TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jojo23]

If I haven’t received any academic scholarships or prizes , is that bad?

" I don't have a prize because I am the prize"

 

[lawyergal101]

Hi @lawyergal101

Yep, I think that's the case with any law firm application that uses CVmail as the platform. You’re effectively limited to four work experience entries. If you have more than four experiences, you can often group similar ones together; for example, multiple open days can be combined into one entry, or several retail/restaurant roles can be summarised together. That way, you can still showcase a broad range of experience while sticking to the four-entry limit.

Good luck with your application!

That explains a lot - thanks so much!!

 

[CharlesT47]

do people know whether Freshfields do a Vac Scheme in the Winter for graduates? I can't seem to find information regarding it.

 

[jojo23]

do people know whether Freshfields do a Vac Scheme in the Winter for graduates? I can't seem to find information regarding it.

They have in the past apparently but it seems to have been scrapped this year😭

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I've been quite active here this year so I wanted to share that I've accepted a Training Contract at a dream US firm following a vac scheme Best of luck everyone!

 

[Legal_Eagle91]

I'm happy to share that I've finally secured a TC ! I almost gave up so many times, especially while trying to balance it with a full-time job. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting to hear back from the previous cycle. If anyone would like any tips/ advice, please feel free to reach out

 

[Jaysen]

I've been quite active here this year so I wanted to share that I've accepted a Training Contract at a dream US firm following a vac scheme Best of luck everyone!

I'm happy to share that I've finally secured a TC ! I almost gave up so many times, especially while trying to balance it with a full-time job. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting to hear back from the previous cycle. If anyone would like any tips/ advice, please feel free to reach out

 

[Ancika]

Hi! Does anyone remember the video interview questions asked for A&O Shearman last year? Also, how many minutes did you have to answer them?

 

[jojo23]

Are winter schemes considered more competitive or are they all fairly equal to the point where its personal preference?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Are winter schemes considered more competitive or are they all fairly equal to the point where it’s personal preference?

Yeah, exactly that. Any competitiveness between schemes (which can vary between years) is so marginal that it’s a matter of personal preference.
The only real advice is to try and apply to a mix of winter, spring, and summer (if you can / are eligible).

 

[lawschool123]

Hi, is it advisable to recycle answers from past applications if they have been successful - particularly with respect to VIs? For motivational questions, my reasons for applying to a particular law firm haven't changed and with competency-based questions, the example I might have used for a past application still remains stronger than more recent ones

 

[YosephMalassi]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

Yes they did, they have an exclusive virtual insight that you can sign up for if you email: askHR@freshfields.com

 

[lawyersum]

Yes they did, they have an exclusive virtual insight that you can sign up for if you email: askHR@freshfields.com

What does the virtual insight cover?

 

[confusedbird]

Yes they did, they have an exclusive virtual insight that you can sign up for if you email: askHR@freshfields.com

Hi,

Can I please know where you found this? I have been looking on their website but didn't come across this for some reason...

 

[berocca567]

Hi everyone,

How do people go about answering a question like: In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?
Do you bring it back to yourself (I.e. a lawyer must be analytical.. I was analytical when....), or do you keep it impersonal?

any help would be really appreciated!

 

[BobThebIlly]

I love seeing this thread with only 6 pages compared to the hundreds of pages on the other thread 💀

 

[EMB]

Hi Guys, I applied to a firm but I want to be considered considered for their regional offices instead of london even though I applied to london. They haven't responded post app, should I wait till the next step to ask? Or do guys think they won't consider me for a different office?

 

[Zaine1010]

Hi, I was just looking for advice on the types of firms i should apply to.

I achieved a 63% overall grade during my undergrad at Aston University, with some poor grades in first year including 42 and 49 (i got 66 and 65 in other first year modules)

I did much better in my final year with my grades ranging from 64-70.

I have also completed an LLM at a decent RG where i achieved a mark of 72 in three of my modules (I did get two 55's in other modules), I am hoping this shows academic improvement.

For my experiences, I have started my own law society at the RG Uni, I did a legal internship in St Lucia working with senators of their parliament on a legal project, I have a years worth of paralegal experience in Real Estate, and I also volunteer with disadvantaged children. I have also worked as a waiter and as an operations specialist for Jaguar Land Rover. I also run my own business with my parents.

I'm from Birmingham for context and would ideally like to apply to London firms like BCLP and CMS, i'm also considering less prestigious firms like DAC Beachcroft, DWF, Shoosmiths. I'm also very interested in Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons and Gowling WLG.

I just wondered if someone could offer me any realistic advice as to my prospects, especially in terms of applying to BCLP or CMS, is it even worth it?

Many thanks!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well!

Before I start doing applications, does anyone have any tips when it comes to SJT assessments please? Like what’s your mindset when it comes to determining which answer to pick?

I will let my WG woes die down for a bit.. I am sure I will blast the forum again about it soon 💀

Thank you,

Samiya

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well!

Before I start doing applications, does anyone have any tips when it comes to SJT assessments please? Like what’s your mindset when it comes to determining which answer to pick?

I will let my WG woes die down for a bit.. I am sure I will blast the forum again about it soon 💀

Thank you,

Samiya

Not a comprehensive guide but I think sometimes, in ranking questions, people identify the best thing to do, but can't identify the worst between a few unattractive options. I think there are a few things that you should never, ever do, and these will always go to the bottom: Never avoid taking responsibility, never entirely give up a chance to learn something new, never miss a deadline or leave work undone, never refuse feedback from anyone, never give legal advice without asking someone if you're a trainee.