TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Minhee]

How do you answer a 'why this firm over another' question?

Hi! I would ask myself:

1) How are these two firms different? Size (by headcount? trainee cohort)? Practice areas / sectors offered? Type of clients they work with? Global footprint? Culture? Approach to training? Approach to AI / legal tech?

2) Why is this important to me?

It's a little tricky, as the answers will depend on the firms in question, and your own personal priorities! But I hope that helps best of luck!

 

[Minhee]

Hi guys! I am attending the Bird&Bird open day and was working on my application for the vac scheme when i came across this q: "Please list any events you have attended or interactions you have had with Bird & Bird before submitting this application. Please include only the name of the event (or interaction) and the date." I haven't yet had any interactions with the firm but i was wondering could i put the open day in it but just clarify my future attendance?

Hi! I think your instincts sound right - we talked about this briefly here, in case it is helpful

Sorry, I'm not too sure on B&B as I don't have experience with them!

Maybe try adding it on their form and see if it allows you to enter dates in advance? Also, definitely write a note bringing it to their attention (in brackets, add (event has not yet occurred, but I received an offer to attend on x date) or something like that) or you can enter this in any further information boxes.

If the form doesn't let you do that or if you are unsure, I would recommend asking their Grad Rec

 

[Minhee]

Hi, has any list for this cycle been compiled for firms which don't do VI's and/or psychometrics? If anybody could direct me it would be much appreciated

Hi! We have a small list here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/law-firm-online-tests-2026–27.11685/

 

[tabashtabash]

How long does Latham take to send the link to their online assessment for open day? I submitted the application form a couple of days ago but have nothing so far and am a bit worried as application deadline is tomorrow. I don’t know whether you have to have completed all the tests by this stage too?

 

[lawstudent8373829]

Does anyone have a list of law firms that scrapped application questions this year and just requires you to fill in grades/work experience?

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Any invites for the APC Written Exercise this week? How about invites for Dechert's interview?

 

[赐给我tc]

Anyone have Simpson Thacher interview tips? Or insight? Thanks!

 

[supernovna]

Anyone have Simpson Thacher interview tips? Or insight? Thanks!

Congrats! Would it be possible for me to know your grade profile?

 

[Belledoeslaw12*]

Anyone that had an A&O AC this week heard back yet?

 

[TCchaser]

Dechert has an online interview?

I think it's the phone interview with grad rec

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

anyone have a guesstimate on when DLA is going to send case study invites or PFOs

they said invites in roughly November (for London office)

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

 

[alanshore]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

It's not necessary, and I got to the test without one.

 

[EdiLawStudent]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

They said a cover letter is not needed

 

[trainee1012]

Has anyone heard back from FF post VI?

 

[Maria56]

How long did you guys wait between FF stage 1 and 2? Don’t even have my report back from yesterday.

 

[rose06]

How long did you guys wait between FF stage 1 and 2? Don’t even have my report back from yesterday.

Report can take up to two days. I did stage 1 early and so waited about 2 weeks. Others on here have recently said they got stage 2 like within 2 days. I think they're sending out invites in batches so it depends on when they want to do the next batch.

 

[Zak991]

Anyone heard back from Paul weiss for the winter vac? And if anyone had done it last year, how long did it take for u to hear back post application?

 

[Connie2410]

Just got cleary interview email today! Does anyone have any tips?

 

[lk23]

Just did the Neurosight DLA test and think it went well??
My strengths were diligence and critical thinking and weakness/area for improvement was drive (but ik i definitely gave answers that showed this so i think that mustve just been the lowest points one).

Used the method someone mentioned in a tc journey post on here about writing down the traits the firm's looking for and then ticking off each time you think you answer the question in a way that meets one of those traits to ensure you over all the traits and I think it worked?

I guess we'll see! (Also I just did a two-page CV, my usual law one, without a cover letter for the application)