TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AlegalA]

How long did it take to receive the test after you did the VI. Tbf I'm probs being impatient, I only did the VI like a week ago.

Invite for VI on 06/01 and invite to test on 20/01

 

[Samdeacon1902]

Invite for VI on 06/01 and invite to test on 20/01

Great thank you!

 

[Diana54]

I have an upcoming AC with Reed Smith and would really appreciate it if someone that has done the AC can provide any insight or advice. I have been rejected from the ACs that I have done this cycle and this is my last chance this cycle. This is my fourth year applying and I really do not want to start over again.

Any help or insight would by much appreciated.

 

[simplyfaith]

Current 2025 application cycle progress. I boldly applied to only 10 competitive firms. I'm also working on a personal project related to economics while I wait for them to get back to me. Hopefully at least one of these endeavours will be fruitful.

Orrick - 📝 > 😴
Linklaters - 📝 > 😴
Ropes & Gray - 📝 > 😴
Goodwin - 📝 > VI > 😴
Paul Weiss - 📝 > OA > 😴

Cooley - 📝 > 😔
Covington - 📝 > 😔
White & Case - 📝 > 😔
Baker McKenzie - 📝 > 😔
Sullivan & Cromwell - 📝 > 😔

Previous application cycle highlights:
2024: Morgan Lewis TC TI
2023: Mishcon de Reya VI; Simmons & Simmons VI

Other notable highlights:
2025: xAI AI Tutor offer (lmao)
2024: Aspiring Solicitors Barclays experience offer
2023: Aspiring Solicitors GLD experience offer; AS CAC Semi-Finalist

 

[BillSikes]

Does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from DACB post VI - feel like they review them as they go.

Outcomes by early March

Ac dates:

 

[theruleofno]

anyone heard from Mayer brown or W&C post AC?

MB are still doing ACs all the way through until the start of March so it might be after then

 

[Tintin06]

Jheeze how have you managed to send in so many applications! 😮 Absolute machine frfr! 🙂

Are you planning on applying to White & Case Direct TC this application cycle? I don’t know if they allow more than one application per cycle so you can either apply for the VS or TC. I don’t know for sure though.

Best of luck with your remaining applications. It only takes that one yes! 🙂🙂​

Yes - W&C confirmed you can re-apply.

 

[Tintin06]

Sorry about PW! Did they send you the PFO today?

They sent a rejection over yesterday.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @pleasepleaseplease as I have never been assessed under this particular format I will not be able to speak from experience, but as I see it this exercise is set out to test mainly two things:

1. Firstly, your commercial awareness. More specifically, since you mention it could be unrelated to current issues, it will likely test you ability for commercial analysis. That is, can you identify the most relevant business considerations that arise from any particular issue? Can you explain how exactly they matter for a business' operation? Can you identify the different stakeholders and identify their positions? Can you then point out the possible courses of action and then make an argument in favour of one? For this, I think the best you can do is to read widely about commerce and to try to engage critically with the materials. However, in these last few days in the buildup to the AC, you could focus a bit more on materials giving an overviews about how businesses work - a great resource I recommend here is Investopedia.
2. Secondly, your ability maintain composure under pressure, to think on your feet, and to defend your views. For this, I think the best practice is to simply simulate the assessment condition. If you can, get a friend to select a longer business article and then have them question you on it. While the questions will likely differ from what you get in the actual interview, if properly set up this will give you useful experience with this type of assessment and should make you feel more at ease on the day.

Best of luck !

Thank you, that is very useful!

 

[LawHopeful1]

Does anyone know when we’ll hear back from OC post the virtual AC?

 

[missfuturetraineemaybe]

Hi @Andrei Radu

Quick question- I’ve got a summer vac scheme with GD, but have seen that a few people on LinkedIn who applied for direct tcs have received offers already. Knowing that the firm recruits such a few number of trainees, will these direct tcs impact the number of trainees taken from the vac scheme?

 

[Laylaaa]

Has anyone done the VI for Addleshaw Goddard? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to PM me about it if you’d prefer! Thank you!

 

[TonyStark]

Does anyone have a useful commercial awareness tracker they’d recommend or can share?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I've also been sent the invite! It's delivered by a platform called 'Saville Assessment Oasys' and if you go on their website they do have a couple of practice questions- not many but it gives you a feel for them

Did you get it today??

 

[jacksollaf]

Yup, Debevoise PFO right this second; sad news 😕

 

[zonnonomo]

Yup, Debevoise PFO right this second; sad news 😕

same LOLLLLL

this will always make me laugh, they said the exact same thing last year & the year before

"Whilst your application was certainly impressive, 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 applicants."

 

[tcla02]

anyone know if nrf sends AC invites in one batch or is it staggered?

 

[EA95]

does SH on their application form ask whether we want to apply for the spring or summer scheme. Had a brief look at the form and don’t think they ask?

They give you the options to pick before you complete the 3 600 word questions. Similar set up to when applying for the open day.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Does anyone know when we’ll hear back from OC post the virtual AC?

I think end of next week? Their last slots (at least when I picked mine) were tomo and Friday

 

[LawHopeful1]

I think end of next week? Their last slots (at least when I picked mine) were tomo and Friday

Thank you! Low-key dreading it, I think it went awfulllll