If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense? 
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Unfortunately I find it’s always best to set my expectations low in these cases. That way, you’re either prepared or pleasantly surprised!If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?
i got pfo’d from a&o on a saturday
I got mine the day after I submitted my app
Hello all! Really worried about something and would love some guidance! All of my Uni Exams are next week and yet the RS interview deadline is next Friday. I probably won't have time to do it until the deadline day what with revision and sitting the exams. Is this going to negatively impact my application? I understand RS are rolling so quite worried.
*Rapidly spruces up profile, interacts with people and thinks of clever posts to write*
Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith I did my RS test+VI first week of December and have heard nothing since… I think I met their benchmark with my scores + saw that others got PFOd so I’m assuming its down to my VI answers now..
What stage am I likely in atm?? Someone posted here that firms usually put candidates on hold while assessing new incoming test results, so am I in the “maybe AC” pile and will only progress if new test takers aren’t that good? Or should I be expecting a PFO?
What stage am I likely in atm?? Someone posted here that firms usually put candidates on hold while assessing new incoming test results, so am I in the “maybe AC” pile and will only progress if new test takers aren’t that good? Or should I be expecting a PFO?
Idk if I’m explaining clearly, but I think with rolling firms, they would buffer time for this.
So like you and a group of people would have been set a similar deadline for your interview. Then they’ll review your batch collectively once everyone has submitted within the 5/7 days deadline.
I don’t think they’d progress someone who submitted on day 1 of the VI deadline to AC, before someone who did it on day 4 in the same group. And even if they did that, they wouldn’t then not progress the person on day 4 just because they did it 3 days later.
I know rolling deadlines are scary, but I honestly think firms put measures in place to ensure everyone in each batch has a chance to be reviewed.
For a cover letter, is it ok to weave 'why you' throughout the 'why commercial law' and 'why firm' section rather than doing it standalone?
Yes, every part of the cover letter should in some way say 'why you'.
In the 'why commercial law section' you should put experiences and achievements that show why you would be a great commercial lawyer.
In the 'why the firm' section you should show them why you would be a good fit for the firm.
The 'why you' section is just any bonus points at the end that you haven't put in before.
Hey @TortillaTC Abbie is currently on annual leave, so she won't be able to respond to this. However, I would say that if others got a PFO and you haven't, then this is likely indicative of you having passed the benchmark and that they're currently screening through those applications to decide who to take to an AC, but lets wait and see.
Appreciate the waiting game is stressful, but your outcome is not decided until you hear back directly - anything can change e.g. last minute AC drop-outs for which they need to go back to the screening pile etc. It's tempting to contrast to others that have heard back, and try to picture where you're at (especially when you've taken the time and effort to go through the process) but it's better to ignore it and focus on other things until you receive word directly.
Good luck!
anyone know when we will hear back from Kennedys / Stephenson Harwood re. direct TC? Completed Kennedys VI + SH form
if we don't I will march to their office myself and host my own mini vacation sheme xox, tcla limited edition (they're not even replying late I'm just keen to know)
Hey @JustwantaTC I've heard of some firms inviting for AC before sending out their PFO's, just to give them a little safety net in case anyone can't take the AC space, allowing them to then turn back to the pool of candidates. It could be the case here, or it could also be that they're working in phases for AC invites to manage resource a little better. Either way, its hard to know for sure until you receive final word.If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?
Until that PFO hits, anything is still possible, so my best advice would be to ignore the application and remain focused on other things. It's what helped keep me sane with this process.
Would it be better if I write a few words about each Open Day/ Insight Evening attended in the WE section or it is okay either way? (All of them are pooled into one and there are about 8 which I have written in bullet points). @Afraz Akhtar any insight would be helpful, thanks.
I have received passing on the 7th and still waiting
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