TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would it be fine to apply for a VS before attending the firm's open day? The application questions aren't motivation based.

Hello!

Yes, that should be absolutely fine - especially if the application questions aren't motivation-based. Open days can be really helpful for deepening your understanding of the firm and refining your answers later on, but they're not a prerequisite for submitting an application.

If anything, attending the open day after submitting your application could strengthen your insight and help you prepare for interviews if you're invited to the next stage.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[johnsmith]

congrats!! when did you send your application

Ages ago! Thank you.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

No problem at all!

Yes, including figures can definitely help make your answer stronger, as long as they feel natural and relevant. For example, mentioning how many people joined the WhatsApp group or how often you ran discussions helps show the scale of your effort and makes the impact more tangible.

Just keep it concise, and make sure the focus stays on your actions and what you learned. Try to not overload your answer with lots of data and figures, as this might make it difficult for the graduate recruitment team to read.

I hope that assists!

Thank you this is really helpful.

 

[FutureTrainee100]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman,

I’m re-applying to Gibson Dunn this cycle after reaching the AC last year and would really appreciate your advice.

I’ve re-written my “why commercial law” paragraph and fully refreshed my first “why Gibson Dunn” paragraph.

My question is about my two other reasons for wanting to join the firm: the disputes/transactions balance, and the training philosophy. My reasoning on those hasn’t changed — so is it acceptable to keep those broadly the same this year, or is that still too risky even if I lightly rephrase?

Separately, my final “why me” paragraph is currently focused on my university research achievement and my society leadership roles (I graduated two years ago). Should I keep the research award and add a recent achievement to show progression — or would you replace it entirely?

Would really appreciate your thoughts. I thought last year’s application was strong and I’d like to keep elements of it this year if I can.

 

[legallybrunette8]

B&B WG for summer!

 

[Sharkfin]

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.

Just to ask a follow up from this, do you have unlimited time to read the case situ, context + crisis or is it timed too?

 

[Lawlawland]

Just to ask a follow up from this, do you have unlimited time to read the case situ, context + crisis or is it timed too?

Reading time is unlimited! But the question is least about the content and more situational!

 

[sooae]

Hi! For those who’ve completed the Milbank WG, did you receive any confirmation email after submitting it? Like similar to the first test?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For anyone who has attended an OD at Latham this cycle, I am just curious to know, how many people were on it?

 

[e_turbo2]

Simmons OD 😀

Truly happy for you buddy!

 

[e_turbo2]

Latham 2nd test invite after completing the 1st test yesterday. Is this automatic?

Is this for VS or OD?

 

[p2bv]

DLA piper interview invite

 

[applicant457]

Jones Day AC! would appreciate any insights, pls dm!

 

[ellewoods26]

Anyone have insights on Stage 2 freshfields? Would really appreciate it. I can help with Dechert WE, Weil VI, also been to Kirkland & Ellis, HSF, Hogan Lovells Open days.

 

[Lawlawland]

Guys... Any tips on how to manage anticipation anxiety?

I've never made so many applications and awaited for so many results, worrying about their outcomes. Life in academia was so smooth and I always got into wherever I wanted to.

Dealing with rejections for the first time, in bulk is mildly shivering but I'm getting past it well. It's the anticipation and uncertainty of not knowing anything I'm struggling with. I'm on my email page once in 20 mns refreshing... And it just spikes up my heartbeat and makes me feel nauseating.

If any of you have been there, I would like to know what helps you!

Thanks in Advance.

 

[l789]

Does anyone know how strict Sidley Austin are with alevel grades , I’m a bit below ABB. Sidley require AAA.

However I have high firsts in all my modules from a RG law.

 

[applicant3000]

Cleary PFO. Lol, 6 PFOs already this cycle- Covington WVS, Willkie, Latham Open day, Ashurst WVS, A&OS WVS, Cleary

I'm so sorry to hear this
Was Cleary before or after the WG do you mind me asking?

 

[msclm]

Does anyone know how strict Sidley Austin are with alevel grades , I’m a bit below ABB. Sidley require AAA.

However I have high firsts in all my modules from a RG law.

I know people who got through to HR/partner interview with ABB

 

[l789]

I know people who got through to HR/partner interview with ABB

Thanks for this!

Do you think Sidley winter vac scheme is more competitive to get on to, or the summer and spring scheme

 

[sal44]

DLA piper interview invite

Congratulations! If you don’t mind me asking, when did they email saying you’d passed the test? Best of luck 🙌🏼