TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Deleted member 32644]

A perfect visual representation of me after reading that username:

Congratulations you've just reached peak aura for this

 

[yk1906]

My roommate just came home with some wine - I guess Kirkland motivational question will have to wait till tomorrow

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

My roommate just came home with some wine - I guess Kirkland motivational question will have to wait till tomorrow

Can you imagine if grad rec at all these firms sit and browse through the forum chats and see the stuff we all talk about. We’re too unserious lmao, but nah hopefully we all smash these apps! ​

 

[jojo23]

KDRAMA MENTIONED!! Literally the only thing that is keeping me going rn

I binge watched twinkling watermelon (elite name) this week instead of doing applications
Would 100% recommend for romance (better than hinge)

 

[jojo23]

Can you imagine if grad rec at all these firms sit and browse through the forum chats and see the stuff we all talk about. We’re too unserious lmao, but nah hopefully we all smash these apps! ​

Pov: they checked that Facebook post from 15 years ago

 

[yk1906]

Can you imagine if grad rec at all these firms sit and browse through the forum chats and see the stuff we all talk about. We’re too unserious lmao, but nah hopefully we all smash these apps! ​

Hahaha yes, but we are humans, not machines like some firms expect us to be! I feel like it would be so much fun to work with you guys, honestly

 

[jojo23]

Congratulations you've just reached peak aura for this

I gotta represent

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

I binge watched twinkling watermelon (elite name) this week instead of doing applications
Would 100% recommend for romance (better than hinge)

Twinnn you get it!!! I have a couple I need to binge on my list so I will defo add this to my list ‍

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Does anyone have insights into the BCLP test? Is it the same as reed smith's?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Does anyone have insights into the BCLP test? Is it the same as reed smith's?

I think BCLP is a Cappfinity test and Reed Smith is Amberjack but I’m not 100% sure tbh.​

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I binge watched twinkling watermelon (elite name) this week instead of doing applications
Would 100% recommend for romance (better than hinge)

I loved that drama!!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, when drafting an application for a firm I had an AC with last year, would it be advisable to mention the AC? Worried that it would be looked on negatively seeing as I didn't get the TC. Or should I briefly mention it and explain how I've improved since then? Thank you

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone who’s received FF second test and Latham VI that has done DLA Piper TI?

 

[Lord Sumption]

Woahh haha that's definitely one grad rec will remember for years to come!! That's so creative! Also while I have you here, I've always wanted to say I love your username because it makes me laugh everytime I see Lord Sumption in the forum We need a Lord Hoffmann now

Haha thank you! Lord Sumption needs a Training Contract too since he has retired from the Supreme Court! He has decided to enter the commercial law sphere

 

[shays]

also anyone heard back from NRF post amberjack?

or Eversheds post the whatever that test was called?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For White & Case’s question, “Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended (e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.). These do not need to be White & Case specific. (Max. 350 words)”:

(a) What structure should I follow?
(b) Can I refer to virtual events such as those run by TCLA? I am an international student so, apart from one Open Day, I do not have much in-person experience. Virtual events have therefore been particularly valuable for me.

I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has applied, and also from @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu , who are known for their structure and strategies here in TCLA

Thank you in advance!

Hello!

Happy to help The way that I would structure the answer is as follows:

1. Short introduction

Briefly state the range of events you have attended and how they've supported your understanding of commercial law

2. Key events

For each event, I would include:

• Name & organiser (e.g. TCLA workshop, firm open day, other virtual experience)
• What you learned (e.g. practice area insights, commercial awareness, or specific skills)
• Impact on you (e.g. how this shaped your interests, clarified firm preferences, or built confidence)

This keeps it focused on reflection for each event, rather than simply stating that you attended

3. Final takeaway

I would summarise how these experiences have strengthened your motivation for commercial law and informed your application to White & Case.

In relation to whether you can include virtual events such as TCLA - yes, you can absolutely include them! Firms understand that applicants, especially international students, often rely on them to gain an insight into specific firms. What matters is what you gained from these events, not whether the event was in person.

You could potentially add a short line for context, for example: "As an international student, virtual events such as TCLA's workshops have been particularly valuable in giving me consistent access to industry insights"

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Haha thank you! Lord Sumption needs a Training Contract too since he has retired from the Supreme Court! He has decided to enter the commercial law sphere

Bahahaha Lady Hale will (may) soon be joining you in that pursuit

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu, hi guys, hope you are well. I am just wondering whether you may know what Paul Weiss's application policy is like on reapplying in the same cycle (for SVS if got rejected for Winter)

Thanks in advance

Hi!

I'm well, thank you - hope you are too!

From the FAQs on their website, I can see that it states: "Yes, we welcome you to apply again but you will need to wait for the next application cycle." Therefore, I would assume that you cannot reapply in the same cycle

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, when drafting an application for a firm I had an AC with last year, would it be advisable to mention the AC? Worried that it would be looked on negatively seeing as I didn't get the TC. Or should I briefly mention it and explain how I've improved since then? Thank you

Hey!

Great question! The short answer is yes, you can mention the AC, but only if it adds value to your narrative. It won't be seen as negative as long as you frame it positively and show growth.

A sensible approach could be to:

• Briefly state you reached the AC last year
• Note that the experience highlighted areas you've since strengthened (for example, commercial awareness, communication, confidence)
• Show the steps that you have taken to improve, discussing real-life examples
• Reaffirm your continued motivation for the firm

This turns it into a positive - the firm already saw potential, and you have developed further since then!

That said, I would generally try not to force it in to the application if it doesn't feel relevant. If you can't link it to clear improvement or it interrupts the flow of your application, it's completely fine to leave it out. It's not a requirement, and it won't harm your chances either way.

Best of luck with your application

 

[nbjani]

Hey! Anyone have any insights into the Gowling and Dentons VIs - just basically if I need to have my motivations practices or if they’re more skills/situation based? Also I have a DLA phone interview next week and no idea what to do! Any help would be appreciated. I’ve never got this far so the joy of getting past some applications has now turned into horror of what’s to come.