TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[icannotbebotheredanymore]

Hi! Has anyone done the Dechert online interview?

Dechert has an online interview?

 

[Minhee]

On vantage applications, when asked if you're preparing for PGDL / SQE should you say no if doing them next year depends on a tc this year?

Hi! I would recommend asking Grad Rec, just to be sure.

From my experience, it seemed that these questions were mainly to gauge your stage (if you were preparing for SQE, your interviewers etc. might expect you to have slightly more legal knowledge) and clarify funding arrangements, start year, etc. So I personally would not say I'm preparing for PGDL / SQE unless I was relatively committed to the exam, actively going through content, and ready to sit it the coming year

 

[Minhee]

How do you answer a 'why this firm over another' question?

Hi! I would ask myself:

1) How are these two firms different? Size (by headcount? trainee cohort)? Practice areas / sectors offered? Type of clients they work with? Global footprint? Culture? Approach to training? Approach to AI / legal tech?

2) Why is this important to me?

It's a little tricky, as the answers will depend on the firms in question, and your own personal priorities! But I hope that helps best of luck!

 

[Minhee]

Hi guys! I am attending the Bird&Bird open day and was working on my application for the vac scheme when i came across this q: "Please list any events you have attended or interactions you have had with Bird & Bird before submitting this application. Please include only the name of the event (or interaction) and the date." I haven't yet had any interactions with the firm but i was wondering could i put the open day in it but just clarify my future attendance?

Hi! I think your instincts sound right - we talked about this briefly here, in case it is helpful

Sorry, I'm not too sure on B&B as I don't have experience with them!

Maybe try adding it on their form and see if it allows you to enter dates in advance? Also, definitely write a note bringing it to their attention (in brackets, add (event has not yet occurred, but I received an offer to attend on x date) or something like that) or you can enter this in any further information boxes.

If the form doesn't let you do that or if you are unsure, I would recommend asking their Grad Rec

 

[Minhee]

Hi, has any list for this cycle been compiled for firms which don't do VI's and/or psychometrics? If anybody could direct me it would be much appreciated

Hi! We have a small list here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/law-firm-online-tests-2026–27.11685/

 

[tabashtabash]

How long does Latham take to send the link to their online assessment for open day? I submitted the application form a couple of days ago but have nothing so far and am a bit worried as application deadline is tomorrow. I don’t know whether you have to have completed all the tests by this stage too?

 

[lawstudent8373829]

Does anyone have a list of law firms that scrapped application questions this year and just requires you to fill in grades/work experience?

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Any invites for the APC Written Exercise this week? How about invites for Dechert's interview?

 

[赐给我tc]

Anyone have Simpson Thacher interview tips? Or insight? Thanks!

 

[supernovna]

Anyone have Simpson Thacher interview tips? Or insight? Thanks!

Congrats! Would it be possible for me to know your grade profile?

 

[Belledoeslaw12*]

Anyone that had an A&O AC this week heard back yet?

 

[TCchaser]

Dechert has an online interview?

I think it's the phone interview with grad rec

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

anyone have a guesstimate on when DLA is going to send case study invites or PFOs

they said invites in roughly November (for London office)

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

 

[alanshore]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

It's not necessary, and I got to the test without one.

 

[EdiLawStudent]

Is it preferable to attach a cover letter for DLA Piper summer internship? thanks

They said a cover letter is not needed

 

[trainee1012]

Has anyone heard back from FF post VI?

 

[Maria56]

How long did you guys wait between FF stage 1 and 2? Don’t even have my report back from yesterday.