tailored approach and only applying to firms I’ve interacted with and been to open days at. All of my applications are proofread by people that have secured TCs and I’ve read lots of successful cover letters so I know I’m along the right lines. I have top grades, study at Cambridge, hold society positions, have work experience law and non-law - please help I think I’m being filtered out by these assessments but I’ve been practising them loads

Hi — thanks for being so open about this. I know how frustrating and demoralising it can feel, especially when on paper you’re doing everything “right”.

I really relate to this. I studied at a top law university too (think UCL/LSE/KCL), where it often felt like everyone around me was securing TCs early — we even had multiple people in my cohort get Clifford Chance TCs. Despite strong grades, lots of feedback, and plenty of preparation, I struggled to consistently get past certain stages (particularly ACs). That experience taught me how little these outcomes can reflect ability.

A few important points to keep in mind:

• The process is extremely competitive, and many excellent candidates are filtered out.
• There’s a reason the average age of qualification is around 30 — this journey is rarely linear.
• Rejections at assessment stages are not a reflection of your intelligence or potential.

If you think assessments are the issue, it may help to pinpoint which ones:

• Is it Watson Glaser, job sims, written exercises, or video interviews?
• If it’s Watson Glaser for example, and you’re repeatedly falling out despite lots of practice, it might be worth adjusting strategy rather than assuming it’s a weakness. Many top US firms don’t use WG at all and instead assess candidates through other methods that may better suit your strengths.

If you’re comfortable sharing, what stage do you usually find most difficult and what types of firms are you applying to? And if you’d rather not post publicly, feel free to message me — happy to talk it through.

 

[Amgrad]

Where did the u see the Weil ACs?

Few days ago I think, you can scrolled over as it says he got an email that passed the benchmark, don't know whether it's an instant AC or not as it was not sent to everyone

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Has anyone got ACs from weil?

My friend has

Edit: pls don’t ask me anymore than this because I don’t know anymore than this myself

 

[zonnonomo]

Wow that’s a crazy wg result well done!

Ong zonnonomo I missed youuu

thank you elle woods future a&os trainee i missed u too

 

[Xx123_]

willkie pfo (surprising, cant quite spot a mistake in my application) and linklaters wg result: 37/40 or 97 percentile

Whilst the Willkie PFO may be frustrating, that Linklaters WG score is unreal — 37/40 and 97th percentile is seriously impressive

That should definitely make you a serious contender for the AC!

 

[BealMcAlly]

willkie pfo (surprising, cant quite spot a mistake in my application) and linklaters wg result: 37/40 or 97 percentile

share your secrets! we must learn from you.

 

[Amgrad]

Guys I am start to think why I got waitlisted again and again, do you think they will consider later because of my international status (I am not graduated from british uni) as I might need visa and relocation support, so more work for them.

I think it's not solely because of my hollistic score or waiting for declined TC offers from VS participants or those who failed to secure TC or AC, so left those seats for ppl like me

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone - you might have noticed a few accounts this week posting advice in the forum.

This is part of the assessment process for our new community assistant. I just wanted to make you aware that these are (hopefully helpful!) future trainees giving actual advice.

I realise it's otherwise a bit confusing!

 

[p2bv]

Just to add to all the questions about tests etc, TLT only have the application form and then the AC! No steps in between, obvious caveat you have to have a really strong application but if tests are your weak point, one to look into

 

[Lawschoolmavrick]

One of Covington's questions is: What aspects of Covington’s work, culture or approach stood out to you in your research, and why do they appeal to you personally? How do you see these aligning with the kind of solicitor you hope to become? (300). I'm not sure what sort of things to look for, or even how to discuss, their approach. What typical things would define a firm's approach, or what sort of thing are you expected to recognise?

Hey, I know this question can feel a bit tricky, but it’s really a brilliant opportunity to show that you’ve done thoughtful research and can link what you admire about the firm to the kind of solicitor you hope to become.

