TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flower1]

Hi @flower1 I think it is fine to email about your score - I know a number of people who have done so with various firms and have received their exact figures. Nonetheless, I would not ask about the VI, as the firm likely has a standard process for releasing information about them.

Thank you for your response
As you don't recommend asking about the VI, how should we prepare. I'm unsure about how long the preparation time or how long to answer for, therefore I don't know how to prepare in advance and practice. What do you recommended?

Thank you

 

[yk1906]

Hi, from my past experience they don't, but I think you should give it a try as their graduate recruitment team is quite responsive anyways. After the test, if you meet the benchmark, you should receive an email confirming this and stating that they will review your application.

Thank you. I received the email confirming I passed -- now we wait !!

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi guys,

I'm currently going through the application form for DLA Piper's VS, and I had some quick queries. As ever, if anyone's got any feedback (no matter how big or small), I'd be hugely grateful!

1. One of the questions on the application form is as follows: "Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions?". I'm slightly unclear as to what exactly the question wants candidates to do - is it the client sector as a whole that we're expected to find interesting, or is it the article (or both?). Similarly, are we expected to discuss how the subject-matter of the article aligns with our ambitions, or are we supposed to talk about how the client sector more generally aligns with our ambitions? Indeed, what exactly is meant by "client sector" in the first place (I presume it describes a commercial sector more broadly - e.g. pharmaceuticals - rather than a law firm's practice areas)?

2. The other main question on the application form is as follows: "Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions?" Towards the end of my answer, I linked my response back to DLA Piper specifically: does this sound like a valid approach, or am I straying beyond the remit of the question?

3. At the top of the application form, there's some space to attach a CV, but also some space for "Additional Application Attachments". I presume this doesn't imply that candidates are also expected to attach a cover letter (as if this were the case, the application form would surely be more explicit about this)?

 

[GT1205H]

I completed HL second stage early october and haven't heard anything, am assuming PFO atp

Same here

 

[domanipreviously]

Hi everyone! One question as I am kind of new to this game... I applied for the Kirkland & Ellis open day and submitted my application on the 2nd of November, but I haven't received a response yet. My friend submitted his application just a few minutes after the deadline and got accepted. Is this a bad sign? How does the application process usually work? When are the invites usually sent?

Also applied to the Kirkland OD end of Oct. and have not heard back. Was your friend told what date the event is scheduled for?

 

[Bbhu19]

BCLP interview invite ! Got to interview stage last year but failed it. Really hope this time I’m better

Hey could I know what your strength and weakness on your feedback report were?

 

[yuhhhh]

Does anyone know what Weil's SJT Benchmark is?

 

[Goingtogetatc]

Hey could I know what your strength and weakness on your feedback report were?

Hi! Of course my strengths were critical reasoning, active collaborator and credibility. My weakness was that I tend to adopt a realistic approach (whatever that means haha?). Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Trophy]

I’ve done a fair few online tests in my time but that freshfields stage 2 is up there with the worst.

 

[yk1906]

I’ve done a fair few online tests in my time but that freshfields stage 2 is up there with the worst.

Do you mean the VIs? Or why?

 

[Dannie]

Hey guys does Paul Hastings not do a vac scheme?

 

[Anniee]

Hey guys does Paul Hastings not do a vac scheme?

They do something called PHirst Steps which is a 1 week work experience for both students and graduates. But I can’t find any info that this scheme will lead to a TC

 

[shadowboxer909]

BCLP interview invite ! Got to interview stage last year but failed it. Really hope this time I’m better

Congrats. When did you apply out of curiosity?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anyone who did their HL job sim towards the end of October got an AC?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Can I apply for NRF SVS this cycle if I reached the AC last year for WVS.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Simmons uses amberjack, too. The only key difference is the pillars

Yh that is what I meant the pillars.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

It's Amberjack like Reed Smith, but haven't taken them.

For anyone who had done both, which one do you think is harder? Reed Smith or Weil?

Well I did Reed Smith last year and it was not bad but hated the VI questions.

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Is there any point applying to DLA for their summer internship if they have a rolling deadline and it closes on the 21st? Surely too late at this stage

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey everyone. looking for some guidance on this question from Bakers: Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these. (300 words max). My thinking is that AI is obviously going to be part of my answer, but how do i relate it back to my skills as the way the question is worded implies they want us to connect the development with our skills?

Hello!

That’s a great question, and I think you’re absolutely right that AI is a key theme to mention. The trick is to show how you fit into that evolving landscape, as the question is asking how your skills align with those changes.

For example, you could frame your answer around how technology (like AI and data analytics) is reshaping client expectations - commercial lawyers now need to combine legal knowledge with commercial awareness, adaptability, and an ability to use tech to deliver efficient, strategic advice. You could then link this to skills that you have developed, such as:

1. Adaptability and curiosity - maybe from learning new legal technology tools, or learning new software in other aspects of your background
2. Analytical thinking - showing that you can interpret AI-driven insights or understand the risks involved with digital innovation (i.e. regulation).
3. Client-focused mindset - emphasising that while AI streamlines processes, clients still value judgment, creativity, and relationship-building. Demonstrate that you understand that a level of supervision and clarification will always be needed for AI.

If you wanted to go broader, you could also mention globalisation, ESG concerns, and interdisciplinary teamwork - just make sure that you tie each to a skill you have demonstrated (like collaboration on cross-department projects).

A structure could look like:

1. Briefly describe how the role is evolving (AI, globalisation, ESG, etc.)
2. Identify two or three key skills commercial lawyers now need due to these changes
3. Show how you have demonstrated these skills in practice.

I hope that helps!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

They do something called PHirst Steps which is a 1 week work experience for both students and graduates. But I can’t find any info that this scheme will lead to a TC

It doesn't lead to a TC. It may advantage your TC application, though.