TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

Hi how did you get your WG percentile?

Hi, i emailed the grad team

 

[calebnash]

Has anyone been progressed by HFW. I know it’s rolling so not sure whether it’s worth applying

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone heard from W&C winter post app? Either rejection or VI? Considering that the winter scheme would begin in two weeks, I have now given up. However I am still hopeful that I may be considered for spring maybe? Anyone on the same boat? 😊

 

[LawAspirer]

@Abbie Whitlock Do you have any advice on how to answer this question: Give an example of when you used technology to improve efficiency or solve a problem. What did you learn from this experience?

Feel like this is a dumb question but what could count as the use of technology?

What law firm asked this question if I may ask?

 

[e_turbo2]

BCLP interview invite! Has anyone done this before? Any insights welcomed thank you

 

[lawstudent2]

has BCLP sent out any summer VS interviews?

 

[member7830]

No clue as to how many for interview but theyre looking to recruti 8 winter trainees

woah that seems so low - thank you though !!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is it too late to apply for BCLP spring?

 

[Jennifer2003]

For those who got the Bird and Bird WG, how long did it take to get it after you sent off the application?

 

[LaDiva]

Withers, it's been more than 3 weeks since I've applied!! It's not clear from their website if they're rolling or not, anyone else still waiting to hear from them?

 

[lawyersum]

Withers, it's been more than 3 weeks since I've applied!! It's not clear from their website if they're rolling or not, anyone else still waiting to hear from them?

They say they start looking at applications about a month before the deadline, so I wouldn't worry too much!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

No clue as to how many for interview but theyre looking to recruti 8 winter trainees

No wonder I haven't heard back😂😂

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hello!

Happy to tackle these individually!

“Client Sector” question

You’re absolutely right that client sector refers to a commercial industry (such as finance, life sciences, real estate, tech, energy, etc.) rather than a legal practice area. DLA Piper organises a lot of its work around these industries, so this question is designed to see:

1. Which sector interests you most, and
2. Whether you understand the current commercial situation within it

So yes - you should discuss both the article and the sector it relates to. Use the article as a starting point: briefly summarise its content, explain why that topic or sector interests you, and then link it to your personal or professional ambitions (e.g. why that industry excites you, how it connects to your skill set or long-term goals, and why DLA’s work in that space appeals to you).

The “personal experience” question

Linking it back to DLA Piper at the end sounds like a great idea. The main focus should still be on your experience and how it shaped your motivation for a legal career, but connecting that insight to why DLA Piper fits your ambitions shows reflection and firm-specific motivation - this is the kind of tailored approach that the graduate recruitment team will be looking for!

The “additional attachments“ section

If the firm hasn’t specified that you need to include a cover letter (either within the application form, or on the website), I would assume that this isn’t necessary. As the application form includes targeted questions, this effectively replaces a traditional cover letter. The extra attachment box may be there in case you need to upload transcripts, references, or any other additional documents.

Overall, it seems like your approach is spot on! Best of luck with your application

Thank you so much @Abbie Whitlock - I really appreciate the helpful feedback!

 

[c.t.tc]

Slightly confused by Simmons - I did the assessment almost three weeks ago and literally heard nothing but others have heard back both positive and negative from around the same time?

 

[lawlol420]

Has anyone heard from Gibson Dunn post- first interview? I did mine two weeks ago...

Hey! I just got my invite today. Do you have any tips?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Slightly confused by Simmons - I did the assessment almost three weeks ago and literally heard nothing but others have heard back both positive and negative from around the same time?

Same! I thought it went alright but people have had ACs and also outright rejections for not meeting the benchmark so I'm so incredibly confused!

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who sent their VS app to Milbank, after how many days did you receive the SJT and WE link or is it sent with the application?

I am planning my deadlines so this information would be helpful. Thank you!

 

[member7830]

does the Milbank written questions require motivational prep beforehand or can I just go straight into the assessment?

 

[jojo23]

Slightly confused by Simmons - I did the assessment almost three weeks ago and literally heard nothing but others have heard back both positive and negative from around the same time?

When firms don't respond to me for three weeks or more, I like to believe that my application was so exceptional that they're too shocked to reply (I'm very delusional).😩

 

[c.t.tc]

When firms don't respond to me for three weeks or more, I like to believe that my application was so exceptional that they're too shocked to reply (I'm very delusional).😩

I will absolutely be using this mentality from now on