TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[TCLA Bot]

Does anyone have tips for Aspiring Solicitors Commercial awareness contest? (Quarter final)

If helpful, Abbie shared a detailed preparation post in response to this question last October. It covers explaining commercial concepts, analysing articles and working in a group. Her examples come from BIUCAC, so these are general competition tips rather than a guide to this year's AS format.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

how long did you guys wait for the 1st stage online test invite from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader and Dechert? I applied 12 and 14 days ago and have yet to get the email :/ I know for HLC it's automatic, not sure about Dechert?

I applied to Dechert on 17th September and still not heard back. I am assuming a PFO tbh.

 

[Connie2410]

On the B&B application, it asks about legal events attended - I got their open day, but it's not until the end of October, and I know B&B is very much a rolling firm, so I was wondering if I could put the event down before I've been to it? you dont have to describe the event just the name and date.

 

[Maria56]

My worst strength on the dla neurosight is critical thinking, i actually don’t know what to do with these assessments anymore (maybe they are right)

 

[Novaa]

Congratulations! Which office was this for?

London

 

[lawstudent8373829]

BCLP open day PFO

 

[helloseoul]

Does anyone know when Clifford Chance will get back to us for TC applications once we've completed the Watson Glaser? Got me shivering in my timbers from the wait

 

[user55998384]

guys for reed smith ppl who got the OA im so confused when did you apply coz i submitted on the 20th Sep but havent heard anythiung

 

[user55998384]

Gusy for HLC stage 2 how long did you get to answer the qs?

 

[supernovna]

people who are doing the hlc stage 1/2 when did you apply + for which scheme? i submitted sep 14 for spring. i still haven't received stage 1

 

[helloseoul]

guys for reed smith ppl who got the OA im so confused when did you apply coz i submitted on the 20th Sep but havent heard anythiung

I applied 10 Sept

 

[supernovna]

Reed Smith OA invite! Not sure if it’s selective.

congrats! when did you apply?

 

[alanshore]

people who are doing the hlc stage 1/2 when did you apply + for which scheme? i submitted sep 14 for spring. i still haven't received stage 1

hlc stage one assesment for lift off, applied two weeks ago, no response yet

 

[e.jy336]

So are PW ACs out now?

 

[TCchaser]

how long did you guys wait for the 1st stage online test invite from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader and Dechert? I applied 12 and 14 days ago and have yet to get the email :/ I know for HLC it's automatic, not sure about Dechert?

For Dechert, I applied on 1st Sep and got the assessment on 15th Sep

 

[TCchaser]

guys for reed smith ppl who got the OA im so confused when did you apply coz i submitted on the 20th Sep but havent heard anythiung

I applied on the 11th Sep and got the assessment on 6 Oct

 

[Legal12345]

Got high verbal, medium numerical and 6,6,6,5 on RS test. Is that enough?

 

[flamingocelot]

Anyone

I'm so sorry I'm also waiting and expecting a PFO as I applied to winter (with summer backup) early september. Was yours for winter or spring?

Winter!

 

[flamingocelot]

I'm sorry to hear that, when did you apply?

Sept 28th

 

[Prudentia]

Got high verbal, medium numerical and 6,6,6,5 on RS test. Is that enough?

Nobody can tell you if this would be enough. The benchmarks can change each application cycle. You’ll find out either way soon enough.