TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[summersun]

Hi
Does anyone know if the WG is selective this year for DLA Piper?

 

[johnsmith]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

Just heard back from Bristows! Moved to video interview stage.

 

[Lamb7075]

Just completed the amberjack assessment for Reed Smith. I got 7/9 for Grit, 7/9 for Applied Intellect, 1/9 for Creativity, and 9/9 for Digital Mindset. I got “high” in both verbal and numerical intellect, but does anyone know if 24/36 is considered a low score, or is the 1/9 a major concern?

 

[adh3]

This application cycle has got to be one of the worst in recent years.

1. The number of qualified candidates remains high, while many (big) firms have reduced the number of TCs they are willing to offer. Competition is higher than ever.

2. Countless firms have decided that, as AI usage is so ubiquitous, gamified assessments and video interviews must be the way forward. Therefore, how to succeed in the "application" process is even more obscure.

Surely, at this point, recruiting graduates is more of a hair-splitting exercise than it has ever been. I don't think that I can be convinced otherwise.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just heard back from Bristows! Moved to video interview stage.

Did you apply for their STEM IP day or just normal IP day? I applied for stem last year and got rejected and applied again this year and haven’t heard back still 😭

 

[johnsmith]

Did you apply for their STEM IP day or just normal IP day? I applied for stem last year and got rejected and applied again this year and haven’t heard back still 😭

Just the normal as I studied law!

 

[elliece]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

 

[johnsmith]

This application cycle has got to be one of the worst in recent years.

1. The number of qualified candidates remains high, while many (big) firms have reduced the number of TCs they are willing to offer. Competition is higher than ever.

2. Countless firms have decided that, as AI usage is so ubiquitous, gamified assessments and video interviews must be the way forward. Therefore, how to succeed in the "application" process is even more obscure.

Surely, at this point, recruiting graduates is more of a hair-splitting exercise than it has ever been. I don't think that I can be convinced otherwise.

I feel a bit like it’s Groundhog Day - I last tried applying in 2010/2011 and only realised recently there was a hangover of great candidates after 2008 crash. Roll on 14 years I decide to go again at probably the worst economic time 😆

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know if it’s still worth applying for the Bristows TC without having done or applied for their IP workshops? For context, I’m a law graduate (I’m aware they’re known for recruiting heavily from STEM backgrounds) and have done 3-4 IP and tech focused internship. I’ve also interacted with the firm at other networking events.

 

[user9809]

Does anyone have any insight into the pwc virtual interview? Does it have any commercial elements ?

 

[berocca567]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

 

[lawninja00!]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

for WVS?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

Ah okay! The deadline for the STEM day is the 24th so I’m hoping I’ll hear back then !

 

[elliece]

Ah okay! The deadline for the STEM day is the 24th so I’m hoping I’ll hear back then !

Good Luck!

 

[johnsmith]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

Starting to think with all WVS like next week is sort of crunch time for getting ACs booked so they are done in time.

 

[Bbhu19]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

How do you know?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

if I haven't heard back from a firm for winter and it was rolling am I able to withdraw my app and apply for spring

Hi!

I don't think this is common practice, and I would think this will be very firm dependant. If you wanted to email the graduate recruitment team to ask, this could be worth a try - however, I think it is unlikely that they will let you do this.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, is Why would you chosen to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? - the same as why Latham & Watkins, so motivational? If not, how do you go about answering it?

Also, do you think it's acceptable to talk about only one point, but go into lots of detail. I have a point in mind and there's many angles to it. There's a 300 word limit. Or, is it better to mention 2 well-developed points instead to show greater understanding?

@Abbie Whitlock

Thank you

Hey!

You're right that it's very similar to a standard 'Why Latham & Watkins?' question, but it's not exactly the same!

"Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm?" still wants you to discuss your motivations towards the firm, but it expects you to focus on why you'd like to train there by showing some comparison and reflection. It's not just about what makes Latham & Watkins appealing in general, but why it's the right environment for your training and why it stands out from other firms that could offer something similar.

Your structure could look something like:

• Start with what specifically draws you to training at Latham & Watkins (e.g. early responsibility for trainees, international nature of the work, the culture at the firm).
• Then show why those features are particularly important to you and how they distinguish Latham & Watkins from its competitors. I would try to tie in your previous experience and skills here - discuss why it's a good fit for you, both due to your traits and your future career goals.

On your second point - yes, focusing on one really strong point can work really well, especially if you can unpack it from several angles (training style, exposure, culture, your own goals, etc.). It can come across more thoughtful than trying to cram in two or three surface-level points.

However, if you naturally have two distinct and equally strong points, that's fine too - just make sure both are developed properly within the 300-word limit.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[emily3827]

does anyone know what the parts are of the Latham test - I believe theres a video interview - how much prep does this need?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Only 1 person has mentioned NRF AC invite. Has anyone else received an invite? I was reading a forum from 2023 and they only sent AC invite once, so I am not sure if this year they will send them in batches?