TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[sal44]

Same, I do not understand what they want 😢😢😢😢😢

I’m so sorry, was this for the spring scheme?

 

[Trophy]

hey - can i ask when you submitted your app to gibson dunn + did you receive the test via email

submitted 14 hours ago haha yes i go the test via email 50 mins ago.

 

[Trophy]

how rolling is Gibson, still worth applying ?

They seem slow to me. They gave an interview to someone who applied 15th September yesterday... so i applied last night

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys! I'm currently writing my application for DWF's vac scheme; one of the questions is as follows:

"What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF?"

Am I right to interpret this question as essentially meaning "why DWF", as opposed to "why a career as a solicitor in general, and then why DWF"?

If anyone has any advice, I'd be hugely grateful!

Hello!

You're right that the emphasis is very much on why DWF, but I would still try to strike a balance between the two. For example, a good approach could be:

1. Briefly explain why you want to be a solicitor (with reference to skills you have, elements of the role you enjoy, the type of work, client focus, problem-solving, etc.)
2. Spend the majority of your answer on why those motivations specifically align with DWF - for example, its sectors, client base, culture, international reach, and the kind of work that trainees have the opportunity to complete.

It might help to think of it as "why I want to be a solicitor in this environment / at this firm". As long as your motivations for becoming a solicitor clearly feeds into why DWF is the right fit, you'll be addressing the whole question

 

[vweewcvew]

Might be a stupid qs but if a firm sponsors a commercial awareness competition (like Aspiring solicitors, BIUCAC etc), would it be fair to assume the firm places a high emphasis on commercial awareness in its recruitment process?

 

[HelenR]

Anyone not heard back from Latham?

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Seems to be another one of those days! Macfarlanes PFO after submitting 2nd stage on the 1st of December. Congrats to all those who got through to AC and chins up to everyone else who is eligible to apply to the DTC in Jan! Get those applications ready!

 

[BatmanBeyond]

I’m so sorry, was this for the spring scheme?

Yep. They are sending out PFOs in batches.

 

[radssss]

Might be a stupid qs but if a firm sponsors a commercial awareness competition (like Aspiring solicitors, BIUCAC etc), would it be fair to assume the firm places a high emphasis on commercial awareness in its recruitment process?

Yes because the person who wins it gets vs offers from the firms who sponsor which naturally means they place very high emphasis on commercial awareness. Anyways most firms do now days anyways

 

[Suii]

Paul leaves Paul, Weiss.

 

[AmazonPelican29]

I applied to Reed Smith 11/12 but I haven’t received any tests or emails other than my confirmation. Is this normal?

 

[Trophy]

Paul leaves Paul, Weiss.

Wonder where he will go next. He wasn't at PW for very long literally 1 application cycle then dipped 😅

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Seems to be another one of those days! Macfarlanes PFO after submitting 2nd stage on the 1st of December. Congrats to all those who got through to AC and chins up to everyone else who is eligible to apply to the DTC in Jan! Get those applications ready!

Harvey Spectre and Jessica Pearson both liking my post. Should I make an application for name partner?

 

[JasmineM9]

Any Kirkland VI invitations today?

 

[AmazonPelican29]

OC PFO

Is this post OC test?

 

[Suii]

Wonder where he will go next. He wasn't at PW for very long literally 1 application cycle then dipped 😅

Next growing US law firm

 

[LaDiva]

rogue but anyone applying to capsticks?

I'm considering applying with them since I used to work in health advocacy, it was interesting work. Did you end up applying?

 

[nordicnomad]

I have a non-law degree and will finish PGDL in Aug 2026. Have a legal internship at a City boutique law firm. Should I apply for Reed Smith's VS or wait to apply for its DTC? Would love advice on this 🥺

 

[Harvey Specter]

Next growing US law firm

Imagine he goes from Paul, Weiss to Paul Hastings to keep the name matching going lmao. 😂​

 

[Trophy]

Next growing US law firm

proskauer or perkins coie 🤔
or maybe he'll work in tesco or something who knows