TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[trainee4u]

just working through some GPT slop for an application, jeez once you notice "rule of threes" in the AI's output you can't unnotice it, absolutely bloody everywhere.

 

[elle woods]

just working through some GPT slop for an application, jeez once you notice "rule of threes" in the AI's output you can't unnotice it, absolutely bloody everywhere.

☹️ I love the power of three…our English teacher used to encourage us to use it in our writing…I still do 😭😭 AI needs to stop writing so similarly

…I used to love em dashes too 😒

 

[trainee4u]

☹️ I love the power of three…our English teacher used to encourage us to use it in our writing…I still do 😭😭 AI needs to stop writing so similarly

…I used to love em dashes too 😒

my prompt for my application check is

"check my spelling and grammar. do not use em-dashes."

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

☹️ I love the power of three…our English teacher used to encourage us to use it in our writing…I still do 😭😭 AI needs to stop writing so similarly

…I used to love em dashes too 😒

I use the power of 2 + 1 now 🤣

There are two main examples of this....

At end of paragraph: in addition...

 

[soph107048]

So W&C is App -> VI -> WE -> Interview -> VS -> TC (lol)

have u heard back?

 

[soph107048]

white and case keeps on breaking my heart... why does the firm hate me thought 3rd time is a charm. ALSO HFW PFO....

im so sorry to hear.. can I ask if W&C sent you a PFO or if youre anticipating one?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

just working through some GPT slop for an application, jeez once you notice "rule of threes" in the AI's output you can't unnotice it, absolutely bloody everywhere.

Application for what?

 

[soph107048]

W&C WE!

summer or spring? and may I ask when you've completed the VI

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Not that I am in any way in this position, but if you guys received loads of non-clashing vac scheme offers, would you do them all?

I just saw a linkedin post of a guy who received 4 vac scheme offers and intends to do them all. I think it was one spring scheme and 3 summer schemes. I can't even begin to imagine the exhaustion, especially of summer, 2-3 straight months pretty much of vac schemes. And honestly if the Spring firm offered me a TC I'd be so tempted to just accept and withdraw from the other three.

Depends on if I was set on one firm and they offered me a TC. If I was even slightly uncertain I would do as many as I could. I've worked full time before so I'd be down for back to back vac schemes & auditioning the firm.

 

[soph107048]

has anyone heard back from W&C earlier in the week/ today? I saw some people heard back on Friday but was wondering if anyone got a reply before/after to confirm WE invites were not sent in batches or if anyones gotten a PFO yet

 

[jj238]

baker mckenzie vi insights, can trade with weil, sidley, MB, paul weiss insights

I need Baker McKenzie VI insights too. Let me know if you receive any and I'm happy to trade insights from Hogan Lovells VI, Freshfields AC, A&O Shearman VI, Vinson & Elkins VI, and more.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

anyone else feel so defeated, legit thought my debs application was so good,

 

[trainee4u]

Application for what?

Ropes

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether Debevoise or HSF or Gibson Dunn or King & Spalding or W&C are better in international arbitration and also public international law? Thanks! What might be the subtle differences between them in these areas?

For arbitration you can look at a pretty solid analysis in GAR30. TL;DR; King & Spalding is top IA rn (but there is much more nuance -- if you are interested in IA, it's a good read.

 

[henry1050]

Any insights into Goodwin AC?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Debevoise PFOs on Monday then right lol

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Also is King & Spalding rolling, low-key cba at this point

K&S is non-rolling

 

[Hopeful applicant]

this is genuinely a serious question. the firm ive been offered a vac scheme at has an in house gym. they showed us at the AC. whats the scope for actually using it during the scheme? ... i dont wanna make it seem like all i care about is the gym but i also internally combust without exposure to the gym!

Just make sure you don't out-lift the partner.

 

[Chak]

Has anyone heard anything back from Katten post app?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Not that I am in any way in this position, but if you guys received loads of non-clashing vac scheme offers, would you do them all?

I just saw a linkedin post of a guy who received 4 vac scheme offers and intends to do them all. I think it was one spring scheme and 3 summer schemes. I can't even begin to imagine the exhaustion, especially of summer, 2-3 straight months pretty much of vac schemes. And honestly if the Spring firm offered me a TC I'd be so tempted to just accept and withdraw from the other three.

Hey!

I thought I'd offer my two cents on this as I think this is a really interesting question, and it wasn't something I'd considered last cycle. I completed one spring scheme followed by my final year exams and two summer schemes back-to-back, and I don't think you fully anticipate just how draining vacation schemes can be. I'm incredibly grateful for the experience at all of the firms, but by my final scheme I was genuinely burnt out, which was gutting as it was one of my favourites. In hindsight, I'm sure that fatigue probably meant I didn't perform quite as well as I could have.

On reflection, I don't think I would change anything and I would still complete all of the schemes. However, I do think it is really important to be realistic about the intensity of these programmes and try to factor in rest where you can. Vacation schemes require sustained energy and social engagement, which can really tiring - I remember speaking to other people on my VS' who said the most tricky part wasn't necessarily the work or assessments, but needing to be 'on' all the time, which I definitely agree with. Therefore, I think pacing yourself and looking after your wellbeing is just as important as preparing technically, and I wish I'd spent some of the free-time between schemes having a break rather than prepping. I think being mindful of this helps you get the most of the experience, and show your best self throughout.

I'd say my main takeaway would be to enjoy any experiences you can and to throw yourself into it, but not at the expense of your wellbeing. You'll get far more out of a vacation scheme if you are rested and present, so taking breaks and pacing yourself is just as important as working hard on the scheme itself