TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[rrr]

MDR open day! (i applied to more than one this one was the race equity one)

 

[Kakaboo]

I’m so confused. Why is DLA saying you need AAB in a level for their summer internship? I applied previously and there were no a level requirements.

 

[Novaa]

I’m so confused. Why is DLA saying you need AAB in a level for their summer internship? I applied previously and there were no a level requirements.

FFS… 🫩 I actually can’t with this cycle. Like I didn’t sit those exams??

 

[Kakaboo]

FFS… 🫩 I actually can’t with this cycle. Like I didn’t sit those exams??

LITERALLY. Why have people gone from ‘your exams from 17 don’t define you’ back to they are important! Like bro

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Question for the forum: In a 2-minute VI question where the firm is asking, 'Why this firm + skills I think are important for trainees, ' do I need to delve into 'Why commercial law?' at all?

Given this is a lengthy question with a 2-minute time limit, I don't suppose I will have time to discuss it; however, since I am a career-changer, is it important that they know my answer to it?

I suppose if I choose to answer only what the question asks, I can delve into my reasons for pursuing commercial law later in the interview stages?

@Antoni Trochimowicz would appreciate any support!

 

[e.jy336]

milbank critical reasoning test (stage 2 i think)! does anyone know if this si the final stage before ac? (also is this a new automatic test for everyone or selective?)

This is after the SJT right?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

LITERALLY. Why have people gone from ‘your exams from 17 don’t define you’ back to they are important! Like bro

Real talk. Is there a specific reason why all law firms decided to either introduce A Levels grade requirements or increase their existing requirements? 🫪

 

[alanshore]

How can you even pass neurosight tests

 

[anon78365222111]

How can you even pass neurosight tests

Don’t think there’s a “pass” as per say I think it’s just they see if you fit the specific profile they have it’s so random I don’t know why they chose that

 

[alanshore]

Also, has anyone heard back from Dentons ME vac scheme

 

[UNKNOWN803]

Cleary WG (applied last Friday)

was this for the WVS? Has anyone got a WG for the Spring/Summer from Cleary?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Oh, just realised this was for Autumn. Apologies, mea culpa!

Hehee no prob

 

[Peter Hsu]

for the people who got milbank stage 2, when did you complete stage 1?

this weds

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone,

Just a note that we have our Reed Smith event next Wednesday.

I'll be joined by @RikPalmer-ReedSmith to break down everything you need to secure a training contract at the firm.

You can register here.

I hope to see you there! You'll leave with really specific information about Reed Smith and its application process

 

[alanshore]

I’m so confused. Why is DLA saying you need AAB in a level for their summer internship? I applied previously and there were no a level requirements.

Swear last year they also had a 2:2 requirement, but they've upped it to 2:1 this year?

 

[vacschemes]

very annoyed with dla piper for changing their grade requirements this year

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Also on the topic of DLA Piper, their discovery days felt like a real opportunity to actually network and then show something good on your applications. Does anyone know what the point of attending them will be this year if their recruiting this year is quite strict?

 

[Novaa]

When applications ask for the dates you were at school, are you putting accurate dates? Because, hm… LOL

Like I’m trying to search the term times, but they’re gone

Update: Turns out local councils set term times and have it on their websites

 

[lk23]

Also on the topic of DLA Piper, their discovery days felt like a real opportunity to actually network and then show something good on your applications. Does anyone know what the point of attending them will be this year if their recruiting this year is quite strict?

Would be useful once you get to the interview stage but not as useful not as before since they've gotten rid of the application questions :/

 

[lk23]

Real talk. Is there a specific reason why all law firms decided to either introduce A Levels grade requirements or increase their existing requirements? 🫪

I think alongside the points other people have made on AI meaning a lot of firms just aren't bothering with application questions so need to assess some other way, the SQEs being so hard/pass rate being so low means they don't want to risk going through the whole application process only to have to take away a TC because they didn't pass the SQEs in time to start the TC. I think their logic is your academic achievement is an indication of how well you'll do in them (even though they're MCQs and most exams aren't...)

Not to scare anyone, but I have heard more firms are also taking away your TC last yr/this yr if you don't pass first-time... Don't even get one resit (