TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

I have a personal issue with an AI review of applications... In the EU, I think they're starting to regulate it via the AI Act, but still, I know I have been rejected so many times due to indirect discrimination by AI. Don't want to sound like a victim (I'm not, fortunately), but it's a real problem!

E.g., my cousin only started getting interviews in Germany after she paid 50 Euros for a service that helps you bypass ATS

 

[W5690]

When did you do WG

@BillSikes Sorry, I know you did not write to me, but I took mine on 28 November. You?

 

[James Wakefield]

Hogan Lovells Job Sim invite. Only completed stage 1 yesterday!

 

[W5690]

Guys I just saw this on my portal for DLA piper: ‘Thank you for working with us during our recruitment process. We are enjoying getting to know you’.
What does this mean? I wonder if this is a pfo in disguise

@SemperParatus Hi! Mine says the same and I wonder if it is not an implicit rejection before being informed officially.

 

[AGB2060]

Kirkland & Ellis VI!!! (Not sure if it is automatic or not but I am still happy haha, my first response from firms).

Does anyone have any insights as to what to expect, or advice etc.

I can offer advice on Linklaters (entire process to AC), Freshfields Stage 2, Latham & Watkins VI, Mayer Brown

 

[Trophy]

Kirkland & Ellis VI!!! (Not sure if it is automatic or not but I am still happy haha, my first response from firms).

Does anyone have any insights as to what to expect, or advice etc.

I can offer advice on Linklaters (entire process to AC), Freshfields Stage 2, Latham & Watkins VI, Mayer Brown

Congrats, when did you apply if I may?

 

[AGB2060]

Congrats, when did you apply if I may?

Literally yesterday which is why I think it might be automatic but I'm still trying to savour some good news this cycle haha

 

[Trophy]

It will be heartbreaking if it’s true because they formulate progression to next stages as if it’s a big deal. Also I though getting a Test 2 invite a couple of hours after submitting Test 1 was an indicator they liked me. Ouch

Yeah that’s a bit shit in all honesty. You hire people to find the right candidates then outsource to AI to filter through written timed responses.
I would’ve thought they would’ve been read by the team themselves as it wasn’t advertised your get a written question in the online tests, you’d either see very genuine or generic AI answers which a human would be able to make an informed decision on.

Well done on getting the second stage invite whether or not it’s by AI that’s great progression

 

[BillSikes]

DLA TI invite applied deadline for London. Monday and Tuesday slots - Not much notice!!

 

[yk1906]

me here still writing my Kirkland app...

Same, I'm stuck at the last two questions, trying to come up with something exceptional to write so nobody else would write it lol. I know my motivations very well, but still

 

[Trophy]

Literally yesterday which is why I think it might be automatic but I'm still trying to savour some good news this cycle haha

whattttt that’s insane definitely take that as great news it’s not automatic in the slightest

 

[Wompycapy]

DLA TI invite applied deadline for London.

Congrats! Is this for summer?

 

[yk1906]

Yeah that’s a bit shit in all honesty. You hire people to find the right candidates then outsource to AI to filter through written timed responses.
I would’ve thought they would’ve been read by the team themselves as it wasn’t advertised your get a written question in the online tests, you’d either see very genuine or generic AI answers which a human would be able to make an informed decision on.

Well done on getting the second stage invite whether or not it’s by AI that’s great progression

Thanks, have you gotten yours yet? If not, then hoping you'll get it soon.

It's so frustrating, I haven't received any interview/AC yet, and I was holding onto that stage 2 invite for my dear life as proof that one of my target firms thinks I'm worth it.

Literal wording: Congratulations! Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process, as you’ve demonstrated the potential we’re looking for.

 

[BillSikes]

Congrats! Is this for summer?

There is only a summer scheme

 

[AGB2060]

whattttt that’s insane definitely take that as great news it’s not automatic in the slightest

Thank you so much!!!

 

[Wompycapy]

There is only a summer scheme

You right, forgot about that...

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Guys, quick question, what would count outside work and study? I am so confused

Hey!

"Outside work and study" just means anything you do in your personal life that isn't part of your job, degree, or formal education. This can include:

• Societies and volunteering (if not connected to your job / studies)
• Hobbies - sports, music, reading, gaming, fitness, art, languages. Anything that you genuinely enjoy in your spare time!
• Personal projects - blogs, small businesses, mentoring, or fundraising
• Part-time interests - these may be things you don't get to do as often, such as travel or cultural activities.

Essentially, anything that shows who you are beyond academics and work. It doesn't need to be impressive - just genuine and reflective of your interests. I always used to discuss my interest in reading and the London Underground, so it doesn't have to be linked to law in some way at all!

I hope that helps

 

[Trophy]

Thanks, have you gotten yours yet? If not, then hoping you'll get it soon.

It's so frustrating, I haven't received any interview/AC yet, and I was holding onto that stage 2 invite for my dear life as proof that one of my target firms thinks I'm worth it.

Literal wording: Congratulations! Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process, as you’ve demonstrated the potential we’re looking for.

When did you apply? Maybe they decided to switch it up half way through

Nope not heard back. Despite the written element which was okay, the Sjt was fairly easy. Although I didn’t answer one of them as I had a parcel delivered and I didn’t know it was timed thank you!

I didn’t even get a feedback report or anything is this standard?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does anyone know for chambers rankings - what does spotlight mean? sorry probs super stupid

Hi!

Not a stupid question at all - I actually wasn't too sure either!

Chambers describes it as: "A 'Spotlight' ranking is given to firms or individuals where the table does not have numerical rankings. All 'Spotlight' rankings are equal and the ranking serves to highlight a select group of firms or individuals."

Essentially, it seems like it is used when a team or individual isn't placed in a numbered Band, but Chambers still wants to highlight them for doing strong or specialised work in a particular niche area.

I hope that helps!

 

[DavidJC]

I think I've now accepted that Latham is a PFO for me seeing as I've still not heard past the Stage 1 SJT after 3 days, not really sure what went wrong there as I normally do well in SJTs and I've never failed any SJT before Latham's Stage 1 (with the exception of my first time doing one for a Barclays scheme last year but I did not do a practice test either then). God I hate Cappfinity...