TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AryanAgg]

Hey everyone!

Sorry to dampen the mood but I'm just feeling so frustrated and need to write to get things off my chest....

Are there any graduates that have struggled to get vac schemes this year, because I feel like i'm going insane and that I am alone in this?
I finished my LLB in June, getting a low 2:1 (mitigating circumstances) and went directly to a vac scheme. I fumbled getting a TC during my time there- everyone was shocked, including trainees, that I didn't get an offer. I decided I would absolutely funnel my energy into working part time and perfecting vac scheme applications... but I just seem to be getting nowhere. Not even paralegal roles are working ahhhhh

It's coming up to March and I feel like how I was in June after graduating, facing the prospect of another year working as the most overqualified waitress in the entire company and I feel so defeated.

I know the job market is messed up etc, but I just don't know what I am doing wrong to be getting to video interview stages and passing watson glaser tests, to be rejected months after applying to a firm on a random wednesday afternoon?
Are any grads in a similar position- if so sending so much love.

(Notyet)TCtoothfairy over and out xxx

Im struggling as well, you are not alone. We must stay strong 💪.

 

[Bread]

Hey everyone!

Sorry to dampen the mood but I'm just feeling so frustrated and need to write to get things off my chest....

Are there any graduates that have struggled to get vac schemes this year, because I feel like i'm going insane and that I am alone in this?
I finished my LLB in June, getting a low 2:1 (mitigating circumstances) and went directly to a vac scheme. I fumbled getting a TC during my time there- everyone was shocked, including trainees, that I didn't get an offer. I decided I would absolutely funnel my energy into working part time and perfecting vac scheme applications... but I just seem to be getting nowhere. Not even paralegal roles are working ahhhhh

It's coming up to March and I feel like how I was in June after graduating, facing the prospect of another year working as the most overqualified waitress in the entire company and I feel so defeated.

I know the job market is messed up etc, but I just don't know what I am doing wrong to be getting to video interview stages and passing watson glaser tests, to be rejected months after applying to a firm on a random wednesday afternoon?
Are any grads in a similar position- if so sending so much love.

(Notyet)TCtoothfairy over and out xxx

I have definitely found that progression seems easier when you’re a student

 

[trainee4u]

Ain't got a clue, but the more I hang around on this forum, the stranger the firms' names get

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hey everyone!

Sorry to dampen the mood but I'm just feeling so frustrated and need to write to get things off my chest....

Are there any graduates that have struggled to get vac schemes this year, because I feel like i'm going insane and that I am alone in this?
I finished my LLB in June, getting a low 2:1 (mitigating circumstances) and went directly to a vac scheme. I fumbled getting a TC during my time there- everyone was shocked, including trainees, that I didn't get an offer. I decided I would absolutely funnel my energy into working part time and perfecting vac scheme applications... but I just seem to be getting nowhere. Not even paralegal roles are working ahhhhh

It's coming up to March and I feel like how I was in June after graduating, facing the prospect of another year working as the most overqualified waitress in the entire company and I feel so defeated.

I know the job market is messed up etc, but I just don't know what I am doing wrong to be getting to video interview stages and passing watson glaser tests, to be rejected months after applying to a firm on a random wednesday afternoon?
Are any grads in a similar position- if so sending so much love.

(Notyet)TCtoothfairy over and out xxx

Hey!!

I’m in the exact same position. Just graduated last year, also working as a waiter haha.

It’s frustrating because we have a law degree and working in hospitality (no disrespect whatsoever, both my parents didn’t go to uni and I’m from a low social econ background) but I don’t want to be doing this forever!

I had the exact same thinking as you in regard to working part time to focus on apps, but not had loads of luck. 1 ac, but was unsuccessful. Given that this app cycle is coming to an end, it’s a bit deflating having to wait for the next cycle, especially knowing it could happen again!

My plan is to now go travelling and come back August to reapply haha!

I have full faith in us grads!!!

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu Hey guys, sorry to perturb you! Would yall know the format of RG's Elevator-pitch-style presentation and general tips for WE and Negotiation exercises?
xxx

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Genuinely so curious. Anyone who’s progressed to Ropes AC, what were they looking for ?

