I’m at 120 days+ since applying to Simmons in Bristol 🤣 I think for Bristol they are genuinely waiting for the closing date though
-
TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.Join →
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
If you’re waiting for Travers, then I feel bad for you son. I got 99 problems but waiting for Travers ain’t one. I did the scheme in 2020 and was rejected afterwards in 2021.
Hey!
I’ve had a look through my emails from last year and can see that I received the SJT invite on the 11 March, and the VS offer on the 17 March. Seems like there’s still plenty of time if they’re following a similar timeline!
Hi was this after the AC ? and if so how was it, so sorry it wasn't better news
ohhh, I meant post app hahah welp, didn't know they were doing interviews alr
Hey sorry this was an accident - I haven't applied and I'm not aware :/
I'm happy they are at least updating us with a timeframe, and I appreciate they are probably actually reading all the applications
I've noticed that there are several people who applied very early (around September) for summer VS to Gibson Dunn and have not received anything post-app. Does anyone have an idea what that is about?
@Laurel Lance - Black Canary suggested that if you have not gotten a holding email it means they have not reviewed your application yet, but is there a reason why that would be the case? They are supposed to be rolling, and we've applied so long before deadline...
Any insight into Cleary Assessment Day? Any help would be so appreciated - can help with Akin TI, Gibson Dunn first round interview, Jones Day first round interview, Skadden final round interview, Dechert WE, Freshfields AC, W&C VI.
I
Pls update lewis silkin at DTC thread (as the only route), sometimes ppl are confused to mix between 2 routes if the timeline, like deadline on the same day
I know handful of ppl not hearing back too, I think for VS you have the possibility to wait until end of the last AC to hear back. I applied to their TC, so a bit different (also someone mentioned GD TC is a pile of reserve as they were not sending PFO until spring last cycle).
Pls update lewis silkin at DTC thread (as the only route), sometimes ppl are confused to mix between 2 routes if the timeline, like deadline on the same day
Hi did you end up applying? rly debating but SO unsure if there's any point lol
I’ve seen a few people post TC offers on LinkedIn from Gibson Dunn for this cycle so I’m assuming they’ve been progressing VS and DTC apps, but it may be DTCs were for earlier intakes.
It’s strange though cos I sent my app just before Xmas Eve and my AC is in less than 2 weeks (for the VS). They sent me a holding email just over a week post app as well (around NYE).
So idk why they haven’t gotten back to people who applied way earlier than me in Sept.
It’s strange though cos I sent my app just before Xmas Eve and my AC is in less than 2 weeks (for the VS). They sent me a holding email just over a week post app as well (around NYE).
So idk why they haven’t gotten back to people who applied way earlier than me in Sept.
Last edited:
Hey, it's only 1 question. No time limit, 3 minutes to answer, and you get two attempts to record. Nothing too crazy, it's about as hard as you make it I think.
Good luck!
Hello!Hi @Abbie Whitlock
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that corporate lawyers generally work in four main areas:
I’d love to know if this is an accurate view of what trainees do in each area, or if there are other key responsibilities I should be aware of.
- Advisory/Regulatory – would trainees mainly be updating clients on legal developments, doing legal research, and drafting advice?
- Contentious – would a trainee’s work involve assisting with litigation, preparing witness statements, supporting court preparation, and conducting legal research to develop arguments?
- Transactional – would trainees primarily draft and negotiate contracts? Also, in M&A deals, do trainees ever get involved in negotiating the deal price, or is that mainly handled by investment bankers?
Thanks in advance!
This is a good breakdown, and you are broadly right - I would just add a few tweaks on what trainees actually do!
Advisory / Regulatory
Yes - this involves lots of legal research, drafting first versions of advice or client updates, and preparing compliance and board documents (to ensure they meet legal obligations). A trainee is likely to be supporting the analysis of the regulations, rather than giving independent advice
Contentious
You would typically assist with disclosure, draft chronologies and parts of witness statements, prepare bundles, and carry out research. Trainees will often contribute to building the case itself, but won't necessarily lead the strategy.
Transactional
I'd say that trainees don't usually negotiate commercial terms. Instead, they run due diligence, draft some ancillary documents, manage checklists, and help co-ordinate signing and completion. The headline deal price is normally negotiated between the buyer and seller (often with input from investment bankers), rather than trainees.
Overall, I'd say that trainees play a key supporting and coordination role across all areas, rather than leading things such as negotiations or strategy
I think I won't as I'd prioritise other firms atm (thx for everyone who reminds me that you haven't heard back) - I don't wanna waste my time like Fieldfisher lol 😭🥲
Similar threads
- Sticky
