TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[A worried paralegal]

Just a holding email from Macfarlanes

I still haven’t had the holding email weirdly enough.

 

[LawAspirer]

Did anyone hear from Dechert? Been waiting for a month after written assessment

 

[LawAspirer]

For Orrick, the cover letter question seems like a bit of an overlap with the subsequent questions.
The first question is:
Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden. (300 words)

But the other 2 questions are :

Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision? (300 words)
Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? (300 words)
How do I write a cover letter when why commercial law and why Orrick are already asked? Do I cover things I haven't covered in 2 + 3 or vice versa?

Thanks

 

[milawalton]

Anyone who has got AC from white & Case or done it before, can you reply please, thank you!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anyone who has got AC from white & Case or done it before, can you reply please, thank you!

Did you receive the email today and when did you do the VI?

 

[Amgrad]

Clyde & Co open day invite!!!

 

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

Has anyone received Baker McKenzie open day?

 

[e_turbo2]

Is the Latham 2nd assessment for the OD selective or automatic?

 

[l789]

Is the Latham 2nd assessment for the OD selective or automatic?

Have you recieved the second asessment?

 

[LawAspirer]

Is the Latham 2nd assessment for the OD selective or automatic?

Not sure about OD, but VC was automatic,

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Orrick, the cover letter question seems like a bit of an overlap with the subsequent questions.
The first question is:
Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden. (300 words)

But the other 2 questions are :

Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision? (300 words)
Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? (300 words)
How do I write a cover letter when why commercial law and why Orrick are already asked? Do I cover things I haven't covered in 2 + 3 or vice versa?

Thanks

Hello!

You're absolutely right that there's some overlap between the cover letter and the two subsequent questions - it can feel a bit repetitive at first glance! The trick is to think of the cover letter as the big picture narrative that ties everything together, while the other two questions let you to into depth on specific points.

One way to approach it could be:

• Cover Letter: Treat this as your overall introduction and pitch. I would summarise who you are, your motivation for law in broad terms, and why Orrick stands out to you - but keep it concise and integrated between each section. You don't need to unpack every detail here, just enough to create a coherent, personal story and show enthusiasm!
• "Why commercial law?" question: Use this to explore your motivations in more detail - you could refer to specific experiences, influences, or reflections that made you decide to pursue a career in commercial law. This is a chance to go deeper into the why, not just the what.
• "Why Orrick" question: This is an opportunity to show real research and insight into the firm. Focus on showing your interest in the firm, and what genuinely differentiates Orrick - it's clients, international reach, innovation, culture, training structure, etc. Tie in your previous experiences and skill set to why this makes you a good fit for the firm, and how it's unique features make it the right place for you to train.

I would think of the cover letter as the overview that shows your entire profile as a candidate, and the two follow-up questions as supporting sections that provide more evidence and reasoning behind the themes you have introduced. Some overlap is fine (and you will want to look consistent across your application), but I would avoid copy-pasting sentences between sections.

I hope that helps!

 

[Jennifer2003]

Bristows STEM IP Workshop place! My top choice of firm and got rejected from this last year so super excited about this!

 

[e_turbo2]

Have you recieved the second asessment?

Yeah... not much on the thread here on how to prep tho. Welcoming any insights for Latham VI plsss

 

[l789]

Yeah... not much on the thread here on how to prep tho. Welcoming any insights for Latham VI plsss

Which open day is this for, and when did you recieved the second stage asessment?

 

[l789]

Yeah... not much on the thread here on how to prep tho. Welcoming any insights for Latham VI plsss

Last year grad rec (Caitlin) gave a hint about the video interview question and said it was linked to integrity.

I’m not sure if it will be similar for this year

 

[silonthesofa]

Bristows STEM IP Workshop place! My top choice of firm and got rejected from this last year so super excited about this!

Congrats! Is this for the one with the October 24th application deadline? So did you do your VI last week?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Congrats! Is this for the one with the October 24th application deadline? So did you do your VI last week?

Hi! I believe it is was and I completed the video interview on 28th. It's the workshop taking place on December 3rd!

 

[AngelB]

DLA Piper said they’re non-rolling at their open day however I got an email just now saying that I had passed the test benchmark and that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis??

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Any word from Covington?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

You need to complete it before the application deadline! Speaking of Pinsent Masons does anyone if the VI questions have unlimited prep time?

Yeah there's unlimited prep time for the VI. You just have to submit the entire blended assessment before the deadline to be considered.