TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AP2000]

Did anybody do the Bird and Bird virtual open day? I applied for their STEM one and the deadline is tomorrow. I was wondering if anybody who was successful with the trainee solicitor open day heard before the deadline or if all invites were sent out day of/after?

Hey, I received the invite one week before the open day, so don't worry! I applied very early too, so I would imagine they only send invites after the deadline. In fact, for all four open days I've attended so far I only heard back a week - max two before the actual event.

 

[Joey green]

Is there anyone on this forum who has done a Jones Day AC in October? I would love to ask some basic questions...

 

[johnsmith]

Have any Simmons AC invites gone out to anyone who did the test from the 24th onwards?

Some posted they had been in the last 2 days

 

[Jennifer2003]

Hey, I received the invite one week before the open day, so don't worry! I applied very early too, so I would imagine they only send invites after the deadline. In fact, for all four open days I've attended so far I only heard back a week - max two before the actual event.

Thank you so much! This is very reassuring

 

[c.t.tc]

Some posted they had been in the last 2 days

Oh no sorry! I meant anyone who had done the blended assessment from the 24th onwards

 

[emily3827]

Oh no sorry! I meant anyone who had done the blended assessment from the 24th onwards

did mine on the 25th and got one!

 

[Jennifer2003]

did mine on the 25th and got one!

Congratulations!! Can I ask when did you get the AC invite after doing the assessment?

 

[lawschool123]

Hi, I attended a DLA Piper talk and grad rec mentioned that for the CV there's no need to include an education section because the online form will ask for grades anyway. She also mentioned having a brief introduction (but I might have misheard this). Is it alright to still stick to the standard format for CVs (i.e. with an education section and without including an introduction)?

 

[c.t.tc]

did mine on the 25th and got one!

Congrats! when did you hear?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Did those of you who completed W&C VI get a confirmation email once you completed it? I haven't received anything yet

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

For a Watson Glaser that is untimed is 45 minutes an okay amount of time to spend on it.

 

[Goingtogetatc]

This has already been asked in the forum a couple of times so I would recommend you search 'CMS' to see previous responses. Ultimately, a good approach is to use the Q to demonstrate your knowledge of the firm. Talk about any area of the firm that you can link to your own skills and experience and then talk about how you would continue to develop this (and subsequently make an impact) as a trainee at CMS.

Thank you very much!

 

[JBM]

For a Watson Glaser that is untimed is 45 minutes an okay amount of time to spend on it.

I would say max 30

 

[mg42guy32]

hey has anyone received an offer for the latham open day on 6th November?

I haven't heard anything at all, feel like if we do it'll be by friday

 

[floral.tcla]

For a Watson Glaser that is untimed is 45 minutes an okay amount of time to spend on it.

Love your username🤣

 

[Trophy]

Do forage courses help? I want to apply to Clifford Chance I attended an open day with them and was unsuccessful for their TC after application review. Trying to standout as I have all the required information for my application.

 

[silonthesofa]

Do forage courses help? I want to apply to Clifford Chance I attended an open day with them and was unsuccessful for their TC after application review. Trying to standout as I have all the required information for my application.

Forage courses are mentioned frequently by grad recruitment. I don't personally know how much they actually help in terms of making your application stand out, but in theory, they help demonstrate interest in the firm. However, as a practical matter, Bird's Forage course absolutely helped me ahead of my AC with them last year so they're certainly not without value in the later stages of the process.

 

[Nellyz]

Hi Everyone. I searched but didn’t find the answer.

Do you know if Freshfields 1st online assessment has a VI? Thanks

 

[anon78365222111]

Hi Everyone. I searched but didn’t find the answer.

Do you know if Freshfields 1st online assessment has a VI? Thanks

Nope only the second does.

 

[TCGrad1642]

Hey guys! Random question here. Does anyone know of a centralised place where firms requirements for uni grades are required. I heard recently that HSF(K) rejects applications with any 2:2s in modules which would explain why I was almost instantly rejected last year after meeting the benchmark for the assessment. I received a 2:2 in only on module in second year so any advice or help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks