TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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deadline is tomorrow and I’ve emailed them for clarification but haven’t heard back and don’t want my application to be withdrawn!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!

 

[s123]

Has anyone heard from the following? (Spring)
Mishcon (post AI chat assessment)
Macfarlanes (post simulate)
Reed Smith (post VI)
Mayer Brown (post VI)
Gibson Dun (post SJT)
Penningtons
Baker McKenzie
Dentons

 

[Willgetatc]

Freshfields Stage 2 invite! So happy as I honestly thought I failed the first stage as I’m so bad at WGs. I also got championing our clients as a weakness.

Congratulations! Can I ask when you did the first stage?

 

[Tyler2203]

Has anyone heard back from B&B post VI?

 

[LaDiva]

Has anyone heard from the following? (Spring)
Mishcon (post AI chat assessment)
Macfarlanes (post simulate)
Reed Smith (post VI)
Mayer Brown (post VI)
Gibson Dun (post SJT)
Penningtons
Baker McKenzie
Dentons

I think penningtons look at application after deadline?

 

[yasmars]

Congratulations! Can I ask when you did the first stage?

Thank you! I completed the first stage on the 8th

 

[marisachr]

Has anyone done a DLA telephone interview?

 

[RSK]

Has anyone done a DLA telephone interview?

hey congrats- when did you apply?

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Hi does anyone have any insight on stage two of freshfields test, specifically if the interview questions or more technical like Latham or competency based. Would be happy to give insight into Macfarlanes, HSF or Slaughters AC as a thanks!