TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

Spoke to W&C team at an event. Apparently they are still going through apps.

Feeling: Nervous but hopeful

 

[C.Groom]

Maybe check your spam?

Nothing. I even went on my application portals to see if they had sent a message.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Thank you.

I applied to Akin close to the deadline, so have not heard back from them yet.

Okay, do you know if people have received rejection email from them?

Yeah quite a few post app and/or test have alr been sent out but none for post TIs that I know of anyway. Hopefully you hear positively soon!​

 

[C.Groom]

If you applied to Akin before Xmas then majority of us have heard back and are doing TIs atm.

I applied 15 Dec and did my TI today. Others sent their app 19-22 Dec and are doing TIs too.

Some people who applied much earlier have had an AC which was today or yesterday I think.

If you applied around New years or on deadline, I don’t think they’ve screened those apps yet.

I’ve seen Kirkland VI and ACs on the forum and I think I’ve seen a few White & Case VIs too.​

Do you think I should email them, or leave it for longer?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Do you think I should email them, or leave it for longer?

Hmm maybe email them if you haven’t heard by next Monday cos that’ll be c3 weeks from closing apps so they’ll probs have screened most apps by that point esp cos they’re super rolling.​

 

[cb6056]

did ppl get a confirmation email post forsters VI or no?

 

[C.Groom]

Hmm maybe email them if you haven’t heard by next Monday cos that’ll be c3 weeks from closing apps so they’ll probs have screened most apps by that point esp cos they’re super rolling.Amaz​

Hmm maybe email them if you haven’t heard by next Monday cos that’ll be c3 weeks from closing apps so they’ll probs have screened most apps by that point esp cos they’re super rolling.​

Amazing, will do! Thank you!

 

[Rafa]

Has anyone here done a Latham AC in this application cycle?

 

[abc124]

Thank you.

I applied to Akin close to the deadline, so have not heard back from them yet.

Okay, do you know if people have received rejection email from them?

Dw I applied on 22/12 and haven't heard back from them so you're probably fine

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

the number of my rejections must be about

at this point

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Next week I will probs hear back from Milbank post AC and potentially Willkie post WE.
It truly is the hope that kills you...
Fingers crossed, and I hope everyone hears back positively!

 

[floral.tcla]

Fair enough - I wonder therefore if it is potentially a question not of how one prepares for applications but how one studies? I had friends whilst I was still at university who had similar issues, but found instead that it came as a result of studying inefficiently. I can't pretend to know what your degree is or uni is, but surely they must not have an expectation that one needs to work any more than max 9-7 ish Mon-Fri.

Then again, there's no one-size-fits-all, but based on how successful you seem to have been so far in your applications, you must be doing many things right!

Fair enough - I wonder therefore if it is potentially a question not of how one prepares for applications but how one studies? I had friends whilst I was still at university who had similar issues, but found instead that it came as a result of studying inefficiently. I can't pretend to know what your degree is or uni is, but surely they must not have an expectation that one needs to work any more than max 9-7 ish Mon-Fri.

Then again, there's no one-size-fits-all, but based on how successful you seem to have been so far in your applications, you must be doing many things right!

This is good advice but there are definitely unis where you spend all day studying as bare minimum 🤣

 

[floral.tcla]

I tend to be very proactive in my application strategy.

For example, so far, I have sent emails to plenty of associates, partners, managing partners or firm board members, introducing myself and seeing if they are willing to either call and discuss opportunities at their firm, or put me in touch with someone who would be interested.

It's a bold move. But past experience has taught me that you can just email anyone. Anything might happen. If you are respectful, proportionate and realistic, it is absolutely fine. And if they don't reply, it's probably because they're either really busy or they've got nothing to suggest. That's fine, too.

When editing my last book, I sent over 80 emails to Professors, journalists and creatives around the world. About 60 replied. About 30 agreed to support. And about 15 came through in the end. That's all you need.

Using this strategy to support my career change into law, I have built a really supportive network in only a year or so. I now know lots of folks at many different firms. Even if they are only able to offer moral support. It is really valuable to speak with so many different lawyers and get to know partners, legal directors, general councils, board members, etc. You get a handle on how people think, how they see things, and the language they use.

I may be naive in my belief that one day someone with authority will reply saying: "Wow, your work sounds great!! Let's get you a TC. I'll talk to HR". But I'm an optimist. If you don't ask, you don't get.

Glad this is working for you, aw they sound so nice!! Aren’t there formal recruiting processes at least at the large city firms? You can have referrals but surely you still sit the same processes?

 

[jojo23]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

 

[M_m]

How do people give VI answers in 60 seconds, I’m dying with trying to prepare for it 😭

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Unknown, but you'd be absolutely beyond idiotic to try.

 

[FutureLawyer_]

are there any amber jack practice tests online ?

 

[Novaa]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Because what is going on behind the scenes? Like I would never try, but I’m curious what is going on?

I remember accidentally swiping to a different window, and my camera flashed on and off, but like what is going on there? So interesting.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Hmm idk lad it’s kinda risky. It’s most likely able to pick up on recording, screenshots, pictures or any other form of ‘cheating’ and would alert grad rec. Then they’re gna be after you like:

 

[Novaa]

Because what is going on behind the scenes? Like I would never try, but I’m curious what is going on?

I remember accidentally swiping to a different window, and my camera flashed on and off, but like what is going on there? So interesting.

Now that I think about it… if Netflix can detect screenshots/screen recording and black out your screen without you authorising anything. Tell your friend to forget that.

GRAD REC GON GET THEM!