TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Are there anymore future trainees lingering about?
Still stuck between Gibson Dunn TC or VS application. My CL is drafted just need to send it off.
Why is best? Will I be cooked if I do TC app? I ask this as I’ve not seen ppl really get DTC from there but maybe you know ppl whilst studying SQE/PDGL?
Or anyone that’s gone to an open day have info?

Depends on your personal circumstances. The VS is designed to be a first entry into the legal profession, like a stepping stone to help both you figure out if the firms KPA and culture is for you and for the firm to assess if you fit what they want/expect. If you have quite a lot of litigation, corporate advisory, and or competition law experience either through other VSs or paralegal work then I'd say the TC is more for you. Some argue that the VS is less competitive because career-changers/paralegals and all those who fall into the latter of the above don't apply but you really don't know. Both processes are very competitive and will demand a different logic to your CL for applying. If you have already demonstrated desire to work at GD and corporate law generally through previous experience then I'd say TC is better.

 

[Trophy]

Depends on your personal circumstances. The VS is designed to be a first entry into the legal profession, like a stepping stone to help both you figure out if the firms KPA and culture is for you and for the firm to assess if you fit what they want/expect. If you have quite a lot of litigation, corporate advisory, and or competition law experience either through other VSs or paralegal work then I'd say the TC is more for you. Some argue that the VS is less competitive because career-changers/paralegals and all those who fall into the latter of the above don't apply but you really don't know. Both processes are very competitive and will demand a different logic to your CL for applying. If you have already demonstrated desire to work at GD and corporate law generally through previous experience then I'd say TC is better.

I think I fall into the latter. I’ve done two vacation schemes and I have a corporate job which is very transactional and advisory.

Thank you

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

I think I fall into the latter. I’ve done two vacation schemes and I have a corporate job which is very transactional and advisory.

Thank you

Best of luck, they're a good firm and are sharks. Your experiences sound up to the task!

 

[adekuku]

Latham PFO

 

[Z48]

Depends on your personal circumstances. The VS is designed to be a first entry into the legal profession, like a stepping stone to help both you figure out if the firms KPA and culture is for you and for the firm to assess if you fit what they want/expect. If you have quite a lot of litigation, corporate advisory, and or competition law experience either through other VSs or paralegal work then I'd say the TC is more for you. Some argue that the VS is less competitive because career-changers/paralegals and all those who fall into the latter of the above don't apply but you really don't know. Both processes are very competitive and will demand a different logic to your CL for applying. If you have already demonstrated desire to work at GD and corporate law generally through previous experience then I'd say TC is better.

I’d normally agree with this but Gibson Dunn has this on their FAQs:

To secure a training contract you should first apply for our vacation scheme but training contract will be open for those unable to participate in the programme.

I’d take that as the majority of offers going to VS participants - not sure if you’re not available for their scheme? @Trophy

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone here done a BCLP AC before? I have a few questions. If you could PM it would mean a lot. I have lots of other insights I can offer

I joked about 2012 but I also have an AC with them coming up in January - exciting times!

 

[Winter]

Latham PFO

Hii, is this for Post-2nd stage test? Sorry to hear about that.

 

[adekuku]

Hii, is this for Post-2nd stage test? Sorry to hear about that.

post 2nd

 

[nansies]

I emailed to ask for adjustments for my Latham’s Stage 2 assessment late last week and I was waiting for a reply before taking the test … but I just got a PFO?? I’m so confused ☹️

 

[Sharkfin]

And so the latham pfo arc begins, may the odds be ever in your favour 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

 

[yk1906]

Latham broke my heart when they stopped giving out DTCs and sponsor visas for VS 😃 😬

 

[Trophy]

Latham broke my heart when they stopped giving out DTCs and sponsor visas for VS 😃 😬

They used to give direct TCs? 😭 what a dream

 

[yk1906]

They used to give direct TCs? 😭 what a dream

If I'm not mistaken... What I know is that they don't do it now

 

[BM99]

Have most people received sth from Latham already?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Have most people received sth from Latham already?

Sth?

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

I’d normally agree with this but Gibson Dunn has this on their FAQs:

To secure a training contract you should first apply for our vacation scheme but training contract will be open for those unable to participate in the programme.

I’d take that as the majority of offers going to VS participants - not sure if you’re not available for their scheme? @Trophy

My mistake. I'm not super familiar with GD from an applicant perspective. That operates a bit differently than other firms then...

 

[BM99]

Sth?

Something…

 

[zonnonomo]

I emailed to ask for adjustments for my Latham’s Stage 2 assessment late last week and I was waiting for a reply before taking the test … but I just got a PFO?? I’m so confused ☹️

thats unacceptable, can't believe the amount of law firms blatantly discriminating against people this cycle im so sorry

i remember last cycle, the same thing happened with freshfields (people emailed for adjustments which were never applied + subsequent mass pfo), but jessica from tcla came to the rescue, wrote to the recruitment manager and got everyone their adjustments + opportunity to do the tests

there may be some benefit in bringing to their attention that you were not given a fair opportunity in the recruitment process

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Something…

my bad, theres just so many acronyms nowadays, I feel like a boomer

 

[annalise.joyn]

thats unacceptable, can't believe the amount of law firms blatantly discriminating against people this cycle im so sorry

i remember last cycle, the same thing happened with freshfields (people emailed for adjustments which were never applied + subsequent mass pfo), but jessica from tcla came to the rescue, wrote to the recruitment manager and got everyone their adjustments + opportunity to do the tests

there may be some benefit in bringing to their attention that you were not given a fair opportunity in the recruitment process

I fear the same is happening with me now with Freshfields, I emailed ages ago for second stage adjustments for DTC but they haven't replied back yet