TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[James Wakefield]

Do BCLP still send out quick PFOs if you fail the SJT?

 

[shadowkiller]

Anyone heard back from Paul Weiss for the November Open Day?

 

[roo4]

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

mine took about three weeks to come through and I submitted mid October!

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Anyone attended white and case Mergers and acquisition webinar today? Please please PM to share any notes or screenshot. I will really appreciate this.

 

[asplawyer100]

Does anyone know if DLA Piper’s Watsgon Glaser test is sent to all applicants or only those who are progressed past the application stage?

 

[TortillaTC]

Anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn or Paul Weiss Nov/Dec open days?

 

[whywhy88]

I filled in the reasonable adjustment Microsoft forms for FF stage 2 test because I forgot that I’d already asked for adjustments on my initial application form. Should I still wait for grad rec to contact me before doing the test or should I do it anyway and hope that the adjustments I requested on the initial form are put in place? My deadline is tomorrow and I’ve emailed them for clarification but haven’t heard back and don’t want my application to be withdrawn! Any advice very much appreciated 🫶

 

[yk1906]

God, how tiring was AO Shearman's test and VI, and it's just automatic... Hope it was worth it

 

[law123456789]

God, how tiring was AO Shearman's test and VI, and it's just automatic... Hope it was worth it

Wdym it's automatic?

 

[Amgrad]

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

Last year, When I was in final year like y'all (probably). I applied to few bulge bracket firms (non-law) and hearing back 2-6 months later after my VI. I'd say I did fairly well, not outstanding as I just got sick (eye redness) before.

I asked career coach why it took so long, she said: "Your app is strong, but not strong enough to get passed immediately or weak enough to get instant rejection"

I translated that as I (might be) close enough to get pass, if I can say number, maybe 70-90% near recruiter expectation. They usually put em on dedicated files, rather than trash, soft spokenly saying 'on waitlist'.

I knew someone here said got Sidley rejection for WVS 87 days (literally very close to 3 months) after the submission. That could be the similar case as me and you. We should learn from that and progress to be better!

 

[yk1906]

Wdym it's automatic?

It's a part of the application; you have to do it in order for them to view your app. At least for DTC

 

[legallybrunette8]

B&B VI invite - literally did the WG yesterday so I’m surprised the turnaround was so quick. Super happy that I passed the WG as I failed one last week!