TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hoping we all get good news starting from today and end this app cycle with TCs from our dream firms! Best of luck TCLA gang! 😀​

 

[nbjani]

Right so are we expecting a barrage of emails starting today? Fingers crossed. Do we know if not hearing back from W+C post app/first non-selective assessment is a bad sign? Also any idea if anyone has heard back from HFW post-app yet?

 

[summersun]

Starting this week well with my first Ac invite of 2026 (Shepherd Wedderburn ) !!! So happy !

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

was there a response to this?

I can't speak specifically for this firm, but 99% of the time they are looking for a response to the exact question they asked, and following their language precisely should not be penalised (especially in law).

That's they will not necessarily penalise you if you write about more than one moment here (depending on the recruiter), but there will remain a chance they might, so I would answer the question exactly as stated. However, that's not to say you can't work in background information to justify the moment.
Imo, a big part of law is understanding precise language and wording, and for me that applies to questions.

 

[User2640]

Did the VS at Birketts last year. Just put an academic and work exp referee. Don’t think they check!

Thank you!

 

[EfficientBag123]

Anyone heard from Latham or bakers for spring vac yet?

 

[iklawapps]

Hi : ) I had a question on written exercises if anyone might have an idea.

I understand how people keep saying tailor your format to the assignment, but I'm wondering if anyone had any practical tips on the difference between stuff like if they ask you to write an internal/client email or a memo/note or something else. Besides not using fancy language for clients, I'm not really sure what differences there would be formatting wise. Does anyone have any tips or know of any exemplars?

Also, ik that TCLA did a written exercise workshop in December, but I couldn't attend. Is there a recording on that anywhere by any chance 🥺

Thank you in advance for your help < 3

 

[radssss]

Early in the morning right now, but why are there no influx of emails in my inbox😡

 

[kysharsh]

Hi! Very long shot but I have a Milbank AC on Jan 7th which I sadly may not be able to attend due to work commitments. They weren't able to offer a later date, so I thought about asking here in case one of you has the same problem and would like to swap dates (if it's even allowed, not quite sure yet). I realise this is super unlikely but do lmk

I think it may be allowed because they did email me asking if I could come in on the 7th(I couldn't) as a student had dropped out and they needed to fill a slot.
I am assuming you are that student. Hopefully they can find someone, and u get a later date. I know how much it can suck to come this close to something and then lose it because of something that's not in your control

 

[congrades]

Hey! Does anyone know what the HL job sim entails, please? It says there are timed and untimed elements and I was wondering if someone could provide an overview? (PS I’m not asking for any answers!)

 

[c.t.tc]

Early in the morning right now, but why are there no influx of emails in my inbox😡

My thoughts too😡

 

[radssss]

My thoughts too😡

🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[EfficientBag123]

My thoughts too😡

I’m currently crashing out massively. I just want an email from grad rec. I emailed Travers Smith about their application in the hope of getting a reply. Just to feel something.

 

[Bree]

Hello I needed help with HL Stage 2 insights, can help with Milbank Stage 1, Freshfields Stage 2, Macfarlanes Stage 1-2, Latham Stage 1-2,Travers interview, Mayer Brown OA. Please let me know!

 

[radssss]

Wow my message was lucky for me, hogan Lovells job simulation invite!

Did not expect this as I really messed up my first stage test and lost internet connection too (took 6 mins on one Wg ques because I was fixing my net🤣)

I would be very grateful for any insight.

Also are applications reviewed before this stage is sent or is it sent just bacause you pass the first test?

 

[Maria56]

How long did Milbank take to send you stage 2? I did mine last Friday evening, however, I have not received anything yet. Is it a PFO?

 

[TS.Law]

How long did Milbank take to send you stage 2? I did mine last Friday evening, however, I have not received anything yet. Is it a PFO?

Hi, 3-4 working days ish

 

[jamsparkle]

Anyone heard from Latham or bakers for spring vac yet?

people ask about Latham every day... I'm sure that once people start hearing, we won't be able to hear the end of it

 

[Prudentia]

How long did Milbank take to send you stage 2? I did mine last Friday evening, however, I have not received anything yet. Is it a PFO?

It hasn’t been a full working day yet, so don’t panic.

 

[yasmars]

people ask about Latham every day... I'm sure that once people start hearing, we won't be able to hear the end of it

Same with Freshfields DTC