TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[RowdtoTC2026]

1st PFO of the cycle by Macfarlanes after second stage

 

[jamsparkle]

Just got amberjack assessment invitation for weil open day??

(the AllAboutLaw one)

 

[insomnia]

PFO received from Macfarlanes :/ first of the cycle

 

[flower1]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz

Please include details of events, webinars and virtual work experience that you have taken part in that have helped you increase your understanding of a career in law (300 words)

I am just wondering for the above question, what's an appropriate structure to follow as a whole for the entire question, and how many different experiences are roughly expected given the word count? Also, for example, if I speak about an open day - within this individual experience itself, what's a good structure to follow? From my understanding, we need to connect explicitly back to role of commercial lawyer at the end of each experience, but not too sure.

Thank you

 

[lk23]

Did anyone else get an email from DLA that said their applications are open but it says "we do not recruit on a rolling basis"? (This was after registering interest on their site a little while ago) When their FAQs says rolling View attachment 8411

I received this. It also had someone else's full name attached to the 'hi' part that's nothing close to mine... idk what is going on there

 

[QuillandCounsel]

I received this. It also had someone else's full name attached to the 'hi' part that's nothing close to mine... idk what is going on there

I had the same, I tried to look up the person but nothing came up

 

[supernovna]

How many VIs are in Macfarlanes stage 2?

 

[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.