TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Mara]

Hi, quick question!
What makes a strong answer to commercial awareness questions at application stage? eg. "describe a current commercial issue/development. What interests you about it/why did you choose this". What are recruiters assessing when looking at the responses to this? @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

1st rejection of the pre-application cycle. Applied to Dac Beachcroft September Vacation Scheme and got my rejection this AM! Time to reflect and then on to the next bulk of apps!

 

[CharlesT47]

When I apply to foreign offices (For example, Slaughter and May HK), do I need to tailor the application specifically to that office? (In the sense that I must explain why Hong Kong is more attractive than London)

 

[Jessica Pearson]

1st rejection of the pre-application cycle. Applied to Dac Beachcroft September Vacation Scheme and got my rejection this AM! Time to reflect and then on to the next bulk of apps!

So sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, what office did you apply for?

 

[jojo23]

1st rejection of the pre-application cycle. Applied to Dac Beachcroft September Vacation Scheme and got my rejection this AM! Time to reflect and then on to the next bulk of apps!

Same here (London office)

 

[Lrobson]

There is a forum thread that lists all of the WVS for this year and SVS’ next year. Firms that are doing a WVS this year are A&O, HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells, Sidley Austin, Paul Weiss, Jones Day and Ashurst, among others:

Thread 'Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....5-26-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.9720/​

Gotcha, cheers Chris Brown! Didn't expect to see u on TCLA...

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

So sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, what office did you apply for?

London office - good luck with your app!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

London office - good luck with your app!

Thanks. They just got back to me and I was waitlisted for the Bristol Office. What are the chances that I'll come off the waitlist? Because I don't think people decline vac scheme offers especially since this one is in Sept so it's not clashing with others

 

[parslawyer]

Does anyone know whether you can get a postgraduate masters loan from SFE if you have also gotten your SQE funded via TC? Living situation is going to be rough this year so just wondering if we are allowed to get extra financing? If not, Does anyone have any advice for this?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

How many questions do A&O Shearman's VI have?

 

[rapunzel]

Does anyone know if TCLA have opened up a forum for training contract deadlines for 2025-26?

 

[confusedbird]

Hi guys,

I wanted to ask for some advice on how to use this feedback from an AC : You were above average in every aspect of the AC. Only thing is we would have liked to hear more from you during the group discussion aspect of the group exercise. It seemed like your voice was not heard during the exercise and people kept talking over you. We would have liked to hear your ideas more during the discussion aspect like we did during the presentation when questions were being asked (including those meant to throw you off)

I did say things like 'to finish my previous sentence....' or 'sorry, can i please get a second to finish my sentence?' or 'I hear your point and that makes sense. I would also like to finish saying my previous point which is important to this discussion.....'

I'm not sure how to better handle this in the future especially given the fact that it was acknowledged that there were some 'strong personalities' in my group who took over the conversation every time I tried to say something. I would love to know how you guys would have handled this to be better prepared for next time.

 

[thelawstudent]

NRF doesnt have a WVS?

i believe they will run one, i did ask Grad rec this in my AC feedback for their SVS 2025. they just haven't published their dates for it yet

 

[thelawstudent]

@Ram Sabaratnam is it possible for a HSF kramer app to be successful without your 'practice area interest' paragraph being focussed on Dispute Resolution? I am drawn to their aviation strength. but for hsf specifically, i am drawn to their unique strength across both transactional and contentious work. this means that i can explore my interest in aviation on both transactional matters - eg SAF financing, lease financing, whilst exploring contentious work such as claims and aviation litigation in another.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

@Ram Sabaratnam is it possible for a HSF kramer app to be successful without your 'practice area interest' paragraph being focussed on Dispute Resolution? I am drawn to their aviation strength. but for hsf specifically, i am drawn to their unique strength across both transactional and contentious work. this means that i can explore my interest in aviation on both transactional matters - eg SAF financing, lease financing, whilst exploring contentious work such as claims and aviation litigation in another.

This is 100% fine. In fact, maybe better than fine.
I often think, if I was a recruiter, I’d get bored of reading 1,000 people telling me their primary work interest is the firm’s core practice area.
It’s always good to be original!

Also, commercially:
They’re a full-service firm.
Hiring trainees who exclusively want to work in dispute resolution is not gunna help support their other practice areas

 

[Afuturetrainee]

@Jaysen Are there any word counts for the Willkie Open day questions please

 

[Jaysen]

@Jaysen Are there any word counts for the Willkie Open day questions please

250 words

 

[Jaysen]

Does anyone know if TCLA have opened up a forum for training contract deadlines for 2025-26?

Not yet! @Ram Sabaratnam is currently working on an open day/insight scheme tracker, but we will add this to the list!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi, quick question!
What makes a strong answer to commercial awareness questions at application stage? eg. "describe a current commercial issue/development. What interests you about it/why did you choose this". What are recruiters assessing when looking at the responses to this? @Ram Sabaratnam

I’d expect firms to look at different things here, but if I had to summarise themes: (1) how well you communicate it so someone with no knowledge of the topic can clearly understand it, (2) the depth of your analysis, and (3) how convincingly you demonstrate a genuine interest.

 

[trainee4u]

I’d expect firms to look at different things here, but if I had to summarise themes: (1) how well you communicate it so someone with no knowledge of the topic can clearly understand it, (2) the depth of your analysis, and (3) how convincingly you demonstrate a genuine interest.

I think the commercial issue chosen is also relevant. It makes sense to have something to talk about that is relevant to the firm's clients.