TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Popsmoke]

Does anyone know when the deadline is for DLA piper I cannot find it anywhere 😭

 

[Superfrozone]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

 

[johnsmith]

I would say it depends on the firm and the general situation. I would consider some of the following factors in deciding what to do:

1. Firstly, if the firm's VS application deadline is a long time after the open day date, you may as well wait as it is unlikely that you will have a significant advantage if you apply now.
2. If the firm's VS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, this is a consideration in favour of applying now. Nonetheless, bear in mind that if the ultimate deadline date is still far into the future, applying after you receive the open day application result/after attending the open day will not put you at a significant disadvantage - even firms with reviewing applications on a rolling basis report that they get 90% of their applications in the final few days before the deadline. Furthermore, if the firm has arranged an open day before the VS deadline, it is likely that they will want to properly consider the VS applications of open day attended.
3. Consider the importance of the open day in the context of the firm's recruitment practices: there are firms known to place a (comparatively) disproportionate amount of weigh on whether a candidate has attended an open day or not, to the extent of even putting them on a different application track altogether. If this is the case for your firm, it is a very strong reason to wait for the outcome.
4. If on the other hand the firm hosts many open days throughout the year and/or the open day is not necessarily made for prospective VS applicants, it may be less compelling of a reason.
5. Consider your own schedule and priorities: consider how interested you are in this specific firm as compared to other firms and whether waiting to submit the VS application later is feasible in the context of the rest of your application schedule (as you may find yourself juggling many competing deadlines).

Andrei these are amazing tips - thank you! They are a top priority for me and have one open day so think I'll hold off for now!

 

[DavidJC]

Weil Insight Day rejection, I did struggle a bit with the application questions though so I'm not too upset about it

 

[user333]

Is this to be accepted onto the Flex Legal platform or for a paralegal job via the platform? In either case though, think standard competency based interview.

Hi, this is to be accepted onto the platform. Thank you

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Ashurst PFOs likely at this point yes? It has been a while ahaha

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Ashurst PFOs likely at this point yes? It has been a while ahaha

If so, would grad rec possibly give results for the online test? just so one can know what areas to work on since lots of firms are using similar tests this cycle

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying 🫢

 

[Superfrozone]

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying 🫢

This is my exact thoughts!

 

[mg42guy32]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

Likewise and I'm still going to apply to the winter vac anyway haha

 

[User2640]

Hello!

Just to add to previous users, generally, you only capitalise the names of agreements (e.g. share purchase agreement) when you’re referring to a specific, defined document (e.g. “under the Share Purchase Agreement dated X”). If you’re speaking more generally (e.g. “the parties entered into a share purchase agreement”), then I’d keep it lowercase. Just make sure you are consistent throughout!

How about when mentioning practice areas/sectors, is it better to capitalise them? Thank you very much!

 

[TortillaTC]

Weil Insight Day rejection, I did struggle a bit with the application questions though so I'm not too upset about it

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

 

[coolwizard22]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I did their Flying Start Programme last year and the grad rec team said that we should definitely mention if we have met them. It sounds like it's something they look for. However, if you haven't, I wouldn't worry - there are plenty of other ways to have a strong application.

 

[DavidJC]

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

12 Oct on the deadline

 

[c.t.tc]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I mentioned briefly something a trainee said at a law fair I went to but that's all so I don't think it's an absolute deciding factor

 

[lawyersum]

If so, would grad rec possibly give results for the online test? just so one can know what areas to work on since lots of firms are using similar tests this cycle

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

 

[s123]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

 

[johnsmith]

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

The issue for them is that could open up a can of worms for them. You get rejected but know you had a strong score you ultimately may end up asking them why you were rejected - far easier to leave it vague based on the volumes they get.

 

[silonthesofa]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

It obviously always helps to have met the firm, but it's not a deal breaker. I made it through having never interacted with them at all. What you need to do is demonstrate that you know the firm. Mentioning a recent deal of theirs is a good way to do that, or something about them that makes them stand out. Meeting them at events helps to provide that insight, but it's definitely still doable without. Also, I strongly recommend their Forage course. I did it prior to my AC, but it would still help with your VI because you'll really understand what their IP practice is about.

 

[msclm]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

After partner or HR?