TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Hi there! Would you mind sharing how many questions there were for the written and VI component?

Being honest it's been too long since I did it and too many other tests inbetween

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Did the email come in just now? Good info to know, though even with mitigating circumstances, drawing the line at 2.2s if the overall classification is a 2.1 seems a bit harsh depending on how impactful the circumstances are.

My email was at 5:44pm. She said they also look at things on a case by case basis so it's not an automatic no if you have a couple 2.2s or less. Personally I have a third in my grades and I have progressed to 2nd and 3rd stages at multiple firms so it's not the end for me at least.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

For some reason, I cannot upload my CV in pdf format on to DLA Piper application form. Anyone encountered the same problem?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When an AC says they'll get back to you "week of" x day, does that usually mean at the start or the end of the week?

Hey!

This generally can mean at any point in the week - I wouldn't assume that because you haven't heard at the beginning of the week, it is an automatic rejection (or vice versa) as there are many different factors that the graduate recruitment team will need to account for before making any decisions. If you still haven't heard after the week is over, it might be worth politely emailing the graduate recruitment team to ask for an update on when you can expect to hear back

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have already messed up on the first VI question for Macfarlanes simulate assessment. I panicked and didn't really make much sense. Am I better off not submitting it so that they won't have a record of it if I want to apply in the future?

Hello!

I would still submit it even if you think you messed up the first question - sometimes the depth of your answer will come across better than you think! Additionally, it is unlikely that they'll refer to any previous applications if you want to apply in the future. Law firms receive so many applications that it would be very time-consuming to go through records of old VIs or applications for each applicant, so they will judge you based on your submission in that cycle.

I would try not to worry too much - even if you submit it, it is very unlikely it'll have any effect if you decide to apply again in the future!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

how bad is it to ask for a VI extension... im on holiday lol or do I just try and firm it

Hello!

Totally understandable that it may not be ideal to film the VI on holiday! If there is still a bit of time before it's due, it could be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to ask - the worst thing they can say is no! However, keep in mind that they might not get to your email in the time before the deadline if the window to complete it closes soon

 

[DavidJC]

HSF Kramer WVS PFO, oh well I guess, I guess the strictness on grades really has kicked in at this point

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice on how to approach why have you chosen to apply for this placement. Other than the firm's work in practice areas of interest any other suggestions.

Hello!

Good question - it's smart to mention a few different things in your answer to show you have a good understanding of the firm! Alongside their practice areas, you could talk about:

• Culture and Training: what attracts you about how the firm develops its trainees or its collaborative approach, and how you'd like to learn more about this or experience it first-hand on a placement
• International or Client Exposure: if the firm's work gives you insight into global or commercial issues you're keen to understand, this could be a strong motivation for wanting to apply for the placement
• Innovation or Values: perhaps their focus on ESG, tech, or inclusion resonates with you and you'd like to meet a wide range of people that work in these areas
• Personal Fit: how the placement aligns with the skills or experiences that you want to build

A great answer will link your goals with what's distinctive about their placement - it should show that you've done your research, and also discuss how your traits and skills mean that you would genuinely thrive there.

I hope that assists - best of luck with your application!

 

[member3804]

w&c VI! would really appreciate tips from anyone who has done it in the past

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Does anyone have any general tips for VIs? I seem to get rejected at this stage. @Abbie Whitlock or anyone else, any thoughts? any help will be much appreciated.

 

[Joey green]

I also got the W&C invite! Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

w&c VI! would really appreciate tips from anyone who has done it in the past

 

[TCLAUser1]

15 seconds...That's almost enough time to read the questions🥵

What law firm vi is this for?

 

[sooae]

w&c VI! would really appreciate tips from anyone who has done it in the past

Is this for WVS? ☺️

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Willkie PFO post app.

 

[arbitrationfan]

Anyone else who met the benchmark for HSF Winter VS not heard back yet? Saw a few PFO and AC invites yesterday

 

[apap]

Did the email come in just now? Good info to know, though even with mitigating circumstances, drawing the line at 2.2s if the overall classification is a 2.1 seems a bit harsh depending on how impactful the circumstances are.

Yeah it kind of puts me off applying. Going to their open day today and it feels like a bit of a waste to apply for a vac scheme..

I have mostly 2:1s and 1sts..i have 1x 2:2 in first year, 1x 2:2 in second year and a 3rd in second year with mitigatinc circumstances. I have a feeling they will just automaticallt reject me regardless of the reason.

 

[arbitrationfan]

Yeah it kind of puts me off applying. Going to their open day today and it feels like a bit of a waste to apply for a vac scheme..

I have mostly 2:1s and 1sts..i have 1x 2:2 in first year, 1x 2:2 in second year and a 3rd in second year with mitigatinc circumstances. I have a feeling they will just automaticallt reject me regardless of the reason.

Similar uni grades, met the benchmark and still haven't had a rejection. I wouldn't dismiss yourself just yet.

 

[opticskibidi]

W&C VI! anyone have any tips

 

[apap]

Similar uni grades, met the benchmark and still haven't had a rejection. I wouldn't dismiss yourself just yet.

I hope you're right and hope you receive good news.

Do we know if this was the same before the merger?

 

[LawAspirer]

Any

Anyone else who met the benchmark for HSF Winter VS not heard back yet? Saw a few PFO and AC invites yesterday

Same here. Meeting benchmark email on 29th and still haven't heard anything