TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Sharkfin]

When you guys are waiting to hear back from firms, do you prepare for the next stage (i.e., for VI), or am I…

Lowkey have done this for some firms and when I've progressed it's felt great, but when I've been rejected i've wanted to attempt to fly off a bridge. My two cents: I think generic next stage prep is never a bad thing, I'd recommened tailored only when ur 8/10+ confident you'll get thru (saying this because I remember one time post a slightly mid VI I started AC prep only to recieve a PFO and feel like utter s***

 

[aria_d]

Hello, would it be worth emailing DLA because they have not gotten back to me post an email saying I passed their TI benchmark back in December? I have seen people get AC invites and this is so nerve-wracking haha

 

[safari3]

Hi all, on the Ropes thread @Abbie Whitlock stated that the application question doesn't require you to refer to work experiences / extra-curriculars, but please could someone who has attended a Ropes event / open day confirm this as the form doesn't have a work experience section and so the app question would be the only place to draw on these experiences. Thanks!

 

[user123987]

Guys I’m not sure if this is a stupid question, but what should a woman wear to an AC. Is a suit too much?

 

[Novaa]

I do too!! I would rather be prepared than blindsided

Lowkey have done this for some firms and when I've progressed it's felt great, but when I've been rejected i've wanted to attempt to fly off a bridge. My two cents: I think generic next stage prep is never a bad thing, I'd recommened tailored only when ur 8/10+ confident you'll get thru (saying this because I remember one time post a slightly mid VI I started AC prep only to recieve a PFO and feel like utter s***

I think I will try this because:

1. I have no shame and do not acknowledge PFOs as real things! So there is nothing to lose.

2. I think it would help me relax more when actually doing a VI, as I end up trying to cram.

Let me go start prepping!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Guys I’m not sure if this is a stupid question, but what should a woman wear to an AC. Is a suit too much?

i always wear a suit lol (no tie tho)

most people overdress - it's better that way than being underdressed

 

[BealMcAlly]

Guys its been 76 days since ive heard from simmons, if it reaches 100 days, what should i do to mark this historic milestone

Not gonna lie at this point they should just automatically make an offer no ac, just give you the damn TC.

 

[tc2026]

Hello, would it be worth emailing DLA because they have not gotten back to me post an email saying I passed their TI benchmark back in December? I have seen people get AC invites and this is so nerve-wracking haha

apparently their first AC was only a week and a bit ago so I think theres a lot more coming ! (dont quote me on that thoughhh), im still waiting too

 

[Hopeful applicant]

On a somewhat related note (motion to introduce evidence): Has anyone seen/heard about examples of reasonable adjustments impacting negatively one's application? (might be difficult to tell, but maybe someone has personal anecdotes/is aware of HR practices)

 

[BealMcAlly]

On a somewhat related note (motion to introduce evidence): Has anyone seen/heard about examples of reasonable adjustments impacting negatively one's application? (might be difficult to tell, but maybe someone has personal anecdotes/is aware of HR practices)

This completely irrelevant to what you posted but I read your username as 'Hateful applicant' and now I'm tempted to change my username to that just cuz it tickled me.

 

[ellamai0]

Starting to think I’m in the HSF Kramer Spring ‘maybe’ pile since I’ve had no rejection or AC invite despite others receiving invites… the wait continues…

 

[Hopeful applicant]

This completely irrelevant to what you posted but I read your username as 'Hateful applicant' and now I'm tempted to change my username to that just cuz it tickled me.

As we've seen today its a fine line anyway

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Just did the Gibson Dunn app - it took me way too long. Also their email said 40 minutes but cappfinity says 1 hour so...

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

for an interview question, if they ask what are your strengths and weaknesses, what is the best weakness to choose (i might be overthinking this but pls help)

I would be honest (unless it is a key value for the firm e.g. team working) and say how you are working on improving it.

 

[trainingcontractoffer]

Does anyone know from the previous years how many vac scheme places Milbank offers?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

On a somewhat related note (motion to introduce evidence): Has anyone seen/heard about examples of reasonable adjustments impacting negatively one's application? (might be difficult to tell, but maybe someone has personal anecdotes/is aware of HR practices)

Motion granted.
Honestly, all firms say that they are inclusive and that it doesn't impact applications but... there is no knowing really.
There are some things that I don't disclose to firms tbh but I don't have any personal examples. And, of course graduate/early careers recruitment always say its fine.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

from what I remember it is untimed and it took me more than 1hr but that may be me

Yh it is - and it took me way over an hour. 40 mins is way too short

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Motion granted.
Honestly, all firms say that they are inclusive and that it doesn't impact applications but... there is no knowing really.
There are some things that I don't disclose to firms tbh but I don't have any personal examples. And, of course graduate/early careers recruitment always say its fine.

but then saying otherwise would open them to some seriously bad PR and (possibly?) lawsuits.

I'm kind of not sure how the system is supposed to work - I could see firms not wanting people with dyslexia, since a big part of a trainees work (at least in the pre-gpt era) is fast and effective proofreading.

In that case telling the firm "Oh BTW I am extra slow and inaccurate at that" would not intuitively do wonders for the application.

Edit: just to make sure the tone is right -- I have dyslexia myself and I am extra slow and inaccurate at proofreading )

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

i emailed gd about whether theyll be sending out any stage 1 interviews still and this is what they said:
"
I hope you are well.



Many thanks for your email. We are currently reviewing applications and assessment results and will be in touch as soon as we have more information. As our programmes are highly competitive, we receive a large volume of applications, and we appreciate your patience during this process.


We are always happy to work to candidate availability and provide as much notice as possible for any interviews.


Thank you again for your interest in Gibson Dunn and our training programmes."

cant tell if this is some GR fancy language or they're still considering apps and sending out invites

bump - would love some insight into this ackshually

 

[Novaa]

Motion granted.
Honestly, all firms say that they are inclusive and that it doesn't impact applications but... there is no knowing really.
There are some things that I don't disclose to firms tbh but I don't have any personal examples. And, of course graduate/early careers recruitment always say its fine.

This is where I’m at, like I can’t say for certain what the issue was. But I remember disclosing to one firm I had an AC with, and the vibe immediately felt off. I’m not sure whether it just wasn’t a culture fit, but the whole day didn’t feel right, and I was rejected the next morning LOL. I didn’t even ask for feedback, and I won’t be applying to that firm again (VS, TC or NQ lateral move).

I can’t say for certain that my reasonable adjustments request negatively affected my application, but the way it was approached and how I felt after disclosing definitely didn’t help. Aside from that firm (who shall remain unnamed) my experiences with other firms have mostly been positive.

But I still feel cautious about disclosing because of that situation sigh… Watching Chrissie Wolfe has deffo helped though!