TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Saul_specter]

Spoke to grad rec last week and the sentiment was kindof like "if it is not in already, get it in ASAP"

The application opened on the 1st September I think. I’m not disbelieving what you’ve said but for some people to go into ‘panic mode’, and potentially cause others to, about a rolling deadline 13 days into a 130 day application window doesn’t seem to make too much sense on paper but Im happy to hold my hands up if grad rec truly are sticking to that sentiment

 

[yellowbirds008]

Does anybody know anything about the trainee trademark attorney programme with Kilburn and Strode?

 

[Z48]

I havent received sidley 1st stage online test yet but i subitted on 2nd september for WVS should i assume PFO? if people are receiving tests

Same here

I don't think you should assume PFO, the next stage isn't selective, their website says they'll only check if you meet the 'eligibility criteria' before progressing. Think it's more likely they're just sending out the tests slowly to spread out the review process

 

[user55998384]

So has anyone else noticed HSF Kramer have quietly snuck back in A-Level requirements of AAB? Oh the joys of merging with US firms

Website:View attachment 8394

Candid:
View attachment 8395

63 and above in each module is insane too wtf

 

[tosin4774]

A

So has anyone else noticed HSF Kramer have quietly snuck back in A-Level requirements of AAB? Oh the joys of merging with US firms

Website:View attachment 8394

Candid:
View attachment 8395

At least it is SPECIFIC

 

[legallytired]

63 and above in each module is insane too wtf

it's crazy. i think white & case also say 64 for each module, at least that's what I heard at an online event from one of their graduate recruitment, im not sure if its explicitly set out though

 

[user55998384]

it's crazy. i think white & case also say 64 for each module, at least that's what I heard at an online event from one of their graduate recruitment, im not sure if its explicitly set out though

SORRY WHAT I THOUGHT THEY WERE MEANT TO BE MORE LENIANT?

 

[JunoCarpenter]

Got the GD second stage invite. Is it selective?

Wow congrats!! How long after stage 1 did you hear back?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

I’m starting a new internship from the beginning of October. I think it will be helpful for my applications going forward as it relates to comms and finance. Should I wait for some apps until I start so that I can talk about it on my application? Or just write incoming in the work exp section.

Hi, congratulations !! I would personally wait to include it as currently Graduate Recruitment will not be able to see our tangible responsibilities and impacts.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

hi @Antoni Trochimowicz j wanted your advice on something. during my second year (i am non-law) i was still applicable for the US "fys" which essentailly were insight days. Moreover, my open day section is basically j us firms (bar 2 which are MC/SC) but this cycle i do j want to apply to as many as i can given how comp numbers have gotten.

However, when i apply to smaller firms, eg Fieldfisher/Clyde&Co/Addleshaw/Evershed etc - should i j literally take my OD section out as would it make them think if this candidate has primarily gone to US firms why is she applying here?

Hi, that's a completely valid concern! I think when applying to those smaller firms, rather than plainly removing the Open Days, I would try to focus on how you frame them. At the end of the day, each one of those experiences perfectly showcases your drive and motivation towards the career. This is alongside teaching you various skills that would be useful. However, at the same time, you're right it may potentially make you seem like a candidate who isn't truly targeting their firm.

As such, I would see if maybe you could rewrite the entry without namedropping each firm. For instance, I wrote: "I have been selected after competitive application processes to Insight Experiences at 10+ top city firms". This is then followed by slightly more detailed insights without directly mentioning where I learnt each thing. As a result, I was able to retain the necessary information that I wanted Graduate Recruitment to see, without any overthinking as to whether the MC recruiter thinks I'm too US heavy (I was haha).

Hopefully this helped !

 

[tabashtabash]

If I applied for macfarlane’s spring VS and haven’t got an invite to stage 2 yet is that a rejection?

 

[CHILOVE]

Did anyone get a confirmation email for submission after applying to A&O Shearman? Asking because I did not receive one

 

[NM23x]

Did anyone get a confirmation email for submission after applying to A&O Shearman? Asking because I did not receive one

It comes after a little bit

 

[Hugo2004]

Has anyone heard from Jones Day WVS if you submitted on Wednesday or after? Am concerned I'm too late as maybe they've massively slowed down?

