TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[yellowbirds008]

Mishcon de Reya VS opens today. Good luck if the firm is on your list, too!

I'm lucky to have a mentor who works at Mishcon (check out growmentoring.org if you're interested in finding out more), and I will be polishing the application as much as I can.

Although, the AI chatbot may end up being be the stumbling block. Not quite sure how it will go this year, but we'll see...

You got this!!

 

[TortillaTC]

@Antoni Trochimowicz Good morning! Do you think I should email HLC grad rec if I applied two weeks ago and still haven’t got the first stage test, or should I wait out?

Apparently most people have got it quite fast post application.

Update: I emailed HLC grad rec and they said they’re sending the online test in batches and I’ll hear soon. It’s not automated in the sense that once you press submit, they start sending it, but if you meet eligibility you’ll get the test.

For anyone who still haven’t got stage 1

 

[a114]

I know it sounds stupid but must we just wait until after open days to apply even if VS/TC apps are already open?

I've seen like 3/4 firms now where they say they're non-rolling but explicitly encourage early applications, but also only have open days in a month's time.

 

[Novaa]

Mishcon de Reya VS opens today. Good luck if the firm is on your list, too!

I'm lucky to have a mentor who works at Mishcon (check out growmentoring.org if you're interested in finding out more), and I will be polishing the application as much as I can.

Although, the AI chatbot may end up being be the stumbling block. Not quite sure how it will go this year, but we'll see...

Ooh I’ve just had a look and I can see their applications for Mentees closed recently. Do you know if they open again in January or will it be for the next application cycle?

 

[WillKitchen]

Ooh I’ve just had a look and I can see their applications for Mentees closed recently. Do you know if they open again in January or will it be for the next application cycle?

Not certain, but I think they have two intakes a year. Keep an eye on the website in the new year!

 

[helloseoul]

For questions like 'tell us about any insights days you've attended', are we allowed to mention other law firms or are we expected to only provide a general overview of the event and what we learnt?

For example, when applying to W&C, can I explicitly mention I attended a networking event at Baker McKenzie?

 

[babkawithlatte]

Has anyone heard back from Macfarlanes/how quick did anyone hear after S2 to get to the written stage? Ty x

 

[TCchaser]

STB PFO post-application for their autumn VS

 

[TCchaser]

Has anyone heard from Sidley recently for their winter VS?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

STB PFO post-application for their autumn VS

Same. From what I thought was my strongest app so far LOL.

 

[user55998384]

Not certain, but I think they have two intakes a year. Keep an eye on the website in the new year!

hey will - is the VS rolling do you know?

 

[TCchaser]

hey will - is the VS rolling do you know?

They say they're not rolling, but also that 'we would recommend that you look to apply earlier to give you the best chance of securing an assessment day with us.'

 

[TheHamlet4]

Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector?

I should answer this question with bullet points, right?

 

[tldrba]

Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector?

I should answer this question with bullet points, right?

I answer these in paragraphs. Essentially what they are looking for is a narrative of how you have explored the legal sector through these events; e.g. you joined a webinar, built on this knowledge at a law firm open day, then took a highlight from that and used it a workshop at another law firm event, etc…

 

[WillKitchen]

Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector?

I should answer this question with bullet points, right?

If there are lots of them, then yes.

But I've heard that if you went to an open day at the particular firm you are applying to, then give that one a separate work experience box with additional details. It was either Cooley or CRS that recommended that.

 

[trainee1012]

Any insight into HLC stage 2 assessment? How much time do they give you to answer each question in the VI component?

 

[tctctc]

Dechert online assessment!

Congrats! May I ask when you applied?

 

[anon78365222111]

Finally got the rare contextual from DLA despite applying on the first day. I believe they’re being more strict in slowly screening this year, haven’t even received a test.

 

[CharlieandLola]

I think that person is just referring to online sjt lolll (we all got the sjt invite around 2 weeks ago). The online written case study doesn't happen until October (based on their website)

You have saved me… a lot of stress.

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

The A&O VI has two questions, correct?