TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Garak]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie! Thanks so much for your support - I have obtained a TC offer finally! It's with the GLD!

It commences 2028. I just wanted to ask if there's anything you think I should do before I begin? Any books/material worth reading?

Context: I graduated a long while ago. I did the LPC. I work in a commercial law firm but mainly businss support while doing pro bono on the side.

Though I do feel like i've forgotten most of what I studied... not sure if that's a problem.

 

[Peter Hsu]

Does anyone know the format of HLC stage 2? Is it just SJT + critical thinking qs?

 

[amitonalfo]

hi - anyone have any insight into JD interview? can exchange for HLC, Macs, Latham (all stages last year) and Sidley

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Guys what are the advantages of LW open day? trying to weigh the pros and cons of an Open day application.

 

[Jaysen]

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

Most law firms I spoke to received a huge increase of applications in the last year or so. It wasn’t uncommon to speak to firms that went from 1,000 vacation scheme applications to almost 4,000. And then AI meant law firms decreased the average standard of an application and made it hard to determine what is ‘good’ or what is an applicant’s own writing.

This makes it hard to filter applicants, especially if a firm has a small team, so they need a way to do this effectively. I think the increasing grade requirements is one element of this because there aren’t many other mechanisms for doing this at scale at an early stage. The other one is online tests, which as you’ve seen, so many firms are now doing.

I think there’s also an element of firms being more transparent about what they actually care about. When some firms start setting higher grade standards, it opens the doors for others to do the same.

I’m sure there are other reasons too e.g. pressure from higher ups to better filter applicants etc.

 

[Connie2410]

For the Latham & Watkins assessment for the open day are there video interview questions?

 

[brtx]

Has anybody heard from dla's discovery day?

do you think it's worth waiting or applying for the summer internship now?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For those people who have done HLC's first assessment and received either a rejection or the job sim, how long did they take to get back to you?

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

Anyone got a list of law firms that do online tests except for amberjack. Online tests like Cappfinity or other tests.

 

[alanshore]

Anyone heard back for Hogan Lovells Lift Off post sjt?

 

[QuillandCounsel]

do you think it's worth waiting or applying for the summer internship now?

Apply now, they are recruiting on a rolling basis this year

 

[TCLA Bot]

Anyone got a list of law firms that do online tests except for amberjack. Online tests like Cappfinity or other tests.

If helpful, the online-tests guide has a firm-by-firm table with Cappfinity and Arctic Shores entries. Some rows only identify the test type, so it isn't a complete list by provider.

 

[mg42guy32]

Pretty sure the VI Qs are untimed prep and there's 2 of them!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

 

[vacschemes]

does anyone know if you have to complete a&o's online assessment before the deadline?

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

If helpful, the online-tests guide has a firm-by-firm table with Cappfinity and Arctic Shores entries. Some rows only identify the test type, so it isn't a complete list by provider.

OMG this is so helpful thanks a lot.

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

does anyone know if you have to complete a&o's online assessment before the deadline?

Yes, both the application and test need to be completed before the deadline.

 

[trainee1012]

When answering VIs, is it OK to look at the notes I write during prep time? Or is it preferred I just speak to the camera the whole time (obvs not reading them, but occasional glances when referring to a deal the firm worked on, for example).

 

[rose06]

When answering VIs, is it OK to look at the notes I write during prep time? Or is it preferred I just speak to the camera the whole time (obvs not reading them, but occasional glances when referring to a deal the firm worked on, for example).

In my experience, occasional glances are okay! you probably won’t do it too much anyways if the prep time is limited - there’s only so much you can note down in under 2 mins

 

[Novaa]

Also, for VIs with unlimited prep time, has anyone actually used it to the max (e.g. switching tabs to check research notes, looking down to make notes) and still progressed?

I had one with unlimited prep time last cycle and was too scared to switch tabs, so I just stayed on the screen looking like this:

 

[jamsparkle]

Also, for VIs with unlimited prep time, has anyone actually used it to the max (e.g. switching tabs to check research notes, looking down to make notes) and still progressed?

I had one with unlimited prep time last cycle and was too scared to switch tabs, so I just stayed on the screen looking like this:

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared