TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, I was wanting some advice.... I did a SVS at an international law firm this summer and I didn't manage to convert it to a TC. My feedback seemed pretty optimistic and it was kinda the generic 'we don't think you are ready just yet' and 'you need to be a bit more confident' type of stuff. Considering it was my first vacation scheme, I think I did surprisingly well but I have learnt a lot more and developed as a person since this experience. I have attended more open days, and I have gotten a promotion in my current job, showing a change in my application.

Grad recruitment said to remain in contact with them during my feedback session, and i've been in contact with trainees/associates that were in my department.

They don't seem to have a direct TC route open anymore, but I was hoping to email grad recruitment and see if they would accept another application from me. I had such a lovely time on the SVS and everyone in my team was convinced I would be offered the TC....

Does anyone have any ideas on how I should go about this, and whether it is even a good idea or not??

Thanks in advance

Hi!

First off, it sounds like you did really well, especially since it was your first vacation scheme - getting positive feedback and encouragement to stay in touch is a great sign! The “not quite ready” comment is common for those who complete their first vacation scheme, and usually it means that they saw potential but want to see a bit more confidence next time.

Given that the graduate recruitment team encouraged you to keep in contact, it’s absolutely worth reaching out to them. I would send a short, professional email that gives them a brief update on how you have developed since your scheme. Then, politely ask whether they would be open to you submitting a new application or if there is a suitable opportunity open (e.g. for direct TC or another scheme). Even if the direct TC route isn’t currently open, showing continued interest and proactive engagement (in moderation!) keeps you on their radar. The worst thing they can say is that there are no available opportunities - but you won’t know unless you ask!

It’s clear that you made a strong impression during your vacation scheme, so I would follow up with a brief email. Keep it concise, positive, and reflective - try to display some enthusiasm and genuine interest.

Best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Jaysen,

Was this session recorded?

Hello!

Yes, it was recorded

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Does anyone know Kirkland's exact scheme dates?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If a firm asks 'have you met or made contact with anyone at the firm', does this include meeting trainees/grad rec at a law fair?

Hello!

I would say that this is typically asked to avoid conflicts throughout the application process - i.e. to make sure that you aren’t interviewed by partners that you know.

However, the wording of that question specifically could indicate that they mean anyone that you have interacted with at the firm (such as trainees/graduate recruitment at a law fair). I would email the graduate recruitment team to double-check what they mean by this, as I’m sure they’d be happy to confirm for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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)?

Hello!

Happy to tackle these individually!

“Client Sector” question

You’re absolutely right that client sector refers to a commercial industry (such as finance, life sciences, real estate, tech, energy, etc.) rather than a legal practice area. DLA Piper organises a lot of its work around these industries, so this question is designed to see:

1. Which sector interests you most, and
2. Whether you understand the current commercial situation within it

So yes - you should discuss both the article and the sector it relates to. Use the article as a starting point: briefly summarise its content, explain why that topic or sector interests you, and then link it to your personal or professional ambitions (e.g. why that industry excites you, how it connects to your skill set or long-term goals, and why DLA’s work in that space appeals to you).

The “personal experience” question

Linking it back to DLA Piper at the end sounds like a great idea. The main focus should still be on your experience and how it shaped your motivation for a legal career, but connecting that insight to why DLA Piper fits your ambitions shows reflection and firm-specific motivation - this is the kind of tailored approach that the graduate recruitment team will be looking for!

The “additional attachments“ section

If the firm hasn’t specified that you need to include a cover letter (either within the application form, or on the website), I would assume that this isn’t necessary. As the application form includes targeted questions, this effectively replaces a traditional cover letter. The extra attachment box may be there in case you need to upload transcripts, references, or any other additional documents.

Overall, it seems like your approach is spot on! Best of luck with your application

 

[Chelsea101]

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

did mine 24th oct, nothing yet

 

[yasmars]

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.

 

[yk1906]

Any Freshfields AC invites?

 

[johnsmith]

Any Freshfields AC invites?

Think someone posted they won’t be doing them until after the deadline

 

[Bbhu19]

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!

That’s a very unique weakness, I also got critical reasoning and credibility as a strength so that is reassuring ish

 

[Bbhu19]

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

Was there any motivation questions or was it all based on the scenarios?

 

[Mkyria]

phew passed DLA Piper WG!

Well done !! Can I ask what your report was?

 

[Goingtogetatc]

Congrats. When did you apply out of curiosity?

I applied in September I believe !

 

[coolwizard22]

Hi, did anyone hear back from White & Case after final interview? If so, when did you have it?

Had mine last Friday (7th Nov), heard back today