TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Connie2410]

I still haven't received DLA's online test- am paranoid that I didn't press submit on the CRS form

 

[Hugo2004]

Bird & Bird virtual trainee day invite!

Congrats! Can I ask when you applied?

 

[jojo23]

Freshfields stage 1 test submitted the app 00:15 on the 2ndfeels insanely quick

 

[Minhee]

Hi everyone!
If anyone has done the Jones Day online interview let me know please

Hi! I'm a future trainee at JD and did the JD online interview last year I know interviews can be nerve-wracking (I was definitely nervous for mine!) but I really enjoyed it. I will not be sharing what the questions were etc. and Grad Rec are the best people to go to if you have something specific in mind, but happy to answer anything about the experience etc. Congratulations on getting to interview stage and best of luck!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

For DLA Piper VS, do we need to upload anything in addition to the CV, e.g., transcripts or a cover letter etc? I don’t want to assume it’s just a CV but ngl I’d lowkey prefer if it was lmao. ​

 

[Minhee]

Are K&E applications rolling or non-rolling for the TC?
Also, does anybody know their stance on uni grades? I didn't hear from gradrec or from someone directly that they want a first, or above 65 in each module, or etc that Slaugher/Cleary ask for. But, I also asked their current trainees and they said everyone in their cohort has achieved a 1st. I am hence not sure how they actually look at a 2:1 average in first year. Thanks!

Hi! I personally don’t have a lot of experience with K&E, so unfortunately I won’t be the best help here, but I do know people who received K&E TC offers and AC invites with a 2:1 average in first year from the 2025/2026 application cycle. So I wouldn’t not apply because of that, if this is a concern!

Re rolling / non-rolling - I would recommend asking Grad Rec!

Sorry I’m not able to say more, hope it goes well!!

 

[TheHamlet4]

A&O says there’ll be extra place for you to upload your whole module list as a word later on the app — but I haven’t seen one? Has anyone had a chance to do it?

 

[addy2004]

Congrats! Can I ask when you applied?

Thank you! I applied on 20 September

 

[EdiLawStudent]

pretty sure i fumbled the dla neurosight. no1 pick gone, onto the next!

did you apply for the london vac scheme

 

[jojo23]

For DLA Piper VS, do we need to upload anything in addition to the CV, e.g., transcripts or a cover letter etc? I don’t want to assume it’s just a CV but ngl I’d lowkey prefer if it was lmao. ​

Just a cv bro

 

[Minhee]

Couldn't complete freshfields stage two as I've been traveling and moving in and got pfo'd. With this and pinsent masons autorejecting me accidentally, this is not my luckiest cycle lols

So sorry this happened to you! I’m sure you have already tried this, but I would definitely recommend emailing their Grad Rec and explaining the circumstances.

Hope the rest of the cycle goes better for you

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Just a cv bro

Loving these short app forms but I know there’s gna be some nasty plot twist price tag to pay for it in a later stage so I’m not getting my hopes up…

 

[Novaa]

For DLA Piper VS, do we need to upload anything in addition to the CV, e.g., transcripts or a cover letter etc? I don’t want to assume it’s just a CV but ngl I’d lowkey prefer if it was lmao. ​

They’re taking me as I am, gave them my CV and called it a day

 

[jojo23]

is it ok to take time off vacation scheme to go for training contract interview at another firm?

"Dont let your gf stop you from finding your wife" - some dude on tiktok (not me)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

They’re taking me as I am, gave them my CV and called it a day

They better give you a VS or we ride at dawn!!

 

[Novaa]

A&O says there’ll be extra place for you to upload your whole module list as a word later on the app — but I haven’t seen one? Has anyone had a chance to do it?

I heard someone mention that editing your application after submission might allow you to include the additional modules?

 

[jojo23]

Loving these short app forms but I know there’s gna be some nasty plot twist price tag to pay for it in a later stage so I’m not getting my hopes up…

Fewer questions, more ridiculous tests and ragebait in assessment centres

 

[Minhee]

Guys, btw does Cleary not have an Extenuating Circumstances section?

Hi! Unfortunately, I don't have personal experience with Cleary so I'm not sure. I do remember last year hearing something about them not having one. I would definitely recommend emailing their Grad Rec to check though!

 

[jojo23]

They better give you a VS or we ride at dawn!!

All 3 of us need to be in the same assessment centre to wingman each other

 

[dihjonmustard]

holon does A&O Shearman require us to complete the online SJT by the deadline as well for the Direct TC? I swear it was within 3 days last year and I received the SJT at 4.38pm so I am pretty sure a deadline of 5pm would have been impossible...