TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I'm acc a bit pissed off for not being progressed or getting PFOs like what is even happening...

 

[startupgeek]

Applied to 18 firms and got 4 PFOs so far, and no other ACs . It's already mid-jan I really need some news come onnn

 

[legalbeast]

How do firms actually make offer decisions after an Assessment Centre?
I’m curious how decisions are typically made once candidates reach the AC stage.
Do firms still take a genuinely holistic view at that point (e.g. academic record, prior experience, overall trajectory), or is the decision largely driven by AC performance itself?
More specifically:

• Are candidates scored numerically across exercises (case study, interview, group task, etc.) with certain exercises weighted more heavily?
• If so, do different exercises carry different weight (e.g. case study vs competency interview)?
• Or is there still a degree of discretion and qualitative discussion when deciding who receives offers?

Interested to hear perspectives from trainees, associates, or anyone involved in the recruitment process.

 

[trainee4u]

Cripps online assessment!
Is it bad I forgot that I had submitted an app? It was one of the first apps I submitted (and not one talked about much here).

It's bad for me. Like: what is this online assessment? I did one from the same people for Milbank and it was SJT with some random timed written questions at the end. Do I have to prepare for this ?

 

[nbjani]

Omg just came out of the first half of FLK1 (horrible btw) to a missed call, which turns out to be DLA VS offer. So bloody happy. Now just need to fill in spring and convert one

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Has anybody heard from any of these firms lately cos they’ve been somewhat quiet:

Freshfields post stage 2 (Direct TC)
Skadden post written exercise
Dechert Spring post app (applied 2 Dec)​

 

[startupgeek]

Has anybody heard from any of these firms lately cos they’ve been somewhat quiet:

Freshfields post stage 2 (Direct TC)
Skadden post written exercise
Dechert Spring post app (applied 2 Dec)​

nothing from dechert since app as well but i saw a few ppl got the WE on the forum

 

[LawAspirer]

View attachment 7669

I feel you. Had a bomb application for Bird and Bird and didn't realize they close at 12:00. It's tough..

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Has anyone heard post stage 2 for Milbank with an AC invite since the first batch of invites was sent?

 

[summersun]

It's bad for me. Like: what is this online assessment? I did one from the same people for Milbank and it was SJT with some random timed written questions at the end. Do I have to prepare for this ?

I think it's SJT and VI

 

[kuuks_]

thoughts on likelihood of being progressed to Milbank stage 2?

I completed the stage 1 test a week ago and haven't heard anything. wondering if it's worth holding out hope or coming to terms with a PFO especially since AC invites have gone out

 

[Bree]

Hey does anyone know when we can expect HL to get back after Stage 2?

 

[maylawwww]

thoughts on likelihood of being progressed to Milbank stage 2?

I completed the stage 1 test a week ago and haven't heard anything. wondering if it's worth holding out hope or coming to terms with a PFO especially since AC invites have gone out

At AC they said they have a lot of flexibility in the process and will hold extra ACs for strong applicants, not really any lower chance of being progressed if you apply late.

 

[fTS3002]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

Ive heard that Baker releases AC invites in different batches!!! So hopefully not all is lost.
Also on the online platform has anyone written AC next to their application (in the application stage bit on the right)? Just wondering if it means anything (trying to hold on hope lol)

Mine says AC. I think it just means it is being assessed

 

[Maria56]

Hey does anyone know when we can expect HL to get back after Stage 2?

Saw people getting offers beginning of March in the previous app cycle thread so might be a long wait

 

[yasmars]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

I don’t think she works there anymore but I could be wrong

 

[radssss]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

They have said to address it to Tara Davidson in the question itself.

 

[trainee4u]

They have said to address it to Tara David in the question itself.

Tara Davidson

 

[radssss]

Tara Davidson

Yes that, sorry, I applied long back so I wrote what I remembered at the back of my head.