TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[TheHamlet4]

Is it too late to apply Sidley Austin? Has anyone got interviews or assessments etc already?

 

[jamsparkle]

Anyone has insights into Mayer Brown Stage 1? Can exchange for Milbank/Macfarlanes stage 1 etc.

Is Milbank stage 1 timed?

 

[e.jy336]

Is Milbank stage 1 timed?

Yeah

 

[eajones]

Could anyone give me any insight into how important/useful networking is during this process? Should I expect any success in getting a vac scheme if I haven't had a coffee with someone at the firm? Or do plenty get vac schemes going through this process normally without meeting people outside of firm events and open days.

 

[EdiLawStudent]

Do we only have to upload a CV for DLA Piper? no cover letter required- because there is an option to upload additional files. Should I upload a cover letter?

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Could anyone give me any insight into how important/useful networking is during this process? Should I expect any success in getting a vac scheme if I haven't had a coffee with someone at the firm? Or do plenty get vac schemes going through this process normally without meeting people outside of firm events and open days.

I think networking is important but I've secured two vac schemes without going for coffee with anyone from either firm!

 

[avgcower]

For the employment section in the fieldfisher application is that all kinds of work experience including internships, society work, volunteering?

 

[wrpark]

Do we only have to upload a CV for DLA Piper? no cover letter required- because there is an option to upload additional files. Should I upload a cover letter?

The website explicitly says "You'll need a CV, but you don't need to submit a cover letter", so I assume not.

 

[Amz2006]

anyone heard frm simpson thatcher autum vac scheme?

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

anyone heard frm simpson thatcher autum vac scheme?

Only heard of one person on the forum getting an interview a couple of weeks ago!

 

[alanshore]

Anyone know what the DLA Piper realistic job preview is all about?

 

[phoenix11_]

Is Sidley Austin’s VI timed?

 

[TCchaser]

Is Sidley Austin’s VI timed?

May I ask when you applied?

 

[phoenix11_]

May I ask when you applied?

Maybe 10 days ago?

 

[amitonalfo]

Any insights on sidley first stage assessment ?

 

[TCchaser]

Has anyone still not heard from Sidley? I applied nearly 2.5 weeks ago

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone still not heard from Sidley? I applied nearly 2.5 weeks ago

we cooked

 

[sservice]

Has anyone heard back from A&O yet?

 

[anon78365222111]

HL stage 2 invite

 

[sunshine101]

Has anyone received stage 2 for Freshfields? Also kind of worried because my weaknesses were challenging ourselves and delivering extraordinary outcomes...