TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[anon78365222111]

If a firm has rolling applications, does this mean that you should also complete tests and consequent-stage assessments as soon as possible too?

Think so

 

[Damifola_odelusi7]

Got judgement as my development point in my Gibson Dunn test feedback. Am I cooked?

How did you find the test? Also any advice for it?

 

[Damifola_odelusi7]

Dechert test! Applied on the 8th iirc if it helps anyone

What platform is the test?

 

[Novaa]

Hi! Maybe a silly question, but does anyone know what firms mean with rolling? Does this refer to how they review applications (ie chronologically), or how they hand out spots for an AC, or TC/VS offers?

i haven't heard from a firm that is rolling, while others have and we applied at the same time, so not sure what aspect of the process is rolling.

Hellooo!! Not a silly question at all, it's generally all stages pre TC/VS offer. Also it depends per firm.

Firm 1:

So they will review everything as they come in chronologically, and from then may opt to organise applicants into phase batches.

So everyone who applies in the W/C 31st August, may be reviewed in the W/C 7th September and everyone who is successful will be progressed to Stage 2 on Friday 11th September. They may then continue that phased approach including AC invites, but will opt to stop phases at certain points. So they may be happy with the first 10 batches of applications they've reviewed and decide to stop offering the stage 2 test to new batches, but will continue phasing the batches that already passed stage 2 through to stage 3 and 4.


Firm 2:

Will start reviewing applications and start sorting people into progressions / rejections then announce progressions all at once all the way to AC.

Also for some firms, rather than rejecting you outright at a stage, they'll placehold you as a backup, and only progress you later if other candidates do badly further down the line. So a delay isn't always a rejection in disguise!!

 

[tosin4774]

Has anyone ever gotten a vac scheme in their first application cycle?

 

[anon78365222111]

Got judgement as my development point in my Gibson Dunn test feedback. Am I cooked?

I got that as well think it’s weird because I picked the traits that would say that’s one of my highest, regardless we could’ve still done well and that’s our lowest. Wouldn’t think too much they have to pick one lowest at the end of the day for the sake of the report

 

[sagekensuke]

Has anyone ever gotten a vac scheme in their first application cycle?

Lots of people

 

[ufdj]

Has anyone ever gotten a vac scheme in their first application cycle?

meeee

but i flopped my vac scheme so badly so second cycle here we go lol

 

[adfs456]

Has anyone ever gotten a vac scheme in their first application cycle?

feel free to pm!

 

[tabashtabash]

have a and o Shearman open day invites been sent out?

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Anyone got insights for Mayer Brown VI? Can share insights for Macfarlanes

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi all! I see the forum has been particularly active the last few hours ! I'll get to everyone's queries in the coming hours.

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone ever gotten a vac scheme in their first application cycle?

Got one with my first ever application, final partner interview the partner legit was picking at everything I said so we go again!!

 

[1136PX0]

have a and o Shearman open day invites been sent out?

For the open evening yes

 

[itsfearless15]

Has anyone completed the Freshfields test yet that you get after submitting your initial VS app? Does it involve a VI component?

 

[ArnavS]

For non-rolling firms, is it better to wait on their decision for an open day before you apply to their vac scheme, in case I get the open day and can mention it in my vac scheme app?

 

[tosin4774]

Got one with my first ever application, final partner interview the partner legit was picking at everything I said so we go again!!

that gives me soo much courage and assurance because everyone i had spoken to said since this is my first app its highly likely i will get rejected

 

[Lissa06]

Has anyone completed the Freshfields test yet that you get after submitting your initial VS app? Does it involve a VI component?

No VI in stage 1, just sjt/behavioural and critical thinking

 

[Lawlife5]

Can anyone please let me know if they can see any other questions on their Latham & Watkins application portal. My one only has the extra-curricular question at the end for both open day and vacation scheme? So frustrating...

 

[user55998384]

can give macfarlanes stage 2 insights in return for mayer brown