TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[e_turbo2]

BCLP Interview for Spring! Has anyone done an AC yet for spring? I was told they were starting ACs quite early so I'm hoping I didn't leave it too late when applying, wondering how many ACs will be left. Any advice for the interview would be really appreciated too!

Hey, congrats! The interview is strengths based so I'll advise you to brush up on how to answer these and also on your motivational Qs as it starts off with that. The ACs have not begun yet and they have only recently started giving out the invites for them. So basically, you're good! All the best

 

[Jennifer2003]

How long did people wait before getting Bird & Bird WG?

I applied for the spring programme and got the WG the same day, but some other people I know got theirs the day or two afterward! if this is for summer I'm not sure what the timeline would be like

 

[pepsicola96]

Congratulations! Can i ask when you applied?

Thank you! I applied on the 21st, so pretty quick turnaround. Test sent immediately, but I completed it on Monday (24th), and got an email invite today.

 

[pepsicola96]

Hey, congrats! The interview is strengths based so I'll advise you to brush up on how to answer these and also on your motivational Qs as it starts off with that. The ACs have not begun yet and they have only recently started giving out the invites for them. So basically, you're good! All the best

Thank you!!

 

[mg42guy32]

Completed DLA WG 25th and haven't received a feedback report or a pass email yet. Should I take this as a fail?

 

[sooae]

Hello! For those who applied to Dechert- how long did it take to get a response post app?

 

[TCLAUser1]

Does Baker McKenzie send out invites to the online test and VI after the online application deadline has closed?

 

[anon78365222111]

Does Baker McKenzie send out invites to the online test and VI after the online application deadline has closed?

They said they’ll review applications as they come but send tests in December

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Hi everyone ! Does anyone have insights into the BCLP AC. It would mean a lot (if you do please PM me). Also I have insights into DLA’s AC if anyone needs

hey congrats on making it to this stage!! is this for winter, spring, or summer vs?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Has anyone heard anything from Dentons post application?

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

If Willkie don’t get back to you after the VI in the 15 days is this a pfo?

Hi @Goodbyetc

No, it's not. Everyone is contacted at some point after video interview to let you know whether you were successful or not.

Thanks,

Kirsty

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Does Willkie not want our GCSE grades or is my portal glitching? For me it looks as if they only wanted country, year, name of school but no space for the actual grades?

Hi @abc124

Our application form does ask for GCSE qualification, each topic, and each grade to be listed, so I suspect it could be an issue you're experiencing accessing the system.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[Goingtogetatc]

hey congrats on making it to this stage!! is this for winter, spring, or summer vs?

Hi ! It’s for spring BCLP only does spring and summer

 

[Trophy]

Hello! For those who applied to Dechert- how long did it take to get a response post app?

I applied early October for spring and not heard a thing 😬 has anyone that’s applied for spring heard back yet?

 

[qaz99]

How long did it take for people to hear back from Akin after submitting their application?

Took 5 weeks to hear back from submitting my app. Their graduate recruitment team is quite small (only 2).

 

[TCLAUser1]

Is it too late to apply to CMS - is the deadline of the 29th just for the online application or for the WG and VI also?

 

[sooae]

I applied early October for spring and not heard a thing 😬 has anyone that’s applied for spring heard back yet?

Ahhhh. I applied mid-november so I guess I’ll hear back in January? 🤣

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

A law firm is asking me a question that I should argue (Pro / Con) in 300 words.
I have pretty relevant work experience that substantiates my view. Is linking it to my experience expected or shall I speak more theoretically?

Hello!

You can definitely bring in your experience (in fact, it will often strengthen your answer) but the key is how you use it.

For a 300-word pro / con argument, the firm mainly wants to see that you can analyse an issue clearly, structure an argument, and show balanced reasoning. So the core of your answer should be theoretical, analytical points.

Your experience should come in only if it feels natural and when it supports a point you are making. Think of it as evidence, not the focus. A short, specific example (1-2 sentences max) can add credibility and show you understand how the issue plays out in practice, but it shouldn’t be the focus of your argument.

As long as the experience strengthens your argument rather than replaces it, I’d say it’s absolutely fine to include it!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock for the Goodwin application question: ''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?'' Should we talk about a commercial issue that will have an impact on specifically law firms, or an issue that will have an impact on law firms' clients, subsequently increasing/decreasing workflow for law firms? Your insights would be much appreciated!

Hi!

You can actually take either route, but the strongest answers will usually sit at the intersection of the two.

To ensure your answer is commercially focused, I would try to show that you understand how a wider market issue filters through to clients, and then ultimately shapes the work law firms do. So you don’t need to limit yourself to something that only affects law firms internally - in fact, a lot of the best topic start with clients first!

A good way to think about it might be:

1. Start with a commercial issue affecting clients (e.g. private credit expansion, AI regulation, restructuring trends, green financing, geopolitics, etc.)

2. Explain why it grabbed your attention - this could be because of something you have studied, worked on, or just found interesting outside of work / academics.

3. Then link it back to the impact on the legal sector - this is where you show commercial awareness and insight, particularly on how the issue: creates new types of transactions or disputes, increases demand in certain practice areas, changes risk profiles, requires new expertise from law firms, or shifts client expectations.

This way, you cover both sides without being stuck in a narrow lane. Therefore, I would choose a commercial issue that affects clients, and explain how law firms can equip themselves to help clients navigate these issues (i.e. changes in the legal market) - that’s exactly the kind of reasoning they want to see

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys,

I'm currently filling in the Mishcon de Reya application form, and I've one got one quick query to ask. If anyone has any tips, I'd be hugely grateful!

On the "Work Experience" section, candidates are asked to specify how many hours they've worked in a typical week, but only if the experience in question is "ongoing rather than one-off". Am I correct in presuming that a two-week vacation scheme counts as one-off?

Hey!

Yes, you’re absolutely right - a two-week vacation scheme would likely be classed as a one-off experience. The “hours per week” box is really aimed at ongoing roles such as part-time jobs, volunteering, tutoring, or long-term internships.

For a vacation scheme, I would just give the date of the scheme and outline your responsibilities / skills.

Good luck with the Mishcon de Reva application!