TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Sharkfin]

My friend who has a spring vac scheme off the back of the fys (them and the brand ambassadors did an early AC just for them) said that ACs go out in the new year. But this wait is killing me.

An early AC is wild??? Has this always been a thing, I thought it was just open day fast-tracks to AC?

 

[llblawstudent]

Does anyone know how long Paul, Weiss typically takes to get back to people?

IIRC on the TCLA q&a with PW grad rec, they said they’re trying to get back within 2 weeks of the deadline

 

[EfficientBag123]

An early AC is wild??? Has this always been a thing, I thought it was just open day fast-tracks to AC?

Nah the first year scheme fast tracks. But that AC was exclusively people who got fast tracked.

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

IIRC on the TCLA q&a with PW grad rec, they said they’re trying to get back within 2 weeks of the deadline

That’s super helpful! Thank you so much😊

 

[Unknowncabbage]

My friend who has a spring vac scheme off the back of the fys (them and the brand ambassadors did an early AC just for them) said that ACs go out in the new year. But this wait is killing me.

I swear someone on this forum (who was not a BA or on the FYS) claimed they got an AC in Jan for the summer vac scheme before Christmas, which is a bit strange.

 

[whywhy88]

Congrats to those who have gotten NRF VIs! Is anyone who got one wiling to share their arctic shores score? I was really proud of my cover letter but got 3,3,2,1 on the test so am not hopeful 😢

 

[EfficientBag123]

I swear someone on this forum (who was not a BA or on the FYS) claimed they got an AC in Jan for the summer vac scheme before Christmas, which is a bit strange.

I did see that tbf. Maybe they’re doing summer first, which seems a bit strange. I’m just going off what my friend said.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Could’ve abbreviated even more tbf😂😂

 

[EfficientBag123]

Iiterally just thought that I might go back and change it.

 

[Saul_specter]

Hi everyone!
It’s me again back in the game after 10 days as usual 💪🏼😂 before hand I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Secondly I received my first ever AC invite! I’m so nervous, I still cannot believe it, if anyone has any DLA and HSFK AC insights/tips and it’s willing to help me I would appreciate it, I’m willing to help too💕

Now the bit you all want, updating the previous list:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and... AC invite on 22/12🎊 (Spring)

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. Phone interview and benchmark email both 09/12 and… AC invite on 19/12 (London)

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, still no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, test invite 10/12. Now waiting🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells, Bird & Bird, Slaughter and May, Reed Smith and A&O Shearman

*For context I am Non RG, most modules above 70 (only 2 below) and no legal work experience.

when did you apply for slaughters and when did you get the pfo, if you dont mind me asking

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

This is how I know we’re in the trenches of apps cos why have the grammar brigade appeared out of thin air policing people using abbreviations like surely yous can’t be that bored lmao…

 

[llblawstudent]

Is it automatic upon passing the SJT?

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

This is how I know we’re in the trenches of apps cos why have the grammar brigade appeared out of thin air policing people using abbreviations like surely yous can’t be that bored lmao…

was thinking the same thing LMAOAOO

 

[Starfish31]

Just got the Millbank email (woohoo) - For everyone else who did - congrats + did you apply for traditional or lev/fin?

Also if anyone has any insights on Addleshaw Goddard, White&Case or Goodwin Procter it would be greatly appreciated!

Also got the Goodwin VI and woulda appreciate any insights!

 

[KuriTH]

Congrats to those who have gotten NRF VIs! Is anyone who got one wiling to share their arctic shores score? I was really proud of my cover letter but got 3,3,2,1 on the test so am not hopeful 😢

I received NRF VI, my scores were:

How you understand others: 2
How you attend to tasks and decisions: 4
How you respond to change: 4
How you identify patterns and rules: 4

 

[jamsparkle]

that is an awful way to test a candidate at an initial stage, holy hell

at the open day, grad rec said that they had a really hard time differentiating between people when the questions are on the application form bc everyone either uses AI or comes up with the same really polished answers and they want an idea of how you can write and structure your thoughts under time pressure. i dont think they really look at it until you've passed the 2 online assessments tho

 

[anon78365222111]

Congrats to those who have gotten NRF VIs! Is anyone who got one wiling to share their arctic shores score? I was really proud of my cover letter but got 3,3,2,1 on the test so am not hopeful 😢

I got the VI and got 4,5,5,4