TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[supernovna]

Anyone previously moved forward with Akin Gump if I could ask them for advice?

 

[Novaa]

Does anybody get a bad feeling with the vast majority of firms changing their application processes?

Something makes me feel insanely anxious this cycle

Yes and I need to mute a certain Reddit forum because it’s not helping with this feeling!!

Some of the theories I’ve seen on there are awful, feels like the industry has taken a step back after making so much progress

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone know if MB's OA questions are the same as last years?

 

[legallyrdg]

Anybody heard anything after Gibson Dunn’s assessment or got a freshfields’ stage 2?

 

[cooked2000]

Yes and I need to mute a certain Reddit forum because it’s not helping with this feeling!!

Some of the theories I’ve seen on there are awful, feels like the industry has taken a step back after making so much progress

A few firms have cut down the number of VS they are running too e.g I think Milbank are only doing a spring scheme now

 

[siilvert0ngue]

macfarlanes stage 2 insights anyone?? i can swap for white & case, bevan brittan, moore barlow + cappfinity WG answer sheet

 

[Saul_specter]

Yes and I need to mute a certain Reddit forum because it’s not helping with this feeling!!

Some of the theories I’ve seen on there are awful, feels like the industry has taken a step back after making so much progress

What theories?

 

[wrpark]

Anyone else get two cryptic emails from DLA Piper saying apologies for an error in a previous email and that they have your correct details? I haven't gotten an email from them previously so idk what they're talking about.

 

[tldrba]

I was talking with a Training Principle and he mentioned something I did not think of before. Partly the slow decline in VS/TC places (iirc it was a 2% per Legal Cheek’s lost) comes from the introduction of apprentices. Some of these programs have been running long enough now that even the first NQs are coming out of them.

 

[username10341034]

Does anyone know what provider the Winston Taylor tests are

 

[marshmallow]

hello! for gibson dunn’s cover letter, the instructions say: ‘Please note that the letter does not need to be addressed to any individual. (max 650 words)’. Does this mean it should be addressed generally (ie ‘Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’) or no ‘Dear [X]’ at all?

 

[Novaa]

What theories?

Aside from solicitor apprenticeships and the usual AI talk, I've seen "pandemic hiring" floating around, which is basically the idea that firms relaxed during the pandemic, over-hired, and are now tightening up. I really dislike this because it implies the people hired then were less deserving, when they still had to get through the same tough processes, often while their studies were disrupted.

I also saw one post from someone claiming to be from a grad recruitment team, agreeing that streamlining the initial process helps them pick students with "good grades from good unis." That's just one person out of a sea of grad recruiters, but seeing ideas like that floating around is still annoying. A lot of capable students don't attend "good" universities for a range of reasons.

For example, even if I'd got into my first-choice RG uni, it would have been super expensive and inconvenient for me to travel to.

In conclusion: protect your peace and avoid Reddit!

 

[Novaa]

hello! for gibson dunn’s cover letter, the instructions say: ‘Please note that the letter does not need to be addressed to any individual. (max 650 words)’. Does this mean it should be addressed generally (ie ‘Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’) or no ‘Dear [X]’ at all?

I think it means you can just go straight into writing, no need for addressing anyone at all.

 

[startupgeek]

anyone got insights into sidley's VI? i have the full insights into milbank's stage 1 this year!

i can also exchange with willkie/ weil/ goodwin/ cms/ white & case insights from last year!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hello, is anyone aware whether on an application form when a firm asks if you have any internal contacts, you need to list people who you have worked on a matter with? I am an in-house Paralegal and have worked on a litigation matter (where we are joint parties) with a couple of people from said firm. I am unsure whether to list this?

Hi, I would potentially get a second opinion on this, would likely be best if you emailed a Graduate Recruitment.

However, to me, I would say no, you wouldn't _need_ to list those. They aren't necessarily 'contacts' as in people you are close with and are in semi-direct communication with. If a firm, I believe A&O has this (and I'm sure others), has a internal-referral section in the application, then potentially a person you worked closely with from that firm _could_ qualify for that.

Nonetheless, my instinct would be no, you don't have to list this.

Hope this helps!

 

[BealMcAlly]

The most tiring thing are constant tests, it is such a drag especially tests before they even review. Like I’m investing an hour or 90 mins in something that won’t be seen if they don’t like my application or grades

I low key wish they would outright tell you if your academics are a blocker so you can avoid reapplying in the future. Would also be great if they just published their benchmark for these tests, say Amberjack. I would love it if they outright said our benchmark is a minimum of 25 for Amberjack, that way I can manage my expectations once I get the automated result.

I'm starting to question grading more and more, even with mitigating circumstances. It feels as though that doesn't matter in the end because they will almost always opt for someone with a first or 2:1s across the board.

 

[Saul_specter]

Anyone heard from an and o shesrman for WVS?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

hey @Antoni Trochimowicz how would you structure this

q:Aside from your work experience and academic studies, which other experiences have helped you develop skills relevant to a career as a commercial lawyer?

do you think after each exp i should have a sentence highlighted the skills and how this can be applied as a lawyer and then should i be linking it to the firm too?

Hi!

Firstly, I don't think you need to link it back to the firm. You should just link it back to general aspects of the career, which will naturally also be applicable to the firm.

After each experience, I do think the ending of the paragraph should link it back to how this is useful for the career. You could do this by discussing common trainee tasks or other routine things that occur.

 

[CharlieandLola]

for DLA Piper - there's no cover letter or questions, right? It's just your CV?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz , how would you recommend we structure this section? How many words etc.? I usually use the same paragraphs but having had lots of unsuccessful applications it might need a revamp.

Hi! I think the work experience section is definitely overlooked by many candidates.

In my first year, applying to Open Days & FYS, I was often far under the word count and honestly wrote the bare minimum. For the Vacation Schemes, I definitely tried to reach as close as I could. For 150 Words, I always reached 150, whereas for 250 words, I tried reaching at least 225.

There are many different structures out there, all of which you are definitely able to be successful in.

I personally opted to give a general overview of the role & company in my first paragraph, then in the second described a particular situation and how I acted in it. However, some entries followed slightly different formats.

Alternatively, I've also heard of O-W-L, which I believe is Overview, Work done and Learning. So here, you would give an overview of your role, then discuss the tangible work product you completed, finishing off with what you have learnt and potentially linking back the skills to law.

Hopefully this was helpful