Submitted Tuesday heard nothing

 

[user55998384]

Hi, that's a completely valid concern! I think when applying to those smaller firms, rather than plainly removing the Open Days, I would try to focus on how you frame them. At the end of the day, each one of those experiences perfectly showcases your drive and motivation towards the career. This is alongside teaching you various skills that would be useful. However, at the same time, you're right it may potentially make you seem like a candidate who isn't truly targeting their firm.

As such, I would see if maybe you could rewrite the entry without namedropping each firm. For instance, I wrote: "I have been selected after competitive application processes to Insight Experiences at 10+ top city firms". This is then followed by slightly more detailed insights without directly mentioning where I learnt each thing. As a result, I was able to retain the necessary information that I wanted Graduate Recruitment to see, without any overthinking as to whether the MC recruiter thinks I'm too US heavy (I was haha).

Hopefully this helped !

that you so much that is super helpful! were u then asked ab where those ODs were in interviews?

 

[user4647464]

Hi, would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

I am a recent non-law graduate (2026) from a Russell Group uni. Completed a vac scheme this summer (not quite magic circle / US but not far off), but didn't manage to convert it. I graduated with a first, however the further back you go, my grades slip a little (averaged 70-74% in last 2 years vs 63% in 1st year).

I'm really keen to apply to Freshfields, but now that they've changed their requirements for the SVS, I happen to be eligible for both the SVS and DTC route. As far as I can tell, the assessment criteria for both is similar (form, online assessment + AC). Is there a recommendation as to which I should apply for? It seems the DTC is a much more condensed application with fewer hurdles to fall at, yet I presume they'll probably expect a higher standard of commercial awareness? Meanwhile, I'm guessing that taking the SVS route would put me alongside current students, meaning more emphasis may be placed on grades throughout university, which may not be ideal for me...

As far as I can tell it seems Freshfields have a pretty even split of DTC vs SVS within their trainee cohort, so right now don't really feel like I'm being pushed either way on a purely strategic front. Not really sure what to think tbh; would appreciate anyone's insights as to which route they'd go!

 

[Novaa]

Helloo!! For anyone who has done the Ashurst Perkins Coie SJT, did they email you afterwards to say they’ve received your responses?

I’m at my desk, now wondering if I had a typo in my email on the registration page.

 

[sagekensuke]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I found your example of your work experience entry really helpful. I was wondering if you'd be able to post an example of an entry about an open day (or all the open days you did if you bunched them together in one entry). I think I've written about the substantive work experiences well, but am finding open days slightly harder to talk about. Thank you!

 

[Thanks@2025]

Anyone think there’s any point in submitting a Gibson Dunn application now? Noted it’s rolling but quite late in.

Hi, while most people advise sending applications in the first third or half of a rolling window, I know many that have succeeded with last-minute applications (including myself!). If you believe your application is strong enough, definitely send it in because you never know! You can only make the shots you take, so I would suggest going for it. If it works out, that's incredible! If not, it is still good practice. That being said, if you are also juggling other deadlines and have limited time to write the application, it might be worth dedicating the time the GD application takes to another firm you're really interested in where it's much earlier in the window or nearing the end of a non-rolling window. All the best!

 

[Thanks@2025]

Hello everyone, does anyone have any tips for the Amberjack assesment? How different is it compared to Cappfinity assesments?

Hi, I know that these tests can be quite difficult to differentiate, and have largely similar components. However, the key point of difference I noticed is that Amberjack tests you on its four pillars (quoted below) regardless of which firm you apply to. Following that however, each firm might have certain preferences among those four. Cappfinity on the other hand, tests you based on each firm's specific values, so it is helpful to have those handy during the assessment. Amberjack also has both verbal and numerical reasoning questions whereas I have only encountered verbal reasoning questions on Cappfinity. Additionally, Amberjack's video interviews usually have unlimited prep time for each question, whereas video interviews on cappfinity have limited prep time (varying from firm to firm). Outside of these points, they are mostly similar. Let me know if you wanted to know anything specific from these points!

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