TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Novaa]

Not to be suspicious of firms…. BUT are the questions about hobbies really about our hobbies/personality, or are they trying to see how they relate to the skills we’ll need as trainees?

Also, is there such a thing as a generic skill for those “What skills do you think are important as a trainee?” questions? I put commercial awareness as one, but I’m convincing myself Grad Rec will think that’s expected? But then so are communication, organisation and time management?

You can tell a deadline is looming when I start second-guessing my complete answers.

 

[user55998384]

what is the word count for lathams open day qs?

 

[jamsparkle]

what is the word count for lathams open day qs?

1800 characters

 

[Kakaboo]

Does anyone have a list of firms that don’t require the Watson glazer?

 

[alanshore]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the Freshfields online assessment after applying? It's been a day

 

[anon78365222111]

Finally got HL test, how comes they took a while this year. Did they review applications first?

 

[thrisha_h]

Hi everyone,
I’m a recent Durham law graduate (July 2026, 68% LLB) and I’ve received an offer to start the LLM at UCL on 28 September. My main goal is to secure a vacation scheme at a commercial law firm in London in this application cycle. So far, I’ve applied to around 15 vacation schemes but haven’t been shortlisted yet.
I’m trying to decide between:

• Accepting the UCL LLM offer and applying to vacation schemes while studying; or

• Declining the offer, moving to London regardless, and focusing on paralegal roles alongside vacation scheme applications.

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve been in a similar position, or who have insights on:

• How much (if at all) an LLM helps with vacation scheme / training contract applications at commercial firms;

• Whether it’s worth taking on the LLM time‑wise if the primary aim is a TC;

• Any strategies that helped you get shortlisted after multiple rejections.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or experiences you can share.

 

[anguscfraser]

Hi everyone!

Just submitted my first application of this cycle to Ashurst Perkins Coie! One down, many more to go.

I have a question regarding A level grades and the "minimum" requirements of some firms. I wanted to apply to the Latham and Watkins vacation scheme, however, I achieved ABB in my A levels. Latham and Watkins say they want a minimum of AAB.

I know its often on a firm by firm basis, but would I be wasting my time in this instance? I achieved a first at a RG university (not sure if that makes a difference in this scenario...)

Thanks in advance.

 

[sarg1234]

Finally got HL test, how comes they took a while this year. Did they review applications first?

Not sure tbh. do u know if there is a vi element?

 

[anon78365222111]

Not sure tbh. do u know if there is a vi element?

I don’t think so usually they say so but they didn’t mention anything

 

[user55998384]

has anyone recieved anything ab paul weiss insight day?