TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

Anyone yet to receive their decision on Latham General Open Day?

Coz I neither got a PFO nor an invite, and I'm on the fence about accepting another open day on the same day without knowing this decision.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thanks Abbie, that's really nice to hear

If you don't mind, could you share some tips or advice on how can I demonstrate my genuine interest to the firm when writing my application? The reason i wanted to attend their open day is because i find them the easiest way to show my interest to the firm. Now that I can't attend it, do you have any recommendations on how can I leverage this in my application answer? I also attended some of their virtual events like practice area masterclass and ask trainee event, not to say they're not useful, but i feel like attending an open day would be better and make it easy to link everything together, hence a stronger answer. Would really appreciate your two cents and maybe some ideas or guidance.

Hi!

I completely understand where you’re coming from - open days are a great way to get a real insight into the firms culture and connect your experiences in a more personal way. However, you can definitely still display genuine interest in a firm without attending one - I hadn’t attended open days at the majority of firms I was successful with!

You’ve already got a strong foundation from the virtual events you’ve attended - things such as the practice area masterclass and the trainee Q&A can give you really good insights to reference in your application. I would focus on discussing what you took away from those sessions - for example, what stood out to you about the firms approach to client work, training, or collaboration. If you spoke to a trainee or associate who shared something that really resonated with you, you can link this to your own personal values and motivations.

The important aspect is making a personal link between unique aspects of the firm and how they align with your skills, experiences, and career ambitions. This includes drawing on past experiences and showing how they demonstrate that you’d thrive in the environment at the firm.

You can also strengthen your answer by showing how you’ve gone beyond events to learn more - for example, through researching recent deals or reading about the firm’s sector focus. This allows you to demonstrate curiosity and initiative without attending an open day!

It’s less about where you get your insights from and more about how thoughtfully you connect them to why you’re drawn to the firm based on your candidate profile.

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is Kirkland summer vac scheme rolling, also is there any point applying for DLA piper and white & case as I see they are progressing people now?

Hey!

It’s definitely still worth applying, even if they have started progressing people! Whilst it is advantageous to apply earlier in the application window for a rolling deadline, the majority of firms will receive the bulk of their applications right before the deadline and invites are usually sent out in batches.

Most firms will review anything that is submitted before the deadline - the most important thing is that you submit a strong and tailored application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Burges Salmon Winter AC

Hi guys, my first post on this forum, but I have received an invite to their AC. I can say the countless hours of sacrifice researching the firm and online test practice during the summer were worth it. I have never done an assessment centre before, nor have I ever reached this stage in my life. Regardless of what happens, I'm just happy I made it to that stage.

Does anyone have any general tips and advice for a newbie?

I honestly don't want to go into the AC, and have the mindset that everyone is my competition. I want to enjoy this day. How can I truly just be my authentic self, without putting the assessors off?

This is my second cycle, and I feel really confident I can do well.

P.S. for those interested in the firm, I know they have the spring and summer vac schemes open, so make sure you apply!.

Please constantly practice the Watson-Glaser test and Situational Judgment Scenarios, use ChatGPT, to help with Watson Watson-Glaser / Situational Judgment Test. I sucked at these, now I look a them with indifference (being neurodivergent), without having to spend a fortune.

Hello!

Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset.

You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented.

I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!).

In terms of preparation:

1. Know your motivations: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align.
2. Refresh commercial awareness: Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm.
3. Practise your structure: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way.
4. Simulate the environment: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC.
5. Look after yourself: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there!

Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form!

Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟

 

[AspirationalDream]

Hello!

Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset.

You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented.

I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!).

In terms of preparation:

1. Know your motivations: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align.
2. Refresh commercial awareness: Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm.
3. Practise your structure: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way.
4. Simulate the environment: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC.
5. Look after yourself: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there!

Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form!

Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟

Thank you for this 🙏🏽

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the Eversheds Sutherland Vac Scheme not open to final year students? It reads: We welcome applications from penultimate year law under-graduates, final year non-law graduates as well as candidates who've already graduated or taken different career paths.

Is this them excluding final year law students but letting everyone else have at it?

Hey!

From my understanding, I would assume this means that any law student from their penultimate year or non-law student from their final year are eligible to apply for the vacation scheme (given that they need to hire in advance). I can’t imagine that they would be excluding final year law students exclusively

If you’re unsure, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check!

 

[chiichii]

Met the CC GR team today and they expressed they're pretty stringent with grades. When someone brought in the concept of mitigating circumstances, the GR member said, they would consider the mitigating circumstances the University would have considered while grading and not often beyond that.

