TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shahenshah]

I have a question about the "education" section for most application portals, and would be interested to hear people's opinions...

I completed my GCSEs in 2009 and A Levels in 2011, and an undergraduate degree in Film Studies a few years later. It seems fairly anachronistic to list these grades on current applications, considering my career change and subsequent qualifications (including a PhD and SQE 1 Prep).

My judgement is that if a firm asks for that data as part of the application, however, it does need to be submitted. Career changers must be resigned to fill in GCSE data multiple times, just like any current undergraduate looking for a training contract!

I believe that I present a compelling narrative about how and why I am moving from my initial academic background into Law, but I am wondering how to avoid allowing my subject choices to prejudice future applications.

Thanks for any feedback / comments!

I'm in a similar boat, did my GCSEs nearly a decade ago now. I just wish they'd have a box saying: Do you have X grades at A Level, if not, what grades did you achieve and are there any extenuating circumstances? Are my smattering of iGCSEs and O Levels in letter grades that aren't even used anymore relevant when I have six years of academic legal experience and a years worth of practical legal experience. I have to waste easily an hour or two just inputting every individual grade for GCSEs, A levels and my 50 odd university courses. Just a gripe but it really makes me hate these applications. I sound old but I miss the days it was just CV and cover letter.

 

[htrizzy100]

Are you applying for a Training Contract or a Vacation Scheme?

Do you have any previous Vacation Schemes?

I wanted to apply for TC, having done one elite US VS last cycle and having other legal (high-street/commercial bar) and non-legal (finance) experience - but obviously I wish to maximise my chances of an offer

 

[wrpark]

Yes, the personal link is the most important part!

I've DMed you with an example from one of my successful applications

Hi! I've had the same question, do you mind DMing me the example as well? Would be highly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[htrizzy100]

Does anyone know if you need to fill out the achievements section for each work exp on Linklaters written app? Doesn't really seem relevant to most work exp in the traditional sense. Also, why does it say 250 words for each section but only 1000 characters in job description section?

 

[SRT]

If your written application was successful in the last cycle and the questions are the same, can you submit same application but with a few changes?

I think this is a bit hit-or-miss sometimes, as I've heard both some people get through and some people get rejected at application stage (however they did no changes at all). I think it's unrealistic to expect that your whole answer will change within a year for why law etc... but i think it would be really helpful to tweak it here and there, and add newer examples where you can

 

[SRT]

I wanted to apply for TC, having done one elite US VS last cycle and having other legal (high-street/commercial bar) and non-legal (finance) experience - but obviously I wish to maximise my chances of an offer

If you have the possibility to, I would suggest applying for the VS since A&O hire predominantly from there and you would be maximizing your changes of an offer. Your previous legal experience would definitely make you a strong candidate, but I think for those firms that hire mainly from VS (BM, Eversheds Sutherland...) you should apply to VS instead of a direct TC.

 

[SRT]

Does anyone know if you need to fill out the achievements section for each work exp on Linklaters written app? Doesn't really seem relevant to most work exp in the traditional sense. Also, why does it say 250 words for each section but only 1000 characters in job description section?

You don’t need to force the achievements section if it doesn’t feel relevant for every role — it’s more there to give you space to highlight standout contributions (e.g. “assisted on a live client matter” or “streamlined a process”), not to repeat day-to-day responsibilities.

The 250 words vs. 1000 characters thing is just how the form is structured: the job description box is deliberately short so you stick to factual responsibilities, while the achievements/skills boxes allow more reflection and detail. Many applicants use the job description for a brief summary of what they did, and the achievements section to link the experience back to skills Linklaters looks for.

 

[SRT]

Gibsons Vac Scheme opened today, the deadline is on 16th January, but their Open Day is on 4th December. However, the Vac Scheme is on a rolling basis, so I wonder why they would hold their Open Day so late. Surely, by then, most of their Vac Scheme places are gonna be gone....Likewise, Wilkie and Latham are smart enough to have their Open Days next month, given the fact that the Vac Scheme deadline is in December, and it's on a Non-Rolling basis as well🤦‍♂️

Hi Noah, I completely understand the frustration — it feels a bit backwards when the scheme is rolling, but firms often do this because the Open Day isn’t meant to be the only chance to impress them, it’s more about brand exposure and giving applicants extra insight for interviews and ACs. By December, they’ll still be interviewing and filling places, so it’s not “too late,” but it does mean you shouldn’t wait around.

My advice would be to apply as early as possible, well before the Open Day. If you’re invited, you can then use it to deepen your understanding of the firm and show genuine engagement. In your application, you could mention that you’re looking forward to the Open Day and highlight something specific you hope to learn (e.g. their approach to client secondments, or how they manage cross-border matters). That way, it doesn’t sound generic, and you’re signalling you’re actively engaging with the firm.

Think of the Open Day as giving you useful talking points for an AC rather than as a prerequisite for getting the Vac Scheme!

 

[noahsmiit01]

I've applied to Latham and Watkins and I am preparing for their assessment and VI. Does anyone have advice in how to approach their test?

Is it for their Open Day?

 

[SRT]

For the work experience section of the Sidley application, should I use the STAR format to describe my experiences, or is it better to list them in a concise, bullet-point style (e.g. ‘Drafted X’, ‘Reviewed Y’)? @Jaysen @Ram Sabaratnam would you be able to help me with this? Thank you so much!

