TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Jaysen]

IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S (NOT) TOO LATE

First-time poster... loooong-time lurker. This one is for all my career changers and maybe slightly non-linear background havers (though it applies to everyone here):

Keep going! It literally only takes one.

I started this rat race in the 22/23 cycle. I didn't receive a single in-person interview or AC invite (or anything past the pre-recorded video interview stage) in that cycle, or in the 23/24 or 24/25 cycles. I entered the 25/26 cycle pretty down bad.

There was one US firm I'd been pretty high on each year, and for 25/26 I considered not applying because I'd already been rejected at the application stage twice. I applied anyway and was successful. I did the vacation scheme, it worked out, and I got a TC offer from the firm this summer!

I wanted to share this because I know just how much of a grind the process can be. I considered throwing in the towel a fair few times, but I didn't. If anyone is in that mindset themselves, I hope my little story provides some encouragement.

I wish you all every success with this next cycle. You've got this!

(P.S. I did the TCLA mock interview pre-AC, and it was immensely helpful. Shout-out to the TCLA team!)

Woo - love this

Well done you!

 

[Trainingcontractinho123]

Did anyone get Freshfields Stage 2 or Hogan Lovells Stage 2 yet.

nope, still haven't received Dechert or Sidley yet either - anybody in the same boat?

 

[sagekensuke]

Hey, any more STB interviews?

 

[insomnia]

Has anyone progressed for Sidley WVS to stage 2 yet? If so how long since submiiting the application?

I was invited to stage 2 yesterday and applied around 2 weeks ago

 

[anon78365222111]

nope, still haven't received Dechert or Sidley yet either - anybody in the same boat?

Yep unfortunately

 

[e.jy336]

I was invited to stage 2 yesterday and applied around 2 weeks ago

When did you do stage 1?

 

[anon78365222111]

Not sure if this is a silly question, but if hsfk send this then send the test does that mean I’ve met the requirements. They did kinda send then test about 30 mins after

 

[supernovna]

going to give mayer brown's automatic VI - are we allowed to refer to notes (involves switching screens to notes)? this is via amberjack.

@Antoni Trochimowicz

 

[DanTheMan]

Hey guys, does anyone know if Dechert's 1st stage assessment requires any video recording? My camera's broken and don't have time to fix it before the deadline

 

[josiepe12333]

for a&o vac scheme would you put open days in the work experience section or is there a point onwards to put it in - also would you include that you completed their own forage.

 

[nordicnomad]

for firms with rolling deadlines, do you recommend only submitting apps after having attended their open days?

 

[flower1]

Hello @Antoni Trochimowicz

I was just wondering what you think would be the best structure to answer these questions:

Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application. For this question, are we supposed to connect back to the law firm, or the role of a commercial lawyer - or is it simply just stating the extra-curriculars? Also, are bullet points acceptable?

Describe a time when you demonstrated / needed to... - same with this, are we supposed to connect back to the law firm, or the role of a commercial lawyer?

Skadden’s London office advises on complex matters. Identify a recent deal or case handled by the London office and explain a key legal or commercial issue which the Skadden team had to address in that deal or case? For this question - how can we substantiate the answer further, as well as structure - because it's 300 words for only 1 issue

I'm very sorry, I appreciate it's a lot questions, but your advice would be really helpful

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

going to give mayer brown's automatic VI - are we allowed to refer to notes (involves switching screens to notes)? this is via amberjack.

@Antoni Trochimowicz

Hi, unfortunately I've not done Amberjack so maybe someone else will be a better insight giver. But, what I will say, refering to notes by switching screens on any given platform is quite risky. If you are to use notes, I'd definitely keep it to minimalist post-it notes around your screen.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

for firms with rolling deadlines, do you recommend only submitting apps after having attended their open days?

Hi, this is really dependent on when the deadline is and also how confident you are on your application pre-open day. If you feel like the open day will not add a substantial amount, and the deadline is approaching, then I would probably apply early.

 

[Misty Meanor]

Anyone know if Dechert's 1st stage assessment is released in batches? Got it last year, so trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong on my apps if I didn't pass the initial sift this year.

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Anyone know if Dechert's 1st stage assessment is released in batches? Got it last year, so trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong on my apps if I didn't pass the initial sift this year.

Same here! Even though my WE section is much stronger this year (or at least I think lol).

 

[phoenix11_]

Do Hogan Lovells Cadwalader send a test invitation after the application is made?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Do Hogan Lovells Cadwalader send a test invitation after the application is made?

Yes

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

For Fieldfisher do we need to put together a breakdown of our individual modules at university? There's space for all A Level/GCSE but weirdly it looks like they only want degree overall? or should I just put them all in anyway?

I emailed grad rec and received - 'Thank you for your email and your interest in Fieldfisher. We require a your ABB at A-Level (or equivalent) results, and your current degree and what you are on track to achieve'. I'm assuming they only require the overall degree result and a full breakdown of A Levels and GCSEs.

 

[anon78365222111]

I emailed grad rec and received - 'Thank you for your email and your interest in Fieldfisher. We require a your ABB at A-Level (or equivalent) results, and your current degree and what you are on track to achieve'. I'm assuming they only require the overall degree result and a full breakdown of A Levels and GCSEs.

Yeah I did this too