TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[174Tess9y3]

I applied on the 1st and received their online assessment today. They are probably releasing their OAs in batches

Is it automatic?

 

[Topdog0073]

Is it automatic?

Don't think so

 

[Lissa06]

Can anyone who's progressed to freshfields OA stage 2 share what top strengths they got in their cappfinity test? I got 'We thrive as a team', 'embracing transformation' and 'thriving under pressure'

Sorry, not very relevant since I haven't yet heard back from them, but do you know people this cycle who already got invited to stage 2/ have you?
Last year they rejected me for the first-year scheme like months after successful candidates got stage 2, so I'm trying to figure out if I've already been unsuccessful

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Does Sidley have video interviews too!???

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Anyone have any insight into how long you should spend studying for the PGDL (BPP) full time? They recommend 40hrs/week but working alongside it + trying to keep up with applications has me stressed.

The PGDL is the easiest course I've undertaken. You don't need to study more than 3 hours per subject (I read the textbooks, and the applied tasks are quite futile!). The exams are also online, which diminishes the stress; however, I'd recommend memorising as that would bolster your sqe prospects!

 

[user55998384]

Sorry, not very relevant since I haven't yet heard back from them, but do you know people this cycle who already got invited to stage 2/ have you?
Last year they rejected me for the first-year scheme like months after successful candidates got stage 2, so I'm trying to figure out if I've already been unsuccessful

hey i dont know anyone who has been progressed to stage 2 yet

 

[Lissa06]

hey i dont know anyone who has been progressed to stage 2 yet

thank you, gotcha!

 

[legalbanana]

For Fieldfisher do we need to put together a breakdown of our individual modules at university? There's space for all A Level/GCSE but weirdly it looks like they only want degree overall? or should I just put them all in anyway?

 

[tedkiss]

Does anyone know whether the VIs for Mayer brown have limited time prep or are they unlimited?

 

[tldrba]

Does anyone know whether the VIs for Mayer brown have limited time prep or are they unlimited?

Last year it was 2 with unlimited prep and 2 with 2 min prep, all had 2 min to answer.

 

[tedkiss]

Last year it was 2 with unlimited prep and 2 with 2 min prep, all had 2 min to answer.

Thanks

 

[Henrik]

Anyone have any insight into how long you should spend studying for the PGDL (BPP) full time? They recommend 40hrs/week but working alongside it + trying to keep up with applications has me stressed.

I worked 4 days a week 9-5 (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) during the full-time PGDL at Ulaw (Monday and Wednesday in-person classes) and maintained a distinction.

The PGDL starts off rather basic to get everyone up to the same level so you will have some time in the first month or so to figure out what you can manage.

Keeping up with applications was tricky but if you focus and keep a good tracker of firms you want to apply to, it shouldn’t be too hard. Working alongside and getting a good result will look great for firms too!

 

[livelaughlawve]

Does Sidley have video interviews too!???

Yeah I got 3 online (assuming automatic) test invites today, 2 with VI, its a killer

 

[livelaughlawve]

Mate the deadline is for vac scheme is mid Jan we’re not even October yet

Spoke to grad rec last week and the sentiment was kindof like "if it is not in already, get it in ASAP"

 

[amitonalfo]

I havent received sidley 1st stage online test yet but i subitted on 2nd september for WVS should i assume PFO? if people are receiving tests

 

[anon78365222111]

I havent received sidley 1st stage online test yet but i subitted on 2nd september for WVS should i assume PFO? if people are receiving tests

Same here

 

[Novaa]

So has anyone else noticed HSF Kramer have quietly snuck back in A-Level requirements of AAB? Oh the joys of merging with US firms

Website:

Candid:

 

[Saul_specter]

Spoke to grad rec last week and the sentiment was kindof like "if it is not in already, get it in ASAP"

The application opened on the 1st September I think. I’m not disbelieving what you’ve said but for some people to go into ‘panic mode’, and potentially cause others to, about a rolling deadline 13 days into a 130 day application window doesn’t seem to make too much sense on paper but Im happy to hold my hands up if grad rec truly are sticking to that sentiment

 

[yellowbirds008]

Does anybody know anything about the trainee trademark attorney programme with Kilburn and Strode?

 

[Z48]

I havent received sidley 1st stage online test yet but i subitted on 2nd september for WVS should i assume PFO? if people are receiving tests

Same here

I don't think you should assume PFO, the next stage isn't selective, their website says they'll only check if you meet the 'eligibility criteria' before progressing. Think it's more likely they're just sending out the tests slowly to spread out the review process