TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WiddyJ]

Yes they do! The first test and the application form are a combined Stage 1, and you need to pass Stage 1 to receive the 2nd test. Congrats!

For Hogan Lovells, the first test is automatic - if you pass this, you get the second test. Then, they will review the second test and application to see if they want to progress you to AC.

 

[Dannie]

Applied to DLA a week ago for their summer internship and still haven't gotten the WG but I have a strong 2:1 from a top Russell group and I thought my answers were good.. is that PFO then

 

[MusaIqbal]

Has anyone heard from Sidley post AC?

I just did mine this morning!! Waiting on reply. All the best - how did it go?

 

[MusaIqbal]

Sidley WVS )

CONGRATS!! I just did my AC this morning - how long did it take for them to get back to you?

 

[ohnoselim]

question for those that had ac's or could help

when you are asked why law? why this firm?

do you tend to find you repeat your application? or are you supplementing this with further detail?

i understand the need to be concise so how do you navigate this

 

[msclm]

CONGRATS!! I just did my AC this morning - how long did it take for them to get back to you?

2 days

 

[13h]

It was a VI last year but they have now changed it to a short telephone interview (10-15 minutes) that assesses your motivation and alignment to the firm’s values

thanks, have you heard back post wg?

 

[s123]

CONGRATS!! I just did my AC this morning - how long did it take for them to get back to you?

It takes around 7 working days! Mine was just at the end of the 8th day though so give or take

 

[jojo23]

For dla, do you have to attach a CV and cover letter (i noticed there isn't a spot to input grades)?

For wfw- what's the best way to discuss work experience as their word limit is so low

 

[safari3]

thanks, have you heard back post wg?

No, I only submitted my app like 2 days ago and they're meant to be non-rolling, but posts on this forum seem to suggest otherwise so who knows what's going on on their end🤔

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone heard back from CMS post WG?

 

[13h]

No, I only submitted my app like 2 days ago and they're meant to be non-rolling, but posts on this forum seem to suggest otherwise so who knows what's going on on their end🤔

they said theyre rolling in the post wg email

 

[c.t.tc]

Have Bird & Bird sent out any PFOs at any stage at all yet?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

This test results will be used for the vac scheme. You won’t do another test again.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For this question, Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? - i chose a litigation-based article but now I'm not too sure if commercial litigation is a client sector? I mean, it does affect financial services and litigation funding - but im not sure if litigation funding is a client sector?

Hi!

I think you’re right that ‘commercial litigation’ itself is not considered a client sector - it’s more of a practice area. Client sectors tend to refer to the industries the firm serves (e.g. financial services or real estate). I have linked the sectors page for DLA Piper for an extensive list, if it helps to reference!

However, if the article you have chosen focuses on litigation issues in a specific client sector (for example, disputes in the financial services sector), you could definitely frame your answer around that sector instead.

In short, you don’t need to necessarily change your article, but it might help to reframe your response so it connects to the industry context, rather than the practice area.

Best of luck with your application

 

[johnsmith]

Have Bird & Bird sent out any PFOs at any stage at all yet?

Yes I had one!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I attended as an open day at HSF last year. I wanted to ask when I put this as an open day in work experience or in other applications is saying HSF OK or do I have to say HSF Kramer.

Hi!

I think it’s probably best to say HSF Kramer in full. Whilst I’m sure it wouldn’t be an automatic rejection if you said HSF, it’s better to be on the safe side!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Sidley WVS )

Sidley WVS offer 😭

Amazing news - huge congratulations to you both!! Your hardwork is truly paying off, and I hope you celebrate well 🥳

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

I was hoping for clarification on this -
You will answer a competency-based question; a question on the role itself; and a commercially-focused question. 3 questions - VI (White & Case website)

Does this mean that questions like why law, why commercial law, why W&C, why London are unlikely to come up because it's not really about the role? I'm wondering how I should interpret what's given on their website.

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

question for those that had ac's or could help

when you are asked why law? why this firm?

do you tend to find you repeat your application? or are you supplementing this with further detail?

i understand the need to be concise so how do you navigate this

Hello!

Great question - I think a bit of both! You will naturally touch on points from your application as those are your genuine reasons, and they’re unlikely to have changed! However, it is good to build on them rather than just repeating your application word for word.

At the AC, it is likely that your interviewer has read your application already, so it’s a great opportunity to expand (particularly since your application likely had a word limit) - for example, you could add a personal reflection, mention any insights you have learned since applying (e.g. from an open day), or link your reasons to something you have experienced at the AC.

Keeping it concise is still key, so I always used to focus on two or three core points for each question and make them clear (with examples!). You are then reinforcing your motivations but showing that your understanding and enthusiasm have developed since you wrote your application.

I hope that assists!