TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

From what I heard from Reed Smith's GR team, they don't stop reviewing before the deadline. @Abbie Whitlock can probably confirm if this is true hah

 

[spamelinazoid]

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

but assuming the window is still open does this usually affect the outcome of applications if they are successfully submitted?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Has anyone else not received the test or the holding email from FieldFisher? I applied on deadline day and haven't heard anything but I know people have received emails saying their applications are on hold.
(This is for the pathways to practice scheme)

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Does anyone know if it's worth still applying to Gibson Dunn given the fact they're already giving out interviews?

Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?

 

[user55998384]

Has anyone else not received the test or the holding email from FieldFisher? I applied on deadline day and haven't heard anything but I know people have received emails saying their applications are on hold.
(This is for the pathways to practice scheme)

i applied on the deadline too but havent heard anything!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

hey I agree with what Novaa said, but also, I just wanted to say - don't give up! If this is what you really want, then I trust with my whole heart that you will get it eventually. I've talked to trainees who said it took them over 4-6 times of applying (some with gap years in between cycles) to finally get their first AC, so the fact that you managed to get a VS is telling in itself of your abilities! I think this application cycle is just a bit worse off since the market is kinda poor rn and competition is higher than ever...

Everyone's timelines are different (and btw, the average age of a trainee is usually in the high 20s from what I've heard), some firms might like university students since they're easier to teach and mould, but as a grad, you have your own unique set of skills to draw upon that no one else would have! Believe in yourself, and keep going (give yourself rest days too tho), best of luck!!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Thank you!! Yes, you do get a break! There's a button you press when you're ready to proceed to the next question, so you can take the time you need before moving on

Thanks, I'll go ahead and answer the practice and motivational questions first then!

 

[manifestingthetc]

Did anyone else get a holding email from RPC? I just received and i thought it was going to be another PFO (im traumatised)

 

[manifestingthetc]

100% you go girl!! They'll regret missing out on a star like you

I appreciate you!!! :')

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

as in you didnt speak about the OD in your application for HSFK?

Nope. Maybe it's on me but the day didn't reveal to me any additional motivations to join the firm. That may well be very different for others though

 

[shadowboxer909]

Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?

You might as well apply.

They're not going to be finished interviewing in December (ask me how I know...).

 

[adh3]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

If it's any consolation, I can completely relate to this. I'm going through a very similar series of emotions at the moment. I don't have a VS under my belt, but I understand how this could exacerbate negative feelings.

As somebody else on this forum very kindly said to me the other day (when I was crashing out), I'm certain that you're a much stronger candidate than it might seem at the moment. Don't lose hope!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

has anyone heard back from hsfk for summer vs? been refreshing my emails like a maniac

 

[Deleted member 43292]

has anyone heard back from hsfk for summer vs? been refreshing my emails like a maniac

probably a good thing you haven't yet - they seem to be sending out PFOs only at the moment, so pray you don't hear back!! I would assume AC invites will be sent in the new year! Good luck!

 

[Sharkfin]

Has anyone heard from Stephenson Harwood?

 

[yk1906]

Anyone heard from Taylor Wessing or Sidley Austin recently?

 

[Amgrad]

Anyone heard from Taylor Wessing or Sidley Austin recently?

They both releasing the outcome in mid jan

 

[johnsmith]

Whattttttt

I’ve still not heard back from milbank for 3 weeks after doing stage 1.

I applied for lev fin is anyone else that’s waiting also lev fin or those progressed what did you apply for.

Got rejected for lev finance today, never got stage 2

 

[nbjani]

hey it incldues a mini sjt, verbal reasoning (you have to read a passage and select the right answer), and two short written exercises (around 200 words each). Good luck!

Super helpful! I’ve never done a written exercise before :/ so is there no motivational section? Seems so odd because there’s no app questions either.

 

[Trophy]

Got rejected for lev finance today, never got stage 2

Wait really I’m soo sorry to hear that.

I thought most get the stage 2. Unless lev fin is more strict maybe you have to write about lev fin in the questions.

May I ask when you applied > did tests and was it for spring or summer?
etc sorry just gauging my fate although never saw myself progressing super far with the firm!

Lucky you have BCLP in interview in Jan