TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Bristows VI! Same boat as others - much needed after all the PFOs of late.

 

[yasmars]

Congrats! Out of interest when did you apply?

Thank you! I applied on the deadline

 

[Millionth-Hopeful-Trainee]

Anyone prepping for Skadden interview?

Bricking it personally. Still trying to work out if it will be more competancy or technical based questions? Anyone got any experience?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hello @Afraz Akhtar
I'm aware that premium members have 1 free application review per month, but I'm struggling to find where to upload my application

Also, if a cover letter doesn't specify word count or number of pages, how long should it be, and what sections should we include?

Thank you

Hi @flower1

The applications review can be purchased here https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/application-review/ - for those that have a free review or subsequent discount, this should be applied automatically. However, if you're having any issues, then please reach out to [email protected]

In terms of the cover letter, there may be mixed opinions on this, but personally I think it should be no longer than one page, and should cover an introduction as to who you are/what you're applying for, why this particular career and why this particular firm. Throughout those latter two paragraphs, make sure to qualify your interests with experiences/learning curves and try to link back to you as much as you can. Lastly, focus solely on why you and make sure you can link this to the role you're applying for.

Hope this helps

 

[Millionth-Hopeful-Trainee]

I'm still waiting to hear back from a few different firms, I was wondering if anyone has heard - positively or negatively? Begging just to be put out of my misery:
-Slaughter & May (Direct TC)
-Davis Polk (Vac Scheme)
-Linklaters (Assessment submitted Dec 15th)
-Sullivan & Cromwell (Vac scheme)

I have others e.g. Reed Smith but did the VI for that on the 14th so I suspect it will be a while.

 

[BealMcAlly]

Bristows VI, finally

 

[TortillaTC]

I'm still waiting to hear back from a few different firms, I was wondering if anyone has heard - positively or negatively? Begging just to be put out of my misery:
-Slaughter & May (Direct TC)
-Davis Polk (Vac Scheme)
-Linklaters (Assessment submitted Dec 15th)
-Sullivan & Cromwell (Vac scheme)

I have others e.g. Reed Smith but did the VI for that on the 14th so I suspect it will be a while.

Haven’t heard from Sullcrom and Davis Polk

I did mine for RS first week of December and still haven’t heard so yes it’ll probably be a while

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I'm still waiting to hear back from a few different firms, I was wondering if anyone has heard - positively or negatively? Begging just to be put out of my misery:
-Slaughter & May (Direct TC)
-Davis Polk (Vac Scheme)
-Linklaters (Assessment submitted Dec 15th)
-Sullivan & Cromwell (Vac scheme)

I have others e.g. Reed Smith but did the VI for that on the 14th so I suspect it will be a while.

I think I saw someone post on the forum a couple of days ago they’d been called by grad rec for a Davis Polk interview, idk much about the others.​

 

[Millionth-Hopeful-Trainee]

I think I saw someone post on the forum a couple of days ago they’d been called by grad rec for a Davis Polk interview, idk much about the others.​

Thanks for the info! I suppose no news is not yet a rejection

 

[applicant457]

PFO fieldfisher post-vi really thought I did okay kinda surprised

 

[Millionth-Hopeful-Trainee]

Bricking it personally. Still trying to work out if it will be more competancy or technical based questions? Anyone got any experience?

Also as a heads up for those prepping for Skadden, you'll probably already be aware but just in case: they will have a copy of your CV, application form and written exericse in front of them

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

omfg guys. Bates Wells AC IM IN SHOCK!!!! I picked 6th feb - shoot me a pm if youre doing that day too

 

[Novaa]

omfg guys. Bates Wells AC IM IN SHOCK!!!! I picked 6th feb - shoot me a pm if youre doing that day too

GO MEG! GO MEG! GO MEG!

 

[p2bv]

do we think CMS give out all ACs, didn’t get one and thought my VI went well

 

[trainee4u]

this SHL verbal reasoning practice test is fun.
"A UN report has warned of the potential problems of global warming. If the production of greenhouse gases continues at the current rate, this will result in the melting of ice sheets in Greenland and The Antarctic. The consequences of this will be rising sea levels, which will endanger 145 million people. In response to the problem, the report observes the need for an immediate international agreement on reducing emissions."

Statement: Reducing emissions will help to slow down the progress of global warming.

Correct answer: "cannot say"

I mean I can get to the answer once I'm told what it is, but i swear some providers would say "true"

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone heard from pinsent masons Manchester?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

do we think CMS give out all ACs, didn’t get one and thought my VI was good

Same here! Also didn’t receive a AC! Nor a PFO so I’m confused

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Would it be completely detrimental to an app for AG if you forgot to add your A-levels. Or email grad recruitment?

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

GO MEG! GO MEG! GO MEG!

tysm AHEHEHBHABAHSBdkjo

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Would it be completely detrimental to an app for AG if you forgot to add your A-levels. Or email grad recruitment?

Definitely email grad rec