TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

Is this for 2 Birds

that's what I was thinking of but there are so many others that do the same too tbh

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

that's what I was thinking of but there are so many others that do the same too tbh

I asked whether this was for Bird & Bird. Your question about not heard back.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

DLA Piper summer internship PFO

I thought they were non rolling. Btw which office if you don't mind sharing.

 

[c.t.tc]

I asked whether this was for Bird & Bird. Your question about not heard back.

yes.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

yes.

Thanks and it must be good news!

 

[Future Trainee - 2027 confirmed]

DLA Piper summer internship PFO

I'm sorry to hear this, please don't give up - this years application is harder than last years, new questions and format. Even the A/C and the internship itself is different

 

[c.t.tc]

Thanks and it must be good news!

thank you we will see!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

I'm sorry to hear this, please don't give up - this years application is harder than last years, new questions and format. Even the A/C and the internship itself is different

Just been a non-stop spell of rejections this week. Hoping for some good news soon

 

[nbjani]

Is anyone receiving an error message when trying to complete the CMS Watson glaser. I’ve tried multiple browsers and emailed support but im hoping someone has an easy fix? I work full time so would really need to get this done over the weekend.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

I thought they were non rolling. Btw which office if you don't mind sharing.

London

 

[e_turbo2]

Has anyone that applied for Bird & Bird spring received the online tests?

 

[lawyergal101]

Does anyone know if the DLA WG is automatic or selective?

 

[BillSikes]

I thought they were non rolling. Btw which office if you don't mind sharing.

DLA Piper confirmed they are not rolling basis via e-mail. Strange.

They have been RB in the past - but they have changed their process slightly this year with new questions and moving the London deadline.

 

[an03]

does anyone have insights for BCLP's online test?

 

[emily3827]

does the nrf vi have unlimited prep time?

 

[llblawstudent]

hey guys, quick question about the White and Case VS app: there seems to be no space for submitting individual module grades, except in the postgraduate section? It says "
Please use the space below to list all your individual modules and the percentage or letter grades you achieved in each." but in the postgrad section?
Anyone else encounter this?

 

[Amgrad]

Anyone has a problem in assessing Skadden Open Day form? I submitted my app few days ago, but without answering the question as it didn't appear:

 

[Bhavana]

Anyone has a problem in assessing Skadden Open Day form? I submitted my app few days ago, but without answering the question as it didn't appear:

There isn't an additional question - the form is just a registration form to get the link rather than a formal application. I attended a similar event earlier this year and it was the same process

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

London

Thanks

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

The way I understand the question is it’s asking ‘why you’ and ‘why Macfarlanes’, but not in the traditional format or structure. 😅

I guess the main objective is demonstrate your interest in Macfarlanes and your suitability as a future associate at the firm.

I would approach it with the following things in mind to form a basic answer. I don’t think there is a single way of answering it though. 🥲

1) what experiences I have (e.g., legal advice clinic, internships, insight days, part-time jobs, society roles, volunteering, etc).
2) what skills, competencies, values and other qualities I have gained from these roles that are transferable to a career at Macfarlanes.
3) how do these things align with Macfarlanes and demonstrate that I belong at their firm i.e., why me and tie it into why their firm.
4) are there certain aspects of the firm e.g. TC structure, specialist seats, business strategy or firm culture that I resonate with and why.
5) bringing everything together, why would you belong at Macfarlanes over any other firm such as Travers Smith or Slaughter and May.

Ultimately, I would write it assuming the reader knew nothing about me or my motivations but knew everything about Macfarlanes. 🥲

The task would be to show a strong alignment between myself and Macfarlanes and how I am someone that belongs at the firm. 😅

The answer should be so specific and tailored to Macfarlanes that if you removed their name, it would still be clear it’s about them.​

Thanks Harvey, and also wanted to seek advice from everyone here. For ease of ref, here is the question:

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? (Max 300 words)

I will approach it with explaining how my competencies, skills, and interests in the practice areas they excel in align with them. However one thing I struggle with is that unlike some other firms, they don't list on the website any specific skills / competencies they look for, like Hogan Lovells. Does anyone have any insights into what makes them unique in terms of their culture, working styles, or anything beyond their practice areas?