TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

In this question from Orrick:

Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?

They allocate max 300 words. Do they expect this to be filled to the brim? And is there any structure/principle to follow?

I have answered similar questions about AI for other firms, and usually just mention my genuine reasons for having/not having used it - i.e. if I felt like it would compromise the authenticity of my application answers. In one where I did mention using it I talked through which parts I used it for and how but then made sure to make it clear my use of AI was limited - I had made it through a few stages of a vac scheme last year that I was reapplying for so described using ChatGPT to create a checklist against which I could compare using my application this year to last year's successful one to make sure I was ticking the same boxes and making it stronger. My answer was around 100 word ish but not sure if expectations are different per firm. Hope that helps!

 

[Lawlawland]

Has anyone heard from Cleary WVS?

They replied to my mail saying that now they're receiving all of the WGT scores (as most people were given time to do it until today), and will shortly be in touch with the outcome.

Best to anticipate it in 2 to 5 days time!

 

[Harvey Specter]

if i got ABB at A level but graduated from a RG uni with a 1st (non-law degree but traditional subject). what firms are worth applying for that have AAB requirements? i don’t want to waste anymore applications on a firm that might not take me because of it.

I’m not sure whether this will be applicable to VS or DTC applications necessarily, simply because of how competitive they are, but there are a few firms which seem more willing to consider applicants who marginally miss their A-level criteria. I also achieved ABB in my A-levels and graduated with a very high 2:1 in law from a RG uni. This cycle, I secured competitive open days with Weil, Hogan Lovells and Goodwin (all ask for AAB). I secured selective open days with Skadden, Willkie, Reed Smith and Cooley with these grades too. Whilst not selective open days, I went to Akin, Dechert, Mayer Brown, Jones Day and Travers Smith, who seemed flexible with their approach to A-levels.

I believe Akin Gump, Skadden, Willkie, Milbank, Davis Polk and Ropes & Gray have removed their A-level requirements entirely. Outside of US law firms, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, HSF Kramer, Macfarlanes and BCLP do not have minimum A-levels requirements either. I think in any case, A- level requirements are more of a guide for firms, as opposed to being a strict cut off. For example some firms use rare recruitment so consider the contextual information behind grades. So even if you don’t meet the requirements, you can still be considered for VS and/or DTC. I know people who got TCs with White & Case with ABB-BBB. I think firms look at everything holistically.​

 

[coolwizard22]

Jones Day WVS

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone heard from W&C today? (Post-app)

 

[msclm]

PW WVS <3

 

[chiichii]

PW WVS <3

Huge!!!! Congrats 😊😊

 

[abc124]

Does anyone know how many ACs W&C runs?

 

[elizabethkate]

phew passed DLA Piper WG!

 

[c.t.tc]

Have any Bird & Bird VI invites gone out in past two weeks or so?

 

[c.t.tc]

Also does anyone know if IP is a seat option at travers? I can see that they have an IP and technology practice areas but nothing about which seats are available.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Covington & Burling open day invite!​

 

[rosedunn]

Is there no chance of no Covington WVS if no response yet?

 

[LawAspirer]

Covington & Burling open day invite!​

Did you apply for the VS?
I'm wondering if they sent out any ACs for their VS

 

[abc124]

Is there no chance of no Covington WVS if no response yet?

I think someone here said grad recruitment said they'd get back to us this week so technically they could still email today or tomorrow

 

[abc124]

Also does anyone know what's Covington's intake per vac scheme? If they take 8-9 trainees per year is it literally just a handful of people? :')

 

[baj5]

I think someone here said grad recruitment said they'd get back to us this week so technically they could still email today or tomorrow

But has anyone actually heard back for an AC?

 

[GT1205H]

should I assume Hogan Lovells PFO for their WVS if I completed the Job Sim on the 3rd of Oct and haven’t heard back yet

 

[abc124]

But has anyone actually heard back for an AC?

Someone asked for AC tips this morning so I think so? I haven't heard back

 

[RJ Ruban]

I went to their insight day on Wednesday. They said the first stage is a short application form to capture grades and eligibility information. The form has a section for any mitigating circumstances too. After this, they send out an SJT + VI (combined).

They assess the application, SJT score and VI together to select who to invite to the AC. Those who do well on the AC will receive a VS offer (both taking place in the Spring so no Summer VS this year). There are 12-15 places per scheme.​

Hey, has anyone got through the second stage of the online assessment for Freshfields? What questions do I need to expect for the HireVue? Are there any commerical awareness questions?