TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

Just completed the VI for Eversheds 😬 Not sure how I feel about how it went - is it usual to not get more than 1 chance at recording for other VI's people have done? Dreading waiting 4 weeks to hear how I did. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that you can't rewatch your answers 😭.

You usually get 1 try! 😢

 

[elle woods]

Thanks so much!! I think maybe if I accept the fact this process might take a few years maybe it'll be easier. I'm not sure what I could do in those years but i'm sure there must be more than what i'm imagining (going back to hospitality ?..)

Good luck this year!! I hope everything looks up for you too, it's nice to feel less alone!

Hey Madison!

I second everything Lawlawland has said - honestly, if you're about to graduate, you could look into paralegal roles too! Many graduates that I know who are currently still applying are currently paralegals/applying to become a paralegal as it's really good experience to have in terms of applying to a DTC.

Honestly, I know it's difficult at a uni like Oxford, but truly, it is absolutely UNUSUAL to be getting graduate offers in university - it just seems like the norm for us because everyone around us is experiencing that particular pathway. Don't lose faith or hope at this stage, all you need is ONE acceptance, so don't let those rejections bog you down!! Each one is making and shaping you into a better candidate, and I trust you will come out of the tunnel with an offer, even if it takes a year or two.

Best of luck girl, I trust that you will be fine! Your resilience tells me so!

 

[jamieclarke]

Um... I feel like i got asked a different set of questions for DLA.


Anyway.. Im probably cooked😭😭

I passed the TI, but I felt they kept asking the same questions and I felt it difficult

 

[Rads]

Guys whoever has got Kirkland VI, is it for spring?

 

[elle woods]

Guys whoever has got Kirkland VI, is it for spring?

I applied for both cos they never specified dates so I'm uncertain whether I can make it or not lols

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

thats true hopefully it will be fine. good luck!!

You too! All the best! Don't get your head down! You're in it until you're not and no amount of PFOs of other people can indicate if you will get one!

 

[jojo23]

Passed the DLA TI benchmark by some holy asspull 😭

I bought a lottery ticket after because i dont know what's happened here🤣

 

[jojo23]

I passed the TI, but I felt they kept asking the same questions and I felt it difficult

2 questions felt way too similar it threw me off a little

 

[jamieclarke]

Did anyone else get a holding email from RPC? I just received and i thought it was going to be another PFO (im traumatised)

Are they rolling do you know?

 

[jamieclarke]

DLA AC! Finally

When did you complete the TI?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Passed the DLA TI benchmark by some holy asspull 😭

I bought a lottery ticket after because i dont know what's happened here🤣

Congratssss! Was this for London?

 

[Rads]

I applied like 3 hours before the deadline for Kirkland, have not gotten a VI, is that a pfo?

 

[Lawlawland]

Thanks so much!! I think maybe if I accept the fact this process might take a few years maybe it'll be easier. I'm not sure what I could do in those years but i'm sure there must be more than what i'm imagining (going back to hospitality ?..)

Good luck this year!! I hope everything looks up for you too, it's nice to feel less alone!

I would suggest you to keep applying for Paralegal roles (Mishcon and Simmons always has one thing or another open) while you're working your temporary job. Being a research assistant etc etc at Uni speaks volume too (it helps my cause).

There's always a way!
But, I really hope you don't have to do any of that and find your way into big law! Best wishes ✨

 

[jojo23]

Congratssss! Was this for London?

Thank youu! Yess it was for london

 

[svb risk management intern]

Milbank, Latham and Macfarlanes Second stage rejections all in the space of 16 hours what a day 😋

Stay strong and get sh*tfaced

 

[Harvey Specter]

Passed the DLA TI benchmark by some holy asspull 😭

Ayy congrats rkid! Next stop DLA AC. 🥳​

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Mishcon SJT too!

omgg is this for their summer vs?

 

[nbjani]

good j*b guys!!!!! when did you do your TI

also im basically certain that DLA would be able to accommodate your request to change your AC date, seeing how theyre a mammoth who host several ACs each year

Thanks! I did mine weds morning.

 

[nbjani]

Congrats !! Can I ask what office this is for

London!

 

[switchingup]

Re-post: was in mod jail!

Hi everyone! First time posting here, although I've been lurking without an account for ages lol. I'm a career changer, and this is my first application cycle.

I'm posting the vacation schemes I've applied for with dates. Hope this helps with timelines! I'll try my best to keep this updated, but working full-time + juggling these apps is no joke lol. Bear with me!

• Bird & Bird: applied 10th Dec (probs too late lol)
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• DLA Piper (London): applied 19th Nov
  • Received WG invite: 26th Nov
  • Took WG: 29th Nov - scored 'Strength to leverage' for assumptions and arguments, 'Further exploration' for Critical thinking, and 'Opportunity for development' for conclusions. My worst performance on any WG! Don't take these tests when exhausted. 💀
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • Received what vaguely resembles a passed benchmark email: 1st Dec
  • Portal updated to (paraphrase) "We're enjoying getting to know you": 4th Dec
  • Portal updated to "Thank you for your interest in DLA Piper. We are fully considering the information provided": 9th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• HSF Kramer (Spring VS): applied 1st Dec
  • Received assessment: 1st Dec
  • Took assessment: 5th Dec - scored 'balanced' for technical expertise and 'moderate fit' for the rest lol
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • Reached benchmark: 8th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Linklaters: applied 1st Dec
  • Received assessment: 1st Dec
    • Took assessment: 3rd Dec - scored highest in 'Resilience' and 'Motivation,' lowest in 'Resource and Work Management'
    • Report came one day after completing the assessment
  • Received WG invite: 3rd Dec
  • Application under review email: 4th Dec
  • Second holding email from recruiters: 15th Dec (everyone received this)
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Reed Smith: applied 14th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Simmons & Simmons: applied 14th Dec (last-minute app, also probs too late 🤪)
  • Received assessment: 14th Dec
  • Took assessment: 15th Dec - scored high verbal/numerical expertise, 8 (Self) / 8 (Commercial) / 4 (People) loool
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Willkie: applied 10th Dec
  • PFO 17th Dec ❌

Pending: Covington

I've also applied to the following firms DTC: CC, CMS, Freshfields, Slaughter and May (pending: Ashurst, Lewis Silkin, and W&C). I've added updated on these apps in the DTC thread.

Best of luck to everyone 🍀