TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter]

Applied to Hogan Lovells last week Friday and have not received the first stage test :/ I thought someone said it was automatic :/

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

 

[firmfirm]

Thank you so much! Also, if you don't mind my asking, were there any particular requirements about the open questions?

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

 

[seriouscandidate_]

What is the best way to practice WG tests? Any website recommendations in particular? Thanks! 🤩

 

[Someoneinlaw]

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

ohhh okay , thank you!

 

[User22022002]

For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!

From the email saying I got to the first test, i don't think it’s automatic. They implied they had looked over my application but whether that was just a requirements check or something more (like looking at work experience), I don’t know. Im pretty sure the test is a quick turn around, maybe a week or slightly less.

 

[giuliarossi1610]

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

Same position here. Tbf the London's deadline was just a few days ago so it is unlikely that they have filled all their TIs. We gotta trust the process at this point as it is out of our control

 

[Bread]

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

I found it interesting how they spent around 2 hours talking about pro bono and culture but don’t want you to focus on that in the application 😅

 

[lissa2006]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They can check whether you have done it but they cannot access the work that was posted on it. At least this is what one of the MC firms answered at an online event (CC I believe? someone said they were proud of the work they've done on Forage, but they responded there's no way for them to see it)

 

[Trophy]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

hi all, when mentioning a transactions in an application how far back are we allowed to go? Would it be safe to say that transactions completed 3 years ago is improper to mention?

 

[firmfirm]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

For DTC, I know Kirkland is still open and they make their decisions in the winter

 

[WeGotThis!]

From the email saying I got to the first test, i don't think it’s automatic. They implied they had looked over my application but whether that was just a requirements check or something more (like looking at work experience), I don’t know. Im pretty sure the test is a quick turn around, maybe a week or slightly less.

Thank you! After how many days did you receive the test invite on submitting your application? I'm trying to gauge how I can space out my app submissions.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Hi everyone, can someone please tell me on whether Bakers is rolling or non-rolling? Have anyone been progressed to AC yet?

 

[msclm]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

I think one week schemes are kinda rare. The only one I’ve came across is the Sidley wvs.

 

[Trophy]

I think one week schemes are kinda rare. The only one I’ve came across is the Sidley wvs.

Definitely more than one firm, just didn’t know if there were more.

Sidley, Goodwin, withers, Milbank (spring), Addleshaw (spring), PMC, forsters to name a few

 

[Trophy]

For DTC, I know Kirkland is still open and they make their decisions in the winter

Thank you, do you know the process for them? The website is terrible.

 

[Wompycapy]

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

I don't think you should expect PFO at all. DLA reviews your APPLICATION FIRST and then decides whether they want to give you WG. So if you scored higher than their WG benchmark, you should expect an interview. Just a matter of time. How well do you think you did on the WG?

 

[gmcaolaw]

Does anyone know what is considered a good score on artic shores test?

 

[gmcaolaw]

Is DLA's wg 5 working days or normal days it says in one place working but unsure whether to go by working days and prep more?

 

[firmfirm]

Thank you, do you know the process for them? The website is terrible.

Yes, so for Kirkland you submit your written application (there are 5 questions this year, all ranging from 200-400 words). If you’re successful, they’ll invite you to complete their VI. If you pass that, you’ll be invited to their first AC, and if you do well there, you’ll move on to the final AC. From what I’ve been told (I know someone who reached the final stage last year), the first AC includes a Q&A where you’re in a group speaking with partners, and a group exercise, both of which are assessed. The final AC includes a written exercise and an interview with partners. I call it an “AC,” but I think they refer to theirs as assessment/insight days, but don’t be fooled, they’re definitely still assessed.

Please don’t take my word as gospel though, because they seem to change the process slightly each year (for example, in previous years you had to submit a CL, but that was removed this year). But overall, that’s the general structure. Hope that helps!