TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[yellowbirds008]

is it selective?

i don’t think so!

 

[Topdog0073]

I applied to Sidley on the 3rd of Sep for the WVS. Out of interest, when did people who have heard from them apply?

 

[1136PX0]

I applied to Sidley on the 3rd of Sep for the WVS. Out of interest, when did people who have heard from them apply?

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

 

[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!