TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

Omg so happy for others for getting Orrick’s WG second batch but is it because we did so bad in the first round? I wonder what their benchmark is and how much the written application counts (they said they’ll be assessed in conjunction with the test results)

 

[Madison Pinewall]

different partners will be busier etc, their recruitment process is a bit complex and I think candidates get pooled etc

 

[Novaa]

3rd cycle stats (had 1 fluke AC last year but never got further than a WG apart from that):

• 5 ACs
• 3 Rejections
• 2 offers
• 1 TC accepted

Farewell TCLA, what a ride! Keep going guys, all you need is 1 yes and it is closer than you think! Best of luck everyone

Proud of you stranger, wishing you all the best!!

 

[Bbhu19]

Omg so happy for others for getting Orrick’s WG second batch but is it because we did so bad in the first round? I wonder what their benchmark is and how much the written application counts (they said they’ll be assessed in conjunction with the test results)

That’s literally what I was thinking since they didn’t do this last yr

 

[lawstudent8373829]

Anyone have insight into Hill Dickinson AC?

 

[jagath]

different partners will be busier etc, their recruitment process is a bit complex and I think candidates get pooled etc

true but if i see one more “delighted to join slaughter and may” on linkedin…

 

[AGB2060]

true but if i see one more “delighted to join slaughter and may” on linkedin…

hahah real, will never catch me posting a VS until I secure the TC

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Omg so happy for others for getting Orrick’s WG second batch but is it because we did so bad in the first round? I wonder what their benchmark is and how much the written application counts (they said they’ll be assessed in conjunction with the test results)

Yeah I’m wondering if I was put on some sort of reserve list (as I only received an invite today) because I checked last year’s thread and Orrick sent invites out on one specific day, hmmm

 

[Madison Pinewall]

true but if i see one more “delighted to join slaughter and may” on linkedin…

it is making me deeply sad too but HEY HO o.o

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Does anyone have any tips for group exercises? I’ve just had my first one and don’t feel it went particularly well and I have another coming up soon

This is the approach I adopt:

• Introduce yourself by name to the group members and be friendly and smile
• Maybe adopt a responsibility - time keeping is the typical one, but you could offer to be the scribe so writing down important points that have been raised. This can also allow you to direct the conversation (if you do enjoy leadership roles), but it doesn’t make you come across as dominant or overbearing
• Be the first or second person to speak and suggest an idea, then maybe ask other people in the group their ideas and also listen to their suggestions. Do not interrupt and do not speak continuously so people cannot get a word in!
• Add to other people’s points and build off their ideas, but do not do this all of the time. Maybe only a few times in the group assessment.
• Encourage quieter members to offer their ideas too, but not in a rude or patronising way
• Thank everyone for their time and also thank the assessor. A lot of people forget to do this!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

im thinking its max one more week of waiting and not having a rejection means ur still in the game !

 

[AGB2060]

I have an AC coming up and includes a debate / group exercise and I have never ever done such a thing esp in assessed AC environment. Does anyone have any insights or advice pretty please

 

[AGB2060]

This is the approach I adopt:

• Introduce yourself by name to the group members and be friendly and smile
• Maybe adopt a responsibility - time keeping is the typical one, but you could offer to be the scribe so writing down important points that have been raised. This can also allow you to direct the conversation (if you do enjoy leadership roles), but it doesn’t make you come across as dominant or overbearing
• Be the first or second person to speak and suggest an idea, then maybe ask other people in the group their ideas and also listen to their suggestions. Do not interrupt and do not speak continuously so people cannot get a word in!
• Add to other people’s points and build off their ideas, but do not do this all of the time. Maybe only a few times in the group assessment.
• Encourage quieter members to offer their ideas too, but not in a rude or patronising way
• Thank everyone for their time and also thank the assessor. A lot of people forget to do this!

Oop this answers a bit of mine, thank you hahah!

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

3rd cycle stats (had 1 fluke AC last year but never got further than a WG apart from that):

• 5 ACs
• 3 Rejections
• 2 offers
• 1 TC accepted

Farewell TCLA, what a ride! Keep going guys, all you need is 1 yes and it is closer than you think! Best of luck everyone

Absolute legend, congratulations! And you have been super helpful too for everyone during the application process. A credit to your character and you deserve your success and TC! Brilliant to be offered not only 5ACs but 2TCs!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

3rd cycle stats (had 1 fluke AC last year but never got further than a WG apart from that):

• 5 ACs
• 3 Rejections
• 2 offers
• 1 TC accepted

Farewell TCLA, what a ride! Keep going guys, all you need is 1 yes and it is closer than you think! Best of luck everyone

Legend!! Best of luck with your TC, you’ll smash it

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Yeah I’m wondering if I was put on some sort of reserve list (as I only received an invite today) because I checked last year’s thread and Orrick sent invites out on one specific day, hmmm

We must’ve all bombed the WG in the 1st batch and so they sent an emergency 2nd batch. This was Orrick’s GR after seeing our WG scores:

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Oop this answers a bit of mine, thank you hahah!

No problem, I have no idea how I would approach a debate though. Maybe obviously presenting your ideas, showing respect for the conflicting views and an appreciation for the strength of their views, but then maybe highlighting a potential weakness? It’s hard to do without getting heated

 

[Ayhxm_14]

Has anyone else heard from Sidley or Travers post app yet? I applied to both on the deadline.​

No response from travers, but I got a rejection from Sidley

 

[thesauce]

Does anyone have any tips to calm interview / pre-AC nerves and just get over really bad imposter syndrome?

As someone said before, other candidates are defo feeling the same way as you. Interviewers expect you to be nervous and take that into consideration, in my experience. But something that's really helped me, surprisingly, is just reframing those 'nerves' into excitement. Studies say that the symptoms of being nervous and excited are actually the same (heart rate increases, being short of breath, even shaking). We've worked really hard to get to the interview stage and I found it useful to think of these feelings as excitement to finally be in that position, rather than being nervous. You finally get your chance. If they called you to interview, they're willing to make you an offer. If you're prepared, there is no reason to be nervous at all. Reframing my mindset (as cheesy as it sounds) genuinely helped me get rid of those nerves and negative thoughts and turn them into confidence in my interviews. Hopefully this can help you too. There are some videos about it on YT.

 

[Ayhxm_14]

Anyone heard from Vinson & Elkins post-VI?

I heard back yesterday, rejection