TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[adam.o]

Has anyone heard back from BCLP?

 

[cookedlawstudent]

It probably depends on if you’ve got extenuating circumstances and/or flagged as contextual too, because I only have ABB A-levels and whilst I’ve gotten a high 2:1 in my degree, I had several 2:2 modules but I had mitigating circumstances. The majority of my modules were strong 2:1 or above but I had at least 4 2:2 module marks.​

I get mildly annoyed when people say to just apply anyways despite having a 2:1 because it's usually from the perspective of someone who applied years ago or has simply not experienced VS/TC applications...like yes having a strong 2:1 in my first year is not even that impressive anymore, if anything it's bare minimum. I don't blame people who decide to grind 2nd year and apply in 3rd year with strong grades at all.

 

[ellewoods26]

Hey! Whoever has insights on the Hogan Lovells Stage 2 test (the Job Simulation Assessment) or the Weil SJT, I would love some help! I'm happy to provide insights on FF Stage 1 and Stage 2 tests, the A&O Shearman SJT, the Clifford Chance SJT, Linklaters SJT, Dechert WE and AC. I can also share about Kirkland & Ellis, King & Spalding, Weil, Skadden, HL Open Days ◡̈

 

[TCLA0322]

Any responses from any of the following? :

Debevoise

Cooley

Osborne

AKIN

Squire Patton Boggs

Ropes & Gray

Davis Polk

Eversheds Sutherland

Taylor Wessing

SIDLEY

I'm still waiting and applied around 2-3 weeks ago

To my best knowledge: Debevoise is non-rolling (Open Day released around the Feb first week), Ropes & Gray (non-rolling), Sidley may start screening spring. Davis Polk, I personally haven't heard anything. TW spring is making the next stage, but I applied summer so the decision for WE they said in the app email will get back us in Jan.

 

[Scottishlion]

Does anyone have any insight into Weil SJT + VI or Macfarlane's Stage 2? Also does anyone know the timeline for hearing about assessment centres now its christmas? Can we expect to hear back soon or in jan?

 

[Scottishlion]

Congrats!!

I applied on 5 November but haven’t heard anything so definitely not semi-automatic! I’m expecting a PFO because despite having A*AA, I only got a low/mid 2.1 with multiple 2.2 grades and I can’t imagine that with removing all application questions, they aren’t looking for strong A levels AND at least a strong/high 2.1.

I'm sure you'll get it! I have a similar profile. Graduated with a 2:1, A*AA but had a couple of 2:2s and got the SJT + VI so stay hopeful!

 

[hawkins19]

is it worth applying to Cleary this late?

 

[BM99]

Weil SJT + VI invite

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Congratulations! Have you had it yet?

No I haven't. I have not heard back after the test

 

[WeGotThis!]

Does the Milbank second test include VI or it just WG?

When did you do the first test?

 

[testing123]

Hi! does anyone know if W&C have started to send out VI for spring summer VS?

 

[TortillaTC]

I'm sure you'll get it! I have a similar profile. Graduated with a 2:1, A*AA but had a couple of 2:2s and got the SJT + VI so stay hopeful!

Thank you! I’ll keep the forum updated

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone heard back from BCLP?

I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and then an AC coming up in January - for Spring VS.

 

[Someoneinlaw]

I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and then an AC coming up in January

is this for spring or summer ?

 

[johnsmith]

is this for spring or summer ?

Spring!

 

[AGB2060]

I saw a post from a couple of years ago that Kirkland & Ellis VI is two questions with 15 seconds prep and 1 minute answer. Does anyone know if this is still the case? (or was a year ago --> something more recent than 2020)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for the Forsters application question: "Forsters offers legal advice across a wide variety of areas. Which two practice areas are you most keen to explore during your training contract, and why?"
does this refer to the 4 main areas which they work in or is it more specific, like their smaller teams within those overarching areas?

Hey!

From my understanding, this question is meant to be more specific than just the four broad departments. While it's fine to anchor your answer in one of the main areas (e.g. Private Wealth, Dispute Resolution, Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate), Forsters is really looking for an insight into specific practice areas or teams within those umbrellas (e.g. Residential Property, Planning, Contentious Trusts & Estates, etc.)

In your answer, I would:

• Name two specific practice areas/teams, not just two main departments
• Show you understand what that team actually does at Forsters
• Explain why those areas appeal to you (e.g. skills, type of work, client base, exposure during a TC).

That said, you definitely don't need to be overly niche - choosing a well-defined sub-area within the main practice areas is absolutely acceptable, and can show that you've researched the firm properly rather than giving a generic answer.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[Legalfreak212]

CMS VI invite! Any insights into this stage would be much appreciated, thank you 🎉

I forgot the exact questions, but I remember there were 6 and they were mostly motivations based. Onewas about a recent news story that would impact CMS and their clients, something along those lines. Sorry I blanked out mid VI so my advice is a bit shit 😭

 

[DavidJC]

Thank you! I’ll keep the forum updated

Fwiw, hopefully this is reassuring, but I got the SJT + VI invite today and I have an overall 2:1 with lots of 2:2 modules and even 2x 3rds (assuming this is how it works cos my uni has a weird grading system unlike anything else in the UK) with mitigating circumstances, so I'm sure you'll get something soon, otherwise maybe worth popping them an email.

Also just generally for everyone, speaking from a friend's anecdotal experiences, but do remember to regularly check your Spam folders as well. They'd missed out on an invite/scheme with Gowling a few years ago because it somehow ended up in their Spam folder instead of the Inbox

 

[Rejections PFO]

Its been 41 days since I last heard from simmons.

Chances of me getting married seem to be higher at this rate🙄

Me with Bird and Bird for just the WG test invite and it has been nearly a month ffs 😭