For example, as a non-law student, my limited exposure to law initially came from TV shows like Suits and The Good Fight. One thing I noticed from those shows is the emphasis on pro bono work, and I also developed an interest in areas like ESG and competition work. I also realised the kind of lawyer I could be, and the type I didn’t want to be (Harvey!), which was surprisingly helpful for understanding my own values and style.

So, for this question, if i was answering it, I’d research the firm’s stance on pro bono work and how they support their trainees and associates to get involved. Explore my own interests, for instance, ESG or competition work and see if there are any cases or projects the firm has been involved in that genuinely excite you. You can also draw on personal experience from open days or vacation schemes, highlighting what you noticed about the culture and how it resonated with you.

The key is to make it personal but grounded in research. Don’t just say “I like the culture”, explain why and connect it to your own aspirations. Even a few concrete examples will make your answer feel specific and memorable, and will show that you’ve really thought about why Covington is the right place for you.

 

[Amgrad]

Has anyone heard from Dechert post app? I sent my app at the end of Nov (same time as Skadden). Idk how ‘rolling’ Dechert acc is for apps.​

Got invited to WE last week, about 2 weeks to receive for me

 

[Jennifer2003]

Hey, I know this question can feel a bit tricky, but it’s really a brilliant opportunity to show that you’ve done thoughtful research and can link what you admire about the firm to the kind of solicitor you hope to become.

For example, as a non-law student, my limited exposure to law initially came from TV shows like Suits and The Good Fight. One thing I noticed from those shows is the emphasis on pro bono work, and I also developed an interest in areas like ESG and competition work. I also realised the kind of lawyer I could be, and the type I didn’t want to be (Harvey!), which was surprisingly helpful for understanding my own values and style.

So, for this question, if i was answering it, I’d research the firm’s stance on pro bono work and how they support their trainees and associates to get involved. Explore my own interests, for instance, ESG or competition work and see if there are any cases or projects the firm has been involved in that genuinely excite you. You can also draw on personal experience from open days or vacation schemes, highlighting what you noticed about the culture and how it resonated with you.

The key is to make it personal but grounded in research. Don’t just say “I like the culture”, explain why and connect it to your own aspirations. Even a few concrete examples will make your answer feel specific and memorable, and will show that you’ve really thought about why Covington is the right place for you.

Thank you!! I think I just found it tricky because of the word approach! Wasn't entirely sure what to say but this makes a lot more sense, thank you!

 

[confusedbird]

Eversheds pfo, Willkie VI!
If anyone has any tips to share, please do!

 

[Anon Lawyer]

Has anyone had a DLA TI for Birmingham office

 

[M123]

Willkie VI!! If anyone has any insights or advice please share or PM me! This is one of my last apps this cycle so I really need some good news

 

[lawstudent2]

Do Weil usually send multiple rounds of AC offers?

 

[Trophy]

Do Weil usually send multiple rounds of AC offers?

Have you heard back from them?

 

[zonnonomo]

share your secrets! we must learn from you.

honestly knowing theres a right answer makes wgs feel like any other school test; i've used clifford chance's practice test in the past to prep + watched others on YT walkthrough some wg questions

unlike SJT/ cappfin tests like wdym rank what you're gonna do in this specific situation when theres a million variables at play and i'm only privy to a voicemail from jack introducing me to a random teammate

 

[Deleted member 43292]

honestly knowing theres a right answer makes wgs feel like any other school test; i've used clifford chance's practice test in the past to prep + watched others on YT walkthrough some wg questions

unlike SJT/ cappfin tests like wdym rank what you're gonna do in this specific situation when theres a million variables at play and i'm only privy to a voicemail from jack introducing me to a random teammate

That last bit is hilarious, but also good tips!

 

[BealMcAlly]

honestly knowing theres a right answer makes wgs feel like any other school test; i've used clifford chance's practice test in the past to prep + watched others on YT walkthrough some wg questions

unlike SJT/ cappfin tests like wdym rank what you're gonna do in this specific situation when theres a million variables at play and i'm only privy to a voicemail from jack introducing me to a random teammate

I feel you on the SJT/capp tests.

I would almost always ask more questions and I identify with none of the rigid choices provided.