TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[alanshore]

Does anyone have a list of firms that don’t have application questions and operate purely via testing and ACs? Thanks!

I don't know if they will have questions later in the application process, but Macfarlanes? Milbank doesn't need written answers when applying, but I think they do later.

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz

Hope you’re doing well.

I’m applying to Ashurst Perkins Coie for their WVS and wrote about a litigation matter that mainly involved their EU office as opposed to its London one. The deal strongly aligns with my interests but I’m worried that including this may not go well with the London grad rec team. Do you think I should keep it or remove the deal?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[user55998384]

it's 1800 characters - form won't let you submit if it's over that

is this for the vac scheme qs or OD?

 

[user55998384]

is eversheds rolling?

 

[user55998384]

i would say the opposite, i feel like sjts are so unpredictable and therefore filter a lot of ppl out v easily so if ur able to do them and progress through you should be in a good position (in my opinoin)

would love to hear your thoughts on this @Jaysen

 

[Jaysen]

would love to hear your thoughts on this @Jaysen

I don't think the position has changed that much for those with weaker grades. But I think it depends on what 'weaker' is here.

Many firms I've spoken to are moving away from application questions as a first filter, largely because they've received a huge increase in lower-quality applications in the last year as a result of AI. I know some firms will have written application questions later in the process, though.

On grades: this is very firm-dependent. I've seen a few firms change their grade policy, but I think for many, they are now just being clearer about the grade requirements on their website. These applicants would probably have been rejected anyway, so it makes sense to be upfront about this.

Online tests are a tricky one and the area I know the least about. A firm needs to have more filters between application and interview because it's very hard to successfully screen thousands of applicants without more data, especially now that AI makes it hard to know if an applicant's writing is their own. But I don't have enough data on how the online tests are factored into the rest of an application or the weight firms place on them.

So, to answer the question, an applicant will generally have an easier time in the process if you have higher grades (a first or high 2:1). But this does not mean that if you don't have a high 2:1 that you won't get a vacation scheme. I've spoken to many firms that just want you to have an overall 2:1.

The main thing I tell candidates is that it's out of your control at this stage, so you can only concentrate on nailing everything else: meeting firms, writing well in your work experience sections, practising video interviews and online tests, and nailing any written applications that come later in the stages. Often, the applicants with non-standard grades get training contracts because they don't let it decide their chances and they practise performing highly in all the other stages.

 

[jamsparkle]

is this for the vac scheme qs or OD?

It was OD. but would assume the same for vac scheme? Maybe just something to be aware of if you’re someone who submits last minute, wouldn’t want to miss a deadline bc u hit a hidden limit

 

[jamsparkle]

Has anyone received Latham stage 2? I feel like it got sent immediately after completing stage 1 last year but I’m not quite sure that I remember correctly

Also does the A&O Shearman VI have unlimited prep time?

 

[alanshore]

Is anyone applying for the Dentons ME insight scheme? If so, are there no application questions at the first stage? Also does anyone know if anyone has gotten through the first stage being a non-GCC/arabic-speaking individual?

 

[Enyonam]

How do you know if you've messed up the Arctic Shores? I applied for one of their mentoring opportunities a while back and I haven't gotten an update, although I'm pretty sure I also bombed the test

When you know you know but also I got rejected within hours if even that- it was very clear that a human hadn’t looked at my application.

 

[KH7192]

Anyone else applying to the Orrick Vacation Scheme — how am I supposed to write a 300-word cover letter? That's such a short letter and my answers to the other questions they ask are going to contain the same material as what I put in the cover letter anyways. How as everyone else approached this?

 

[anon78365222111]

If I graduate 3 years ago and I’m finishing my PGDL this year can I still apply for Freshfields vac ?

 

[anon78365222111]

Is Orrick vac rolling ?

 

[TJ360]

Anyone know about Stage 2 Macfarlanes video questions? Are they situation judgment based? Motivational ? Competency? Or mixed?

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

Hello guys after a long break I am back and excited for this cycle.

A summary of my PFO's last cycle:
* VS - 0 but 2 in my dreams
* AC - 4
* VI (Including amberjack) - 13
* Test - 8
* Application - 9

Anyone reading this the applications that I passed to VI/AC I did not use AI to draft my application. One of my biggest reason for VI and tests challenges was the amberjack test and the mini critical test introduced by law firms like Addleshaw Goddard. I am currently looking at amberjack tests to improve my score.

I look forward to this cycle and lets get that TC!

 

[traineesolicitorincoming]

Hi does anyone know if Winston Taylor's VS deadline is rolling? Thanks

 

[John Hammond]

hello everyone, for latham what did you guys write for work experience ? like do you just describe what you did or should you speak about the firm in some way? like how your work links to what the firm is good at or something

also should we use bullet points?

thanks in advance