TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[RJ Ruban]

Thank you!

Hey sorry what’s a VI?
I did the SJT plus a mini Watson Glaser but I haven’t heard back yet!

 

[jacksollaf]

I've been scrolling through the forum and it just felt so weird not to see anything from TinTin06... I think he deleted his account, but damn, the room does feel a little bit emptier ...

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

What are recent commercial issues I should keep in mind before interviews?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie, they did have me provide a year and modular breakdown for the open day so i assume it would be fine? I’m just unnecessarily worried due to how much more challenging getting a vac scheme with the firm is haha

Hey!

It’ll depend on whether they take this information into account when making open day application decisions, which unfortunately only the graduate recruitment team could confirm. However, if you meet the entry requirements and / or have mitigating circumstances I wouldn’t worry too much

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

'Building connections with our clients and colleagues is something that is important to us. As such, we want to get to know the person behind the application. Please tell us about something that you have experienced, faced, or been challenged by that has shaped you and helped you grow.' for this sort of question, do we strictly talk about academic or work challenges? Or do they want you to dig a bit deeper?

Hi!

Great question! I wouldn’t limit it strictly to academic or work challenges - the question is designed to get to know you as a person, not just an applicant. They’re looking for something that shows self-awareness, resilience, or personal growth, and how that experience has shaped the way you approach things today.

That could definitely come from university or work (such as adapting to a demanding placement or handling a setback), but it can also come from something more personal - for example, moving to a new place, balancing competing commitments, or dealing with a situation that pushed you out of your comfort zone.

The important part is to link it back to what you learned about yourself and how it’s influenced your attitude and skills which will be relevant to how you build connections with colleagues and clients (e.g. teamwork, empathy, or perseverance).

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What are recent commercial issues I should keep in mind before interviews?

Hello!

There are a few general ‘umbrella’ areas that I would keep an eye on, as they do come up often in interviews recently:

1. AI regulation and data protection - firms are advising clients on how to use AI responsibly and comply with new rules
2. ESG and greenwashing claims - regulators are cracking down on misleading sustainability statements
3. Geopolitical tensions and supply chains - ongoing instability is affecting trade, energy, and transport sectors
4. Interest cut rates and M&A - a potential drop in rates could boost deal activity after a quiet couple of years
5. Cybersecurity and fraud - growing concern across all sectors, especially for financial institutions

You don’t need to know absolutely everything, but I found that knowing the recent opportunities and challenges on the above areas was enough to handle most commercial questions. If the firm you are applying for works in specific client sectors, I’d make sure to be knowledgeable in those areas too.

I would definitely look up some of the most recent specific deals or cases in the news (both in those areas, and more generally), which some other users might be able to provide some great examples of.

I hope that assists!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn post-test? I completed mine on 16th September. Should I assume PFO at this point?

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn post-test? I completed mine on 16th September. Should I assume PFO at this point?

No, not yet, it's early though so could be some lengthy waits between steps with firms. Stay positive

 

[V2002]

Has anyone completed a Covington AC before please PM me!

 

[abc124]

Has anyone completed a Covington AC before please PM me!

Hey have you received an invite?

 

[Amgrad]

Cooley open day invite just now!​

Hey, is this the 1st meet on November 20th? could you ask at the open day, when would they sent invitation for the 3rd (December) open day which closed yesterday?

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn post-test? I completed mine on 16th September. Should I assume PFO at this point?

I drafted my VS app and applied open day in December, I'd ask them later at the event.

 

[JBM]

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn post-test? I completed mine on 16th September. Should I assume PFO at this point?

My friend applied after and has the ac

 

[aspringlawyer25]

My friend applied after and has the ac

Oh, can I ask how long it took between the steps as there are 2 interviews post test.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hey, is this the 1st meet on November 20th? could you ask at the open day, when would they sent invitation for the 3rd (December) open day which closed yesterday?

The 1st Meet Cooley open day app closed on the 23rd Oct and invites were sent last Fri (31st Oct). I reckon the 2nd Meet Cooley open day will follow a similar process so invites might be sent around the 13th to 15th of Nov, since apps closed yesterday. If open day invites aren’t sent by the 20th, I can ask them for a timeline on when they will.​

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hey have you received an invite?

RT, and also when you applied.

 

[TCchaser1]

Stage 1: normal SJT. You get to do it immediately after your application.

Stage 2: if you meet the benchmark for the SJT, you'll be passed on to the second stage, which is also a test and VI. This is for behaviour and critical thinking (similar to WGT but bespoke to Latham). This part is untimed. The video interview happens in a different way. Unlike the usual ones where they just as a question, here you'll be reading a case situation, it's relevant content and a crisis associated with that situation. It is followed by two questions testing your competency to handle the situation. 2 videos. Each can be 3 minutes long (maximum) and they give you one minute to prepare. Each question has 3 components (thus really long to read). That was the toughest part for me. One minute runs out by the time you read and process the question, thus barely any time to prepare.

As I did not make it to the second stage last year I'm unaware if it was the same.

I hope that helps.

Hi, thanks so much !

 

[YS391]

My friend applied after and has the ac

There’s an interview stage before the AC though? Did they do the interview as well then?

 

[Shahenshah]

if i got ABB at A level but graduated from a RG uni with a 1st (non-law degree but traditional subject). what firms are worth applying for that have AAB requirements? i don’t want to waste anymore applications on a firm that might not take me because of it.

It does vary significantly, I had disastrous A levels, that I've not hid at any step of the application process - got AAD and then privately sat an A level at university alongside my LLB to make sure I met the minimum requirements for law firms, so its AADA now. Likewise, graduated from a RG university with a 1st but in law, and now at a very prominent RG university doing my masters while working as a paralegal at the same time. Slaughters put me through the paper shift but at both the vacation scheme and TC interviews the partners rejected me. Sidley and Macfarlanes likewise didn't bother, but I've managed to get through Jones Day's AC, and am hearing good things from Skadden. Got a PFO from HSF Kramer's Open Day though, so it's a mixed bag to be honest!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Does anyone know how to cancel the TCLA Academy (commercial awareness) subscription? I can’t find it anywhere

 

[Freshcutgrass]

@Andrei Radu Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith I was wondering if we should mention non-selective law firm insight events we've attended at other law firms in our application as well as the events that pertain to that firm? Thank you!