TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[dannyp123]

Hey everyone, Does anyone know if law firms actually use AI detection software for applications, or do they mostly just look out for generic/“AI-type” language? I put a cover letter I’m working on into GPTZero, and it somehow came up as 100% AI. It’s completely authentic, but now I’m worried about false positives and whether firms might rely on these tools without understanding the context. Any insights would be really helpful!

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone know what the Macfarlanes second stage assesment entails? the one with video interview.

When did you do the first test/submit your application?

 

[Gr33n]

I have another question @vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman what advice would you have for building your commercial awareness from scratch? I tend to dip in and out. How did you approach this and what resources did you use and still use? Thank you!

The commercial awareness compass is pretty good-> https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/commercial-awareness-compass/registration?ba_id=BA54507

 

[Amz2006]

hi guys just a bit overwhelmed with applications opening and since my last two years have not been the best I am worried about my future. In my first and second year I have got 3 48's in modules. Which law firms do not place high importance on grades. As I feel like I am not getting anywhere and my grades are really pushing me down.

 

[dm_corporate]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any thoughts on referencing ‘speaking with future trainee solicitor, I learnt x’ on an application form or is this not appropriate?

Should I only mention conversations I have had with trainees and associates?

 

[lilymawe1]

Anyone know if Dechert WVS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis?

 

[trainee4u]

"For our Winter 2025 Vacation Scheme, you will need to be in your final year of study in any degree discipline. Please note, this will be for a spring intake start date. For our Summer 2026 Vacation Scheme, you need to be in your penultimate year in any degree discipline."

Ignore all of the general texts, clearly some of them refer to Summer and some to both. The above should clarify the position

so are graduates eligible or not?

 

[lilymawe1]

so are graduates eligible or not?

If I remember correctly, I don't believe graduates are eligible. Someone on here did reach out to Graduate Recruitment who confirmed this. As far as I am aware, graduates will need to apply to their Direct TC. Please do correct me if I am wrong however!

 

[dannyp123]

so are graduates eligible or not?

I spoke with Graduate Recruitment, and only penultimate-year students can apply for the SVS, final-year students for the WVS, and graduates for the Direct TC. The reasoning is that many graduates naturally have more experience (e.g. paralegalling for a couple of years), and grouping them with university students who inevitably have less experience may not be optimal.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

How would you guys suggest structuring the work experience paragraphs of an application. I struggle to write 250 words about my role working in a store or about a mini pupillage. Do I need to address how that work experience is relevant to the firm or to corporate law? Does it look bad if I leave it at 100-150 words out of the 250?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

For the question (from Sidley app):

Detail your extra-curricular activities and interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)

Do you think it is necessary to link something back to the firm? Would be interested in others opinions

Hi @Sachin Chandra,

Great question!

Given that you only have 250 words and multiple sub-questions to answer, I would recommend focusing on answering each of those smaller questions in depth and detail first. Chances are, by the time you are happy with how your answer came out, you will have run out of space!

I hope this answers your question. Good luck!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

How would you guys suggest structuring the work experience paragraphs of an application. I struggle to write 250 words about my role working in a store or about a mini pupillage. Do I need to address how that work experience is relevant to the firm or to corporate law? Does it look bad if I leave it at 100-150 words out of the 250?

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744,

I used to wonder the same when I was applying! I also had multiple positions where I struggled to fill the whole 250 words with content. I would not worry too much about this - naturally, you will have more to say about longer-term or more complicated roles. Some of my work experience entries were 50-70 words long, and I was completely fine.

However, if you'd rather use the whole 250 words for each entry, you can always go into more depth about a memorable or notable event at a particular job using the STAR structure. This will use up a lot of that extra word count while simultaneously highlighting your skills.

I hope this helps!

 

[s123]

Simulate assessment for Macfarlanes sooo hard. Do you think they will take tricky questions into account - I feel like I was so repetitive and some of my answers are better than others. I just felt like I garbled because they give you a countdown, it's not like amberjack

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any thoughts on referencing ‘speaking with future trainee solicitor, I learnt x’ on an application form or is this not appropriate?

Should I only mention conversations I have had with trainees and associates?

Hi! When answering "Why our firm?" questions, it’s definitely appropriate to mention conversations you’ve had with people at the firm — including future trainees. Framing it as, “as I learnt from X at Y event” can help show genuine engagement and make your answer more tailored. Just make sure not to overuse it, so that your application still reads as your own insights rather than a list of quotes.

 

[Moo&mak]

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744,

I used to wonder the same when I was applying! I also had multiple positions where I struggled to fill the whole 250 words with content. I would not worry too much about this - naturally, you will have more to say about longer-term or more complicated roles. Some of my work experience entries were 50-70 words long, and I was completely fine.

However, if you'd rather use the whole 250 words for each entry, you can always go into more depth about a memorable or notable event at a particular job using the STAR structure. This will use up a lot of that extra word count while simultaneously highlighting your skills.

I hope this helps!

Hello @vera.mekhonoshina ,

Regarding the notable event , how would you introduce this into the application. Will you say something like: a notable event or an highlight….

 

[ZNadeem]

hi guys just a bit overwhelmed with applications opening and since my last two years have not been the best I am worried about my future. In my first and second year I have got 3 48's in modules. Which law firms do not place high importance on grades. As I feel like I am not getting anywhere and my grades are really pushing me down.

Hi! I know it can feel overwhelming, especially when grades aren’t where you’d like them to be.

I would suggest to really highlight the experiences you do have and structure your applications well so that your other strengths shine through. Firms do look for well-rounded people, and showing motivation, resilience, and the skills you’ve built outside of academics can make a real difference. You’re not alone in this, and focusing on what you can control will help you put forward your best self.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey everyone, Does anyone know if law firms actually use AI detection software for applications, or do they mostly just look out for generic/“AI-type” language? I put a cover letter I’m working on into GPTZero, and it somehow came up as 100% AI. It’s completely authentic, but now I’m worried about false positives and whether firms might rely on these tools without understanding the context. Any insights would be really helpful!

Hi! I wouldn’t worry too much — if your cover letter is written by you and grounded in your unique experiences and background, it’s clear that it isn’t AI-generated. These tools aren’t perfect and often give false positives, but law firms are far more interested in whether your application shows authenticity, motivation, and a real understanding of the firm. As long as your writing reflects you, you’ll be fine.

 

[ZNadeem]

I have another question @vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman what advice would you have for building your commercial awareness from scratch? I tend to dip in and out. How did you approach this and what resources did you use and still use? Thank you!

Hi! I’d focus on making your commercial awareness as tailored as possible. A good approach could be:

1. Build a solid grasp of big world events as well as key UK macroeconomic issues (listening to the FT podcast and reading a few articles regularly is enough to keep up).
2. Deepen your understanding of the finance/corporate world — the relevant TCLA courses are great for this.
3. Get to grips with how law firms actually work and function — again, TCLA has helpful resources here.

That way, no matter which AC/Interview you attend, you’ll be able to show strong awareness.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hello @vera.mekhonoshina ,

Regarding the notable event , how would you introduce this into the application. Will you say something like: a notable event or an highlight….

Hi @Moo&mak - that's exactly right! You can say something along the lines of 'A highlight of this experience was doing XYZ', and then proceed to discuss that event in more depth.

 

[Blueberry26]

Simulate assessment for Macfarlanes sooo hard. Do you think they will take tricky questions into account - I feel like I was so repetitive and some of my answers are better than others. I just felt like I garbled because they give you a countdown, it's not like amberjack

Oh no!! I'm so nervous now, haha Is it like competency/motivational?