TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Jonjones]

Hi, I was looking at the Paul Hastings questions and I'm not sure how to approach them since they appear quite similar to me. They are
Why do you wish to complete a work placement with us?

What has attracted you to Paul Hastings?
Both these questions seem to be asking 'why this firm', so how would you differentiate your answer between the two questions? Thanks!

Yh agreed not really sure where to start here. Is the first more why do you want to specifically train at PH and the second a more general what practice areas, deals, culture etc thing

 

[rose06]

not sure how strict they are with grades but they seem to favour oxbridge students

Thanks, yeah, that makes sense... I did meet a fair share of associates and partners from my non-oxbridge uni, but not so much trainees lol

 

[Novaa]

im hoping they send in batches :')

Novaa theory incoming… If the holding emails came at two separate times, I’m guessing so do the Written Exercise invites! There is still hope

 

[Patrick - Osborne Clarke]

Hello!

Applications are now open to Osborne Clarke's Vacation Scheme and Training Contracts for Summer 2027!

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 15 January 2027 and we do not recruit on a rolling basis so plenty of time

Couple of tips for you for those who want to apply:

Be yourself , Do your research, Tell us why OC and most importantly don't rush your application!

You can find out all about OC, the process and our events here

(For those who are still in first year of the Law degree or second year of their non-law degree applications are also open for our Insight Scheme - Deadline is 23:59 on 28 February 2027!)

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Guys, btw does Cleary not have an Extenuating Circumstances section?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

has anyone heard back for the pinsent masons x barclays mentoring scheme?

I just got accepted onto it now!

 

[Enyonam]

Couldn't complete freshfields stage two as I've been traveling and moving in and got pfo'd. With this and pinsent masons autorejecting me accidentally, this is not my luckiest cycle lols

That sucks! FYI when I was on holiday and knew I didn’t have time I emailed the early careers teams and they sent me the assessments early

 

[trainee1012]

For Macfarlanes stage 2, are the VI related to the job simulation or is it a standard VI, thank you!!

Hi! Did you get an answer to this?

 

[yellowbirds008]

Has anyone still not received the CSR for DLA- I applied on the 24th of september

Applied on the same day and haven’t recieved it either!

 

[TheHamlet4]

Should I consider Ashurst as rejection if I haven’t got the written exercise email yet?

 

[sarg1234]

Should I consider Ashurst as rejection if I haven’t got the written exercise email yet?

From previous years, they stagger invites over the next week or so. Not that I'm very hopeful myself (collaboration was my lowest), and they don't read the apps unless you clear the SJT.

 

[Maria56]

Applied on the same day and haven’t recieved it either!

Don’t worry guys, I applied on 23rd and got it just now. Screening is just taking a while apparently.

 

[Holiday7]

Has anyone received anything from Clyde and Co other than a skills report after completing the online assessment? Looking at answers from last year it seems VI's were sent out within 48 hours so just trying to gauge if it is the same this year.

 

[flower1]

Hello @Antoni Trochimowicz

Hope you're well

I'm just wondering if in the application questions itself, I mention a specific personal experience but only very briefly; can I mention the same thing again in the work experience section, but providing more substantive content and detail? Or will it seem repetitive?

Thank you

 

[TCchaser]

Has anyone received anything from Clyde and Co other than a skills report after completing the online assessment? Looking at answers from last year it seems VI's were sent out within 48 hours so just trying to gauge if it is the same this year.

No, but at the bottom of one of their emails it says they'll be in touch at the end of November

 

[jamsparkle]

If we haven’t heard from A&O for winter should we assume it’s a rejection?

 

[rrr]

From previous years, they stagger invites over the next week or so. Not that I'm very hopeful myself (collaboration was my lowest), and they don't read the apps unless you clear the SJT.

the holding email for the winter vs said everyone will be updated by friday latest

 

[ksl]

I just got accepted onto it now!

congrats! also received an email earlier