For work experience sections, I think bullet-point style might be best as STAR tends to be more suited for competency-questions or situational questions. If you use STAR, you also might miss out on different situations you learned from since you can only really focus on 'one' experience/task. I would suggest using a concise, yet focused description of your role, but it might be safer to write them out in prose as some firms prefer that over bullet points.

 

[Isabelcampbell]

Hi guys, I would really appreciate some advice! On a particular application it only allows for 4 work experience/ employment places. I have done 3 mini pupillage's, a commercial law virtual programme via forage and also have quite a lot of paid employment with one tech company. Within this company, I have progressed and been in 3 different roles and I am currently still employed there.

For a vac scheme application would you advise that I only use my legal experience in the work experience section, or use my current employed role and legal work experience and if so which ones.

Thank you so much!

Hi Hanzeeb! I’d say the most important experiences to include would be your mini-pupillages and your role within the tech company, since both show different but valuable skills. For the virtual law programmes, you could combine them into one entry under a single section so that it still counts as relevant legal experience without taking up multiple slots.

Don’t underestimate the value of your non-legal experience, it sounds like this is where you’ve had the most success and development, and firms do like to see well-rounded candidates who can demonstrate skills like leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Balancing your application between your legal and non-legal experiences will give recruiters a fuller picture of your abilities.

Hope this has been helpful!

 

[SRT]

For those who have passed application stages multiple times, what structure do you use?

Also good luck everyone, we’ve got this!

Hi there,

I think it depends on the questions - for motivational questions, I would stick to 2-3 well developed points and structure each point with PEE. First, start with the Point you are making, then explain it further, then back it up with an example from your CV and how you link that back to the question. E.g for why law it would look something like this:

1. Client-Facing work (P)
- E1: In commercial law firms, I am drawn to the client-facing nature of the work, where lawyers translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice. I enjoy the idea of building long-term relationships and supporting clients through transactions that are often pivotal to their business strategy.
- E2: Pro Bono clinics, citizens advice helped me develop interpersonal skills and achieve my client's best interests at all times

2. International work:

• E1: I am motivated by the international dimension of commercial law, where firms advise on cross-border matters that require seamless coordination across jurisdictions.
• E2: Having lived and worked in different countries, I have developed cultural adaptability, resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have made me a stronger candidate for an international practice, as I can approach problems with a global outlook and appreciate different perspectives.

3. Problem solving nature - intersection of business and law
-E1: I am particularly interested in the problem-solving aspect of commercial law, which often requires combining complex financial mechanisms with nuanced legal frameworks. This intellectual challenge excites me, as it demands creativity as well as precision.

• E2: My legal experience has shown me how lawyers operate at the intersection of business and law, shaping strategies that go beyond technical analysis and directly impact commercial outcomes. This blend of analytical rigour and commercial awareness is what attracts me to the profession.

For competency based questions, I would suggest using STAR, and emphasize the 'Action' and 'Result' of the answer particularly. law firms really want to know exactly what you did in those situations, including what you tried that didn't work and what you ultimately learned and how you carry that with you in your future tasks or roles

 

[Isabelcampbell]

In terms of application strategy is the advice less and better quality apps vs more. I've condensed an initial list of 30 to 9 firms I want to apply to, of which there is 1 star firm that I want, but they offer no vacation scheme! I feel like it's risky applying to only 9 (VS/TCs) but I've never done this so!

Hi @futuresolicitor2028
Nine applications is more than enough, as the focus should really be on quality over quantity. Spreading yourself too thin across too many applications can actually work against you, because each one should feel unique to the firm and not interchangeable. Take the time to make each application recognisable as your own and specific to that firm’s culture, work, and values, and it will definitely pay off in the long run. It’s much better to submit fewer strong, carefully considered applications than to rush a larger number. It's great that it seems you've spent a lot of time researching already so keep going and good luck!

 

[Isabelcampbell]

Hi, is not having AAA at A levels - a deal breaker. I do have a 2:i from Law School but A levels were kinda bad. Does that hurt my chances a lot?

Hi there,

Definitely not a deal breaker! Many firms are increasingly moving away from strict A-level requirements, and your 2:1 from law school will carry much more weight in your applications. What matters most is your overall potential, skills, and how you present yourself in applications and interviews , as strong motivation, relevant experience, and commercial awareness will make a bigger difference than a few grades from years ago. Good luck!

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Yes, the personal link is the most important part!

I've DMed you with an example from one of my successful applications

Could you also kindly share this with me??

 

[s123]

Hi guys. I'm currently applying to NRF and am so confused. Their education bit doesn't let you put in your school or university. You can't actually move forward in the application without this, but the drop down box doesn't work. Has anyone had experience with this?

 

[BT0901]

Jones Day interview invitation.

 

[lawyersum]

Hi guys. I'm currently applying to NRF and am so confused. Their education bit doesn't let you put in your school or university. You can't actually move forward in the application without this, but the drop down box doesn't work. Has anyone had experience with this?

I'm also experiencing this. Not sure what to do, maybe wait it out until tomorrow then flag it to grad rec if it persists?

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Do firms know if you have completed their forage work experience? Is it useful to complete them?

 

[tobywstress]

Does anyone know if reusing parts of my previous application (why law & why this firm) for Reed Smith VS is acceptable? I got past the screening for the direct TC last cycle and this year's questions were basically the same.