TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I've played this and it wasn't hard so you're saying it's okay-ish?

Ngl I never thought I’d see the day where WG and okay-ish are in the same sentence…

I’d say in typical WG fashion it’s more like this but you’re probs gna say this isn’t hard either…

 

[AryanAgg]

Ngl I never thought I’d see the day where WG and okay-ish are in the same sentence…

I’d say in typical WG fashion it’s more like this but you’re probs gna say this isn’t hard either…

Nah this is hard lmao

 

[trainee4u]

If anyone has attempted the winston & strawn WG already, would like to know about the difficulty level if possible?

It's a genuine Pearson WG. I'm not sure everyone gets the same questions, and one thing is that for example there is sometimes an excerpt and then a set of strong/weak arguments, and then the next time you might get the same excerpt but different arguments. Some of the questions are very easy and some a bit ambiguous.

They say "there are no trick questions", so IME that means:

1. there's no backdoor algebra/maths, which some other providers use
2. there's no "answer these 4 questions within 2 minutes or die" - you get a full 30 minutes which you can use across all questions
3. they don't seem to be inclined to go for negation tricks (like increasing X but the text says Y is increasing)

Overall I'd rate it average difficulty.

 

[AryanAgg]

It's a genuine Pearson WG. I'm not sure everyone gets the same questions, and one thing is that for example there is sometimes an excerpt and then a set of strong/weak arguments, and then the next time you might get the same excerpt but different arguments. Some of the questions are very easy and some a bit ambiguous.

They say "there are no trick questions", so IME that means:

1. there's no backdoor algebra/maths, which some other providers use
2. there's no "answer these 4 questions within 2 minutes or die" - you get a full 30 minutes which you can use across all questions
3. they don't seem to be inclined to go for negation tricks (like increasing X but the text says Y is increasing)

Overall I'd rate it average difficulty.

I see, thanks for the insight, I'll probably do 2-3 practice tests then attempt it.

 

[Novaa]

If anyone was thinking of applying to Ashurst for DTC, they’re doing virtual Ashurst Unpacked events through Feb & March and they seem helpful for application research!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

If anyone was thinking of applying to Ashurst for DTC, they’re doing virtual Ashurst Unpacked events through Feb & March and they seem helpful for application research!!

View attachment 8006

I tried registering for a few the other day but then it redirected me to CvMail… I decided I cba cos I was not about to deal with that at all lmao…​

 

[AryanAgg]

I tried registering for a few the other day but then it redirected me to CvMail… I decided I cba cos I was not about to deal with that at all lmao…​

Is CvMail that bad of a system?

 

[BelleOfTheLawBall]

A little monologue from the Belle:

I've reflected on why I failed my ACs, and I'm ready to change. Unfortunately this change is coming a little late lol but better late than never. It's helpful to speak to people who did pass the ACs you failed. It's easier to analyse what you could've done better than just relying solely on your feedback. Would definitely recommend this to people if possible! Sadly this change requires a few months to implement, but if I have to reapply next year then I feel like I will much much more confident in myself.

I won't share exactly what I have identified as it quite personal to me, but sometimes improvement requires a big shift.

I just wanted to share this as I know a lot of other people are going through similar pains right now. I want to share a little bit of my motivation with you. Let's work hard together towards next year! I have full confidence that we will be much stronger candidates. I am so ready, bring it on.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Panicked pressing submit on my Simmons and Simmons app - I have now received 5 confirmation emails....oops

 

[M85672]

Is Bakers SJT and VI selective?

 

[Novaa]

Is Bakers SJT and VI selective?

“Yes” I say as I reflect on my past realisation

 

[ddalki]

Does anyone have solid WG tips or practice tests. I feel like I have done so many and I am still not really improving.
Really desperate for any help lmao

I found GraduatesFirst's WG practice quite useful! Is there a specific section you find challenging?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Is CvMail that bad of a system?

The most old fashioned portal and poor service desk (slow respond), I had to let my Simmons app unsubmited.

I tried registering for a few the other day but then it redirected me to CvMail… I decided I cba cos I was not about to deal with that at all lmao…​

Similar to my experience, Ashurst CVmail is the same as Simmons, idk why it doesn't allow me to submit my app unlike Sidley and Kirkland.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

If anyone has attempted the winston & strawn WG already, would like to know about the difficulty level if possible?

The same level as Clifford Chance, as both timed and used the same provider, Pearson

 

[hopingforamiracle]

May we all get good news this coming week guys!

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Simmons and Simmons Bristol SJT&VI - assuming automatic but so glad to get some good news 🕺

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Mine said “Whilst your application was certainly impressive…”

Okay, then give me the place on the open day given my app was so impressive 🧐

Why 2 different PFO's to say essentially the same thing? to copy and paste:

"Thank you for your interest in Debevoise and your application to join our open days in 2026.

After careful consideration we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place on one of our open days. Unfortunately, we have only a limited number of places, for which we received hundreds of applications, and this inevitably means that we have to turn away many excellent candidates.

However, we wanted to write to you personally to say that we were certainly impressed with your application and therefore would encourage you to reapply again next year."

I also think the grammar is wrong, it should be "After careful consideration,"
Commas are important...

 

[Eriberrie]

In-person AC at Trowers today.. not sure how to feel after that!

Hi! Do you have any insights into the Trowers Hamlins AC? Also how did you find it? Do you have any tips on how to prepare? Congrats again for managing to complete it!

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I had 5 months from AG once who then gave me 3 days to do their VI

Thx for giving me a hope, but Sidley just sent me a PFO, 133 days! This cycle taught me that submitting last minute is better though it's rolling.

 

[Mariannasiplayi]

Sidley PFO ((