TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

That's why I gently told off Taylor Wessing's GR when they refused to provide me my WG and VR results. Surely, the results are automatically generated. It's just lack of respect for our time, considering they require to submit a cover letter on top of essay questions.

 

[baj5]

Still nothing from Perkins Coie?

I can’t even find the grad rec address to send them an email 😂

 

[radssss]

Has anyone else still not heard from FieldFisher? They said my application was on hold while they assess the first batch of applicants, but I haven't heard back since and I can see people getting offers.
Should I just assume PFO, although I'm slightly confused as they said they were non rolling...
(This is for Pathways to Practice)

Same boat but for DTC

Edit - I remember last year both of us applied on time and made it to interview😭😭😭idk why I remember your username and having a chat w u

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone know when HSF start giving out acs for summer vs

 

[Wompycapy]

Has ANYONE received VI for White & Case summer and AC for HSFK Summer?

 

[fbtrainee]

That's your prerogative to disagree.

I don't see how the process is fair, any other test you take you get the result. Something as simple as an SJT and a WG test, you should be privy to your score.

Just to add my 2 cents, I think law firms generally not providing individual feedback if you don’t make it to an ac is very insane. If say for example someone has a strong app but their grades are the reason for the pfo or if it’s the opposite, why can’t grad rec just say that? That way the candidate can be more strategic about where they have an actual chance rather than blindly sending out so many time consuming applications. Instead of being honest they encourage people to apply again and miraculously ‘improve’ with zero feedback whatsoever. If they expect candidates to draft so many essay questions and cover letters, the least they can do is highlight where the candidates went wrong. Idk if that makes me sound entitled but it’s just common decency imo

 

[law123456789]

anyone still waiting on links spring?

 

[Legallylaw]

Hi has anyone heard back from RPC, Freshfields and Reed post VI/wg? I see a few AC and VS offers. PFO guaranteed?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Which firms recruit a good amount from DTC route?

Hello!

Great question - this thread from last cycle might be a useful starting point! It could be slightly outdated, but shows a good idea of where firms tend to recruit from

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Bates Wells PFO

 

[shadowboxer909]

Those who recently got first stage GD, when did you apply? I applied 2nd Jan and nothing so far!

I applied on mid-October.

Got a first round invite email in late December.

Did my first round in the 2nd week of January.

I'm still waiting to hear back.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Hello!

Great question - this thread from last cycle might be a useful starting point! It could be slightly outdated, but shows a good idea of where firms tend to recruit from

I applied to Gibson Dunn's TC. I think I'm cooked, but hey.. I see Travers Smith on the list too but they're still considering 2027 TC this cycle, hopefully it's not accurate. A&P too 🥲

 

[AtticusFinch]

Heyy has anyone done the CMS Dubai VI 💕 and also anyone heard back from WFW post VI?

 

[AB3820]

Anyone else still not heard back from Cleary post WG? I took it on 18th dec...

 

[Prudentia]

That's your prerogative to disagree.

I don't see how the process is fair, any other test you take you get the result. Something as simple as an SJT and a WG test, you should be privy to your score.

Completely agree with this. I’ve never sat an exam and not been told how I’ve performed until I started this recruitment cycle. It’s wild we don’t get our scores automatically.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Rejected from Milbank post stage 1 🥀🥀🥀

 

[TortillaTC]

Just to add my 2 cents, I think law firms generally not providing individual feedback if you don’t make it to an ac is very insane. If say for example someone has a strong app but their grades are the reason for the pfo or if it’s the opposite, why can’t grad rec just say that? That way the candidate can be more strategic about where they have an actual chance rather than blindly sending out so many time consuming applications. Instead of being honest they encourage people to apply again and miraculously ‘improve’ with zero feedback whatsoever. If they expect candidates to draft so many essay questions and cover letters, the least they can do is highlight where the candidates went wrong. Idk if that makes me sound entitled but it’s just common decency imo

Agreed 100%. Firms are dishonest because if for example, they declared that they wanted a high 2:1 or First, they might miss out on an otherwise genius candidate that got a 2:2 or low 2:1 for whatever reason. And they don’t want to risk that, so they just state a general 2:1 requirement when they very well know that 90% of their successful applicants will have a high 2:1 or First. (Hypothetical numbers obviously, not saying that any specific firm operates exactly like this)

Basically, they want all the benefits but none of the risks.

 

[Novaa]

Just to add my 2 cents, I think law firms generally not providing individual feedback if you don’t make it to an ac is very insane. If say for example someone has a strong app but their grades are the reason for the pfo or if it’s the opposite, why can’t grad rec just say that? That way the candidate can be more strategic about where they have an actual chance rather than blindly sending out so many time consuming applications. Instead of being honest they encourage people to apply again and miraculously ‘improve’ with zero feedback whatsoever. If they expect candidates to draft so many essay questions and cover letters, the least they can do is highlight where the candidates went wrong. Idk if that makes me sound entitled but it’s just common decency imo

It’s actually crazy how firms assess candidates on what they think the biggest challenges facing the legal industry are, when one of those challenges is constantly discussed right here on this forum.

Applicants are clearly yearning for change. There is a wider issue around transparency in recruitment that isn’t being addressed.

Partners shouldn’t be telling us that a huge part of the process is “luck” while, at the same time, firms withhold information that could help applicants understand their chances such as whether grades or application quality were the issue, as you’ve mentioned.

Especially when, in just the last week, there have been multiple posts questioning whether the following impact application outcomes:

• Age
• Neurodiversity
• Grades
• University choice

 

[Vakil]

Weil AC was actually so chill! 0 bad vibes coming out of it!

 

[Jaysen]

Just to weigh in on the other side, I don't think it's unreasonable for law firms not to provide feedback at the application stage. This is quite normal for companies.

I do appreciate it's very frustrating for applicants, and I can completely see why. You spend so much time working on your applications and going through the tests. Equally, from the side of a business, it's more time (with a small team) on people a firm has decided not to progress. There would need to be some type of reason to provide feedback (e.g. if you feel the person is likely to reapply with a stronger application or just slightly missed the mark.)

I know it can feel like it's just one more thing they need to do. But each of those emails invites a lot more queries, especially given the volume of applications they receive. People who get rejected are also more likely not to take the feedback on graciously (as is the nature of feedback), which is why it is often generalised.

I say that as someone that used to hate the feedback I used to receive. But it is also easier to see the other side now.