They also said the internal threshold for WGT is super high and undisclosed (but the member asked me to meet a 90 percentile to be on a safer side).

Now I'm contemplating my decision to apply here, given my struggle with WGT, despite having good grades.

Hi! Sorry, are you referring to Clifford Chance? Just want to make sure I'm on the same page

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey!

It’s definitely still worth applying, even if they have started progressing people! Whilst it is advantageous to apply earlier in the application window for a rolling deadline, the majority of firms will receive the bulk of their applications right before the deadline and invites are usually sent out in batches.

Most firms will review anything that is submitted before the deadline - the most important thing is that you submit a strong and tailored application!

Thanks

 

[Jennifer2003]

Burges Salmon Winter AC

Hi guys, my first post on this forum, but I have received an invite to their AC. I can say the countless hours of sacrifice researching the firm and online test practice during the summer were worth it. I have never done an assessment centre before, nor have I ever reached this stage in my life. Regardless of what happens, I'm just happy I made it to that stage.

Does anyone have any general tips and advice for a newbie?

I honestly don't want to go into the AC, and have the mindset that everyone is my competition. I want to enjoy this day. How can I truly just be my authentic self, without putting the assessors off?

This is my second cycle, and I feel really confident I can do well.

P.S. for those interested in the firm, I know they have the spring and summer vac schemes open, so make sure you apply!.

Please constantly practice the Watson-Glaser test and Situational Judgment Scenarios, use ChatGPT, to help with Watson Watson-Glaser / Situational Judgment Test. I sucked at these, now I look a them with indifference (being neurodivergent), without having to spend a fortune.

Hi! Congratulations! What an achievement! I really admire that you want to enjoy the day and be yourself.
I was wondering how you use chatgpt to help with WG/SJT? I really struggle with these and was wondering if there any specific resources you get it to give you or advice etc - what kind of prompts do you give it?

 

[llblawstudent]

Met the CC GR team today and they expressed they're pretty stringent with grades. When someone brought in the concept of mitigating circumstances, the GR member said, they would consider the mitigating circumstances the University would have considered while grading and not often beyond that.

They also said the internal threshold for WGT is super high and undisclosed (but the member asked me to meet a 90 percentile to be on a safer side).

Now I'm contemplating my decision to apply here, given my struggle with WGT, despite having good grades.

Stringent how? 2:1 in every module?

 

[firmfirm]

Stringent how? 2:1 in every module?

When I emailed grad rec to confirm they said:

"When looking at prospective applications, we do require a 2:1 minimum at university, a strong academic background and would be looking at consistent results across all modules. If for any reason you've had issues with certain grades, you can disclose this in the extenuating circumstances section on your application, and this will be taken into consideration."

So they’re quite strict, but I think there’s still some room for flexibility if you have a good explanation or strong overall profile.

 

[llblawstudent]

Anyone heard back from Milbank after second assessment? I’m assuming next stage is AC so I’m guessing we’ll have to wait a while for it….

 

[LawAspirer]

Any news from Dechert after WE? I feel like we should be hearing soon given WVC is soonish

 

[JasmineM9]

Any further VI invites from W&C?

 

[user55998384]

applying for the vac scheme at simmons & simmons for their bristol office, they have a rolling deadline but i have applied for their open day too. Should i wait to hear back re this to then send the vac scheme app as the bristol one is open until feb but also hesitant to wait too long...

 

[an03]

Should I apply for Jones Day spring vac scheme as ppl have already progressed to next stages or go for summer?

 

[Jennifer2003]

I have the Bird and Bird STEM open day tomorrow. I really struggle with networking, striking up conversation with trainees and lawyers and figuring out good questions to ask, but I want to make the most of the day so that I have some unique insight for my vac scheme application. Any advice at all on how I can get the most out of it? I feel like with insight events I'm always sat listening to other people and when it comes to the opportunity to network, I struggle to get away from the walls haha

 

[Dannie]

Has anyone heard from W&C for spring/summer vac post Cappfinity?

 

[johnsmith]

applying for the vac scheme at simmons & simmons for their bristol office, they have a rolling deadline but i have applied for their open day too. Should i wait to hear back re this to then send the vac scheme app as the bristol one is open until feb but also hesitant to wait too long...

I think you’re safe to wait - the OD is next week and applications close this week so you'll hear quickly - OD will help enhance your VS application, particularly as they are VI heavy.

 

[Ronaldo04]

Does anyone know if the Latham stage 2 assessment for the VS is automatic or not? Sent the application yesterday so I am assuming its automatic, but the email says we are pleased to invite you...