TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yasmars]

‘Your performance was strong; however, given the exceptional talent pool this year, and with limited Assessment Centre places available, we are currently unable to offer you a place.

However, we want to assure you that your application still remains under active consideration and there is a possibility that we may still invite you to Assessment Centre at a later date.’

I’m confused is this a pfo or some sort of a waitlist?

You’re on a waitlist. Is this for Freshfields ?

 

[abc124]

You’re on a waitlist. Is this for Freshfields ?

Yep

 

[Rads]

did VI in early jan (lowk applied on the deadline) and then did AC late jan. grad rec said they run ACs until mid-march tho!!

Thank you for sharing this!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

haven't gotten the Cleary WG invite yet...

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Also, out of interest, how do you guys prepare for ACs

 

[needatrainingcontractasap]

Any news from Latham SVS post VI on AC invites?

 

[Gabri3l]

Proskeur Rose AC invite!!!

I would be very very grateful for any insight as it is one of my top choices and I have no clue what to expect in the AC (they will provide details closer to time of the activities).

@fTS3002 @Mart1nVa1l congrats guys!! Do Yall wanna create a gc to prep? Let me know if anyone else wants to be added.

I would love to be involved in prep if possible

 

[kikiki]

For the Mishcon AI test, did everyone else also not get a question in Part 6? It just sent me a text saying Mishcon looks for xyz in an ideal candidate. Didn't know what to say and just replied "I understand.", to which it responded with "Thanks for sharing that with me."

Also anyone else not been asked additional questions on anything? I only got to type one message per question and everything went straight to thanks for sharing. A friend said a lot of additional questions were asked.

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hey guys! Does anyone have any examples of questions to ask at the end of an ac, ones that you’ve asked that have really impressed the partner? I’ve got a few, but just trying to see if there are any unique ones?!

I know one person that asked ‘if you had to compared the firm to a premier league footballer, who would you say and why’ which apparently the partner loved haha

 

[Gabri3l]

Proskeur Rose AC invite!!!

I would be very very grateful for any insight as it is one of my top choices and I have no clue what to expect in the AC (they will provide details closer to time of the activities).

@fTS3002 @Mart1nVa1l congrats guys!! Do Yall wanna create a gc to prep? Let me know if anyone else wants to be added.

Would love to get involved in prep if possible

 

[Madison Pinewall]

YES omg haha I was trying to lie to myself that since I technically started applying in Winter, the application cycle doesn't end until after Winter...so next year's WVS' are part of this cycle...yes...indeed

I didn't start in the winter so I feel like I can totally just have the cycle start in the spring right.....

 

[Madison Pinewall]

also does anybody have any tips on how to stop comparing, I go to a uni where it seems like everybody is getting TCs or VSs. its hard not to feel like a flop, especially when you feel like you have been working a lot harder towards this goal!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Not me anxiously refreshing my emails for an update from Willkie

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Got the Cleary WG yesterday - applied on 23/01.

Didn’t know they only give 48 hours to do it

 

[sbbusybee]

guys do u reckon taking a placement year in a law firm gives me a better chance when applying to tc's, and do you think its worth still applying to vac schemes because i have the placement

There are pros and cons.

I’m on placement this year, and the legal experience I’m gaining is definitely a huge plus for TC applications.

However I’ve only been able to apply to 4 VS because -
1. Realistically I cannot do spring/winter, only summer and that’s difficult enough (getting time off, explaining to firm)
2. Time, it takes a lot of time to research and write apps that I have less of because of working full time

I also cannot attend virtual legal events during the day and it’s difficult to go to open days/ interviews (if I had any right now..).

It’s also awkward as I believe my current firm (a very good regional/national) expect me to stay with them for a TC.

Next year is my final year of uni and when I’ll actually apply to a lot of schemes / DTC, and my experience this year will be a huge plus for those apps.

 

[Myparentsdream]

Not me anxiously refreshing my emails for an update from Willkie

I think it'll be a rejection. The recruitment has been a weird one this year. Lost all faith.

 

[llblawstudent]

haven't gotten the Cleary WG invite yet...

When’d you apply btw?

 

[kikiki]

also does anybody have any tips on how to stop comparing, I go to a uni where it seems like everybody is getting TCs or VSs. its hard not to feel like a flop, especially when you feel like you have been working a lot harder towards this goal!

Hey, same. From the looks of it we may be in the same uni lol, and I've flopped so hard I'm doing a masters to stall. I think firstly you need to understand part of it is luck, but if you have been consistently "unlucky", I'd recommend finding people who have gotten a lot of offers and have a chat with them. I was kind of soloing the whole thing, and this cycle I'm looking back and seeing that a lot of my efforts were misdirected. I fixed that this time by bothering people and inviting them out to coffees (my treat). Helps wonders, truly.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

When’d you apply btw?

26/01 - maybe I just need to wait a bit

 

[oliviabeijing]

I have printed off some notes for my AC. Am I able to take them to the day? Like while im waiting in between each stage is it 'tacky' to quickly refresh by reading through my notes?