TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

After 5 application cycles, I received a TC offer today from an elite US firm!

Honestly, I can't quite believe it!

A huge thank you to all the lovely, supportive people on TCLA. The community on here is absolutely phenomenal!

Well done!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

anyone have any idea on applying to firms like gibson dunn w a low 2.1?

I know someone that did the spring VS at Gibson Dunn with a low 2:1 so it’s defo possible.​

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Does anyone know what questions Perkins Coie asks in the LBA video interview? Are they mainly motivational or competency-based?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Does anyone know what questions Perkins Coie asks in the LBA video interview? Are they mainly motivational or competency-based?

“As part of the application process, candidates must complete a brief video question to be considered. After you apply, you will receive an email from Vidcruiter with instructions on how to complete the video question

• A question will be provided.
• You will have three minutes to prepare your response.
• You will have two minutes to provide your response.”

 

[singingcanary46]

Is it weird to get silence from a firm after accepting a TC?

I accepted a TC with a firm about 3 weeks ago, following a vacation scheme. The offer letter said after returning the contract we'd immediately be sent details for onboarding etc, I haven't had anything at all though. I emailed early careers on Monday about a different matter and haven't had a reply all week.

I'm sure I'm overthinking, and they're probably just busy, but I feel like I should've heard something from them?

 

[floral.tcla]

quick question: to those receiving PC VIs, when did you apply?

 

[StudentWP]

does anyone know when dacb will get back to us after vi

 

[Jaysen]

Hi @Jaysen

I hope you're well!

I was once asked how the skills I gained from my A Levels would support me as a lawyer (for context I did Math, Psychology, and Economics). I just said that Psychology and Econ are essay-based subjects, helped me develop written communication skills, while Math strengthened my logical thinking, which is important in dispute resolution and problem solving.

I knew my answer was quite brief and weak. I would really appreciate any advice you or anyone else might have on how to approach this question.

Thank you so much in advance!

Hey - happy to help!

I'd take one subject at a time and be as in depth as you can. It doesn't sound like you were far off, but as you mentioned, your answer was brief.

For example, I studied Biology, and I might say something like:

Biology taught me how to read, understand and store large amounts of information. I'd bet I spent more time memorising concepts in Biology than any of my other subjects combined. But this has taught me skills that are very useful: I'd have the focus and confidence to read legal contracts or documents of hundreds of pages, understand them, and distil the most important information.

 

[Jaysen]

Is it weird to get silence from a firm after accepting a TC?

I accepted a TC with a firm about 3 weeks ago, following a vacation scheme. The offer letter said after returning the contract we'd immediately be sent details for onboarding etc, I haven't had anything at all though. I emailed early careers on Monday about a different matter and haven't had a reply all week.

I'm sure I'm overthinking, and they're probably just busy, but I feel like I should've heard something from them?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry. They are just busy !

 

[User2640]

Hey - happy to help!

I'd take one subject at a time and be as in depth as you can. It doesn't sound like you were far off, but as you mentioned, your answer was brief.

For example, I studied Biology, and I might say something like:

Biology taught me how to read, understand and store large amounts of information. I'd bet I spent more time memorising concepts in Biology than any of my other subjects combined. But this has taught me skills that are very useful: I'd have the focus and confidence to read legal contracts or documents of hundreds of pages, understand them, and distil the most important information.

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

 

[safari3]

quick question: to those receiving PC VIs, when did you apply?

In the first week applications opened.

 

[safari3]

Main tip for the Perkins Coie VI is that you genuinely prepare for it, so go into it with an open mind and try to use the 3 minutes you have for preparation time effectively as possible!