TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[M85672]

Is it too late to expect to hear back from WFW for an AC following DTC application? Haven't been following so idk if any have gone out yet etc.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi,

So I've completed two vacation schemes, to no avail unfortunately.

For next cycle, is there still a point in applying for vacs or am I better off applying for DTC? I was initially inclined to apply DTC but if the turnover is the same as vacs if not longer then I don't really see the point

Hi!

I was actually in a very similar position last cycle - I completed three vacation schemes and unfortunately didn't convert any of them, but I did end up securing a DTC offer later in the same cycle that I thought I had zero chance at.

I think it is worth reflecting on where your strengths lies in the recruitment process. If you generally perform well in assessment centres (e.g. interviews, case studies, group exercises, written tasks, etc.), then DTC applications could be a great option as they are ultimately the deciding factor in those processes.

On the other hand, if you feel you come across much better once you are actually in the firm and have a chance to build relationships over a few weeks, I'd definitely still apply for vacation schemes. Sometimes not converting a VS comes down to fit or circumstances out of your control rather than your overall potential, so I wouldn't let any unsuccessful schemes put you off completely.

There is also nothing stopping you from doing a mixture of both if the firm's you are interested in offer both routes, and you could decide whether to pursue the VS or DTC process based on the assessments involved. That way you are giving yourself multiple opportunities rather than relying on one recruitment pathway.

Best of luck with the next cycle!

 

[M85672]

Hi!

I was actually in a very similar position last cycle - I completed three vacation schemes and unfortunately didn't convert any of them, but I did end up securing a DTC offer later in the same cycle that I thought I had zero chance at.

I think it is worth reflecting on where your strengths lies in the recruitment process. If you generally perform well in assessment centres (e.g. interviews, case studies, group exercises, written tasks, etc.), then DTC applications could be a great option as they are ultimately the deciding factor in those processes.

On the other hand, if you feel you come across much better once you are actually in the firm and have a chance to build relationships over a few weeks, I'd definitely still apply for vacation schemes. Sometimes not converting a VS comes down to fit or circumstances out of your control rather than your overall potential, so I wouldn't let any unsuccessful schemes put you off completely.

There is also nothing stopping you from doing a mixture of both if the firm's you are interested in offer both routes, and you could decide whether to pursue the VS or DTC process based on the assessments involved. That way you are giving yourself multiple opportunities rather than relying on one recruitment pathway.

Best of luck with the next cycle!

Thank you so much. I think I have interviews nailed down, I score full marks on almost all my AC's for the competency/partner interviews etc. I just feel that with DTC the odds are much lower? In the sense that you are basically the scraps or leftovers of whatever is leftover from the vac schemers majority of the time.

I don't really want to do another vac but I know that it probably increases my chances just from a law of averages perspective

 

[174Tess9y3]

It was just a cover letter, this was the prompt:

Please write a cover letter. You should include some of the following areas: what attracts you to Gibson Dunn; why you want to become a solicitor; an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment; details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. Please note, this does not need to be addressed to any individual.

Thank you so much! Is it a 1 or 2 page job?

 

[Z48]

Thank you so much! Is it a 1 or 2 page job?

No worries! I think it was a 650 word count, you paste it into allhires so no addresses etc. needed

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Hey!

This is a really good question, and I think you have already identified two of the biggest things (i.e. networking and researching firms).

One thing I would add is to think about what genuinely matters to you, rather than just trying to identify the "best" firms. For example, you could consider things like:

• Practice areas you are interested in
• The type of clients and matters the firm advises on
• The firm's culture and training style
• International opportunities or secondments
• Seat structure and qualification process
• The size of the trainee intake and whether you'd prefer a larger or smaller cohort.

I also found it really helpful to attend open days, insight events, and online events/presentations where possible. Speaking directly to trainees and associates often gives you a much better feel for the firm than the website alone, and you'll usually come away with insights that you can reference in your application.

In terms of tailoring, I would focus less on trying to mention lots of firm-specific facts and more on explaining why those facts matter to you. For example, rather than simply saying a firm has a strong private equity practice or an international platform, explain why that aligns with your interests, previous experience, or the type of work that you want to do as a solicitor. The graduate recruitment team are usually looking for that personal connection, rather than a list of facts that you have found on the website (which may not be particularly unique on their own).

I also wouldn't be afraid to refine the list as you go. You might attend an event and realise a firm isn't quite what you expected, or discover another firm that is a much better fit. It is much better to submit 10 applications that you are genuinely enthusiastic about than to force applications to firms you don't have a particularly compelling reason for applying to

This is super helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Is it too late to expect to hear back from WFW for an AC following DTC application? Haven't been following so idk if any have gone out yet etc

Sorry too late bro I think, had an AC yesterday with them doubt they gonna send out more invites.

 

[alexandramonica]

Does anyone have a list of firms that offer winter vacation schemes this year? Or do I just have to wait for firms to announce them

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Hi! Did you do the attention to detail test in-person?

They sent me a link and I completed it online

 

[EfficientBag123]

Anyone got any advice for pre-recorded video interviews? They seem to be my weak spot.

 

[applepeach]

How are people deciding how many direct tc applications to do compared to vs apps? I'm in my last year of a non-law degree and was just going to do vs this year but considering tc apps (I know it's dependent on the firms recruitment style tho ofc)