 

[TCtoothfairy]

Thanks for your responses guys- so relieved to hear I'm not alone!!
Crossing my fingers for all of us!!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Does anyone know if NRF sends SVS offers all in one day or over several days (based on last year)? Starting to lose hope ngl

 

[flower1]

Hello, please may someone help me with this - I did't apply to many firms this year and so don't know the application questions for many firms. Please can you let me know the application questions for the following firms:

Paul Weiss
Skadden
Weil, Gotshal
Goodwin
Davis Polk
Slaughter & May
Jones Day
Ashurst
Debevoise

Ik it's a lot - I only applied to 4 firms

 

[AryanAgg]

Hello, please may someone help me with this - I did't apply to many firms this year and so don't know the application questions for many firms. Please can you let me know the application questions for the following firms:

Paul Weiss
Skadden
Weil, Gotshal
Goodwin
Davis Polk
Slaughter & May
Jones Day
Ashurst
Debevoise

Ik it's a lot - I only applied to 4 firms

Slaughter and May is a cover letter, also don't use & for that firm as it is not how they refer to themselves as. Jones Day is a single question I think regarding why should you be considered for a training contract at Jones Day (will have verify this one again though). Skadden asks Why Skadden? if not law, what other profession would you pursue? And extra curricular activities and interests. Would have to confirm if there are more in Skadden though.

 

[TCComingSoon]

Anyone who done the Browne Jacobson test happy to share the feedback report pillars.

 

[flower1]

Slaughter and May is a cover letter, also don't use & for that firm as it is not how they refer to themselves as. Jones Day is a single question I think regarding why should you be considered for a training contract at Jones Day (will have verify this one again though).

Thank you

 

[PFO King]

Has anyone here scored 10 out of 10 in amberjack? I am confused as to what I could've answered differently. I had full in verbal and numerical my SJT was 7(self-managment), 8(Commercial) and 7 (People Skills).

 

[AryanAgg]

Hello, please may someone help me with this - I did't apply to many firms this year and so don't know the application questions for many firms. Please can you let me know the application questions for the following firms:

Paul Weiss
Skadden
Weil, Gotshal
Goodwin
Davis Polk
Slaughter & May
Jones Day
Ashurst
Debevoise

Ik it's a lot - I only applied to 4 firms

Check the law firm directory of the site as well, they have many of the questions listed for the different firms.

 

[trainee4u]

Has anyone here scored 10 out of 10 in amberjack? I am confused as to what I could've answered differently. I had full in verbal and numerical my SJT was 7(self-managment), 8(Commercial) and 7 (People Skills).

AFAIK it only goes up to 9, and 7/9 is more than good enough.

 

[TCchaser]

Hello, please may someone help me with this - I did't apply to many firms this year and so don't know the application questions for many firms. Please can you let me know the application questions for the following firms:

Paul Weiss
Skadden
Weil, Gotshal
Goodwin
Davis Polk
Slaughter & May
Jones Day
Ashurst
Debevoise

Ik it's a lot - I only applied to 4 firms

Jones Day:
What makes you a good candidate for a training contract at Jones Day? Your answer should be reflective of your skills and personal experience. (max 300 words)
Have you used any AI or ChatGPT in your answer? (max 99 words)

Paul, Weiss:
Tell us why you want to join Paul, Weiss (max 250 words)
How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss? (max 250 words)

Debevoise:
Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to Debevoise? (max 250 words)
Please indicate if there are any preferred practice areas that interest you. (max 250 words)
Please detail any extra-curricular activities and leisure interests, including any relevant responsibilities and achievements. (max 250 words)
Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (max 250 words)
Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (max 250 words)
Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? (max 300 words)
What do you hope to get out of a career at a Firm like ours? (max 250 words)

Goodwin:
Why are you applying to Goodwin? (max 100 words)
What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (max 100 words)
Discuss a commercial issue that has particularly interested you. Why did it capture your attention, and what impact could it have on the legal sector? (max 300 words)
Describe a recent situation where you faced a challenge or problem. How did you overcome the challenge, and how did you display your resilience? (max 300 words)
Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (max 250 words)
Which other firms are you applying to and why? (max 200 words)
Please briefly summarise anything else that you would like to add which you think is relevant to your application. This can be positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities and achievements or academic awards or scholarships (max 200 words)

 

[PFO King]

AFAIK it only goes up to 9, and 7/9 is more than good enough.

the report has until 10 so not sure? would be curious to know what are some of the highest scores people have got or come across?

 

[trainee4u]

the report has until 10 so not sure? would be curious to know what are some of the highest scores people have got or come across?

which firm? it's definitely usually 9 but sometimes firms customise it..

you can get max score - there's two marks per question for getting the correct best and correct worst answer answer; if you get either wrong you will lose marks.

 

[AryanAgg]

the report has until 10 so not sure? would be curious to know what are some of the highest scores people have got or come across?

There are 2 kinds of scoreboards I've seen one with 9 vertical bars and one with 10 horizontal points scale

 

[randomrhino]

They’ll get back by the end of the week if this is helpful

how did you find that out? need to decide how long to hold my breath this week…