TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

BCLP is worse because their test is automatic. If you don’t meet the test benchmark they won’t even read your app. Nasty stuff lmao. Imagine writing 2,000 words for nothing omg. 😂​

whatttt I didn't even know that...dang that is ROUGH... wow
Knowing me and tests I would've wasted time on those 2000 words 😂

 

[jojo23]

almost gave me a heart attack 😭 I know I'm chatty but I try to remain civil 😂😂
(ps. give me a heart attack again and I'll start calling you jojosiwa23 /jk )

🤣🤣🤣
A perfect visual representation of me after reading that username:

 

[elle woods]

you know what guys, even if nothing comes out of this application cycle (hopefully not tho), I'm very happy to have met you guys, even anonymously 💗 thanks for making me laugh during these rough times 😂🫶

 

[JasmineM9]

🤣🤣🤣
A perfect visual representation of me after reading that username:

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

 

[ninarosee]

🤣🤣🤣
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]

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 🤣

 

[JasmineM9]

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]

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!