TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hello!

Just to add to @ZNadeem's answer (which I would absolutely agree with!), you can definitely mention things that link to your experiences, but frame them slightly differently. For example, instead of describing a society role in the same way you did under "work experience", you could focus on an achievement within that role (e.g. winning an award, reaching a certain amount of members, organising a major event). This way, you aren't simply repeating what you have already outlined in the work experience section.

Additionally, you can also discuss other things that may not have been directly applicable to the work experience section, such as:

• Academic Achievements: if not already listed, such as scholarships, prizes, or high grades in particular modules
• Non-Academic Achievements: these could be language skills, music, sport, or creative projects
• Personal Interests: these could be examples that show commitment, teamwork, or discipline (e.g. running marathons, maintaining an online blog / social media page, tutoring)

The aim is to give the graduate recruitment team a more complete picture of you as a person, so I would include your proudest achievements and anything that didn't quite fit in other sections of the application form that you think is key to your overall identity

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

When disclosing mitigating circumstances, do I need to mention the disability/disorder? I'd rather frame it as a general health condition that I overcame. Would this be okay?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When disclosing mitigating circumstances, do I need to mention the disability/disorder? I'd rather frame it as a general health condition that I overcame. Would this be okay?

Hey!

You don't have to go into detail if you'd prefer not to. Graduate recruitment are much more interested in understanding the impact it had on your studies, and seeing that it was an isolated period. As long as you explain the circumstances clearly in that sense, you won't be expected to provide specific information about the disability / diagnosis.

 

[applicant457]

Would highly recommend emailing [email protected] asap for it as I don’t think they will extend the deadline (3 Oct midday) !

Thanks for this, will email now. Deadline doesn't really make a difference as long as I get it on time I guess but I doubt they will give me a day's notice given they made a mistake.

So is it just me with this issue??

 

[BobThebIlly]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

 

[summersun]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

Hi, I personally never applied to WVS because I always had classes or exams in decemeber and it did not prevent me from obtaining a VS.
I think it is better to send quality application for spring or summer than send 6 WVS of lesser quality.
A lot of people secure their TC through spring and summer VS as most firms do not offer WVS. I would not say it is stupid.
If you can apply to them that's great but most of these firms have other VS and will plan on giving TC to students attending spring and summer as well as Winter so you should be fine.

 

[summersun]

Hi
I am currently preparing my answers for Bird&Bird.
I focused my answer on why them towards IP, tech and media.
I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to focus on the energy sector when answering their question on what is the biggest opportunity for a sector they specialise in.
I am struggling to an answer that is not AI related when mentionning the media and tech sectors whereas I have a clear idea of what my answer would be for the energy sector.
Would anyone be able to tell if that seems likea bad idea/ have any suggestions ? @vera.mekhonoshina @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

Hello!

To add to the fantastic advice above, I would agree that it's not silly to exclusively apply to spring / summer va cschemes. Lots of firms offer the bulk of their opportunities in these windows rather than winter, and if you've got the capacity to do 15-17 good quality applications, that sounds like a solid plan.

Winter schemes can be handy, but they're definitely not essential! I applied for many winter schemes last cycle and didn't end up securing any, but I went on to secure and complete 3 vacation schemes across spring / summer - so there will be plenty of opportunities later in the cycle! I actually really appreciated applying for the later opportunities, as it allowed me to spend time building and refining my skills before interviews and assessments for VS / DTC.

As long as you ensure that your applications are tailored and high quality, you're definitely not being naive - it sounds like you're approaching it in a sensible way

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi
I am currently preparing my answers for Bird&Bird.
I focused my answer on why them towards IP, tech and media.
I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to focus on the energy sector when answering their question on what is the biggest opportunity for a sector they specialise in.
I am struggling to an answer that is not AI related when mentionning the media and tech sectors whereas I have a clear idea of what my answer would be for the energy sector.
Would anyone be able to tell if that seems likea bad idea/ have any suggestions ? @vera.mekhonoshina @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman

Hello!

I don't think it would be a bad idea at all to focus on the energy sector, especially if you feel you can give a stronger and more original answer there. Bird & Bird has a really strong reputation across multiple sectors, not just tech / media, and they'll be looking to see that you've done your research into their wider expertise.

I'd say the most important thing is to give a strong, well-reasoned answer. If you've got a clear idea for the energy sector, it's much better to go with that than force something for tech / media that you're not confident in. Even if you have spoken about IP and tech in your 'Why Bird & Bird' answer, they will expect you to have interests in other areas as well, and it might even be advantageous to discuss another sector in your answer.

 

[summersun]

Hello!

I don't think it would be a bad idea at all to focus on the energy sector, especially if you feel you can give a stronger and more original answer there. Bird & Bird has a really strong reputation across multiple sectors, not just tech / media, and they'll be looking to see that you've done your research into their wider expertise.

I'd say the most important thing is to give a strong, well-reasoned answer. If you've got a clear idea for the energy sector, it's much better to go with that than force something for tech / media that you're not confident in. Even if you have spoken about IP and tech in your 'Why Bird & Bird' answer, they will expect you to have interests in other areas as well, and it might even be advantageous to discuss another sector in your answer.

Thank you very much that's reassuring.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody got bclp open day offers yet?

 

[FT.g]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

 

[TCchaser]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

HL's application window runs from 1 September 2025-31 August 2026, so you should be eligible to reapply!

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu, apologies, but I have another question. I am currently applying to Dechert, and I am struggling to understand how many words I should write to cover each part of the question. This is the question: Please outline the skills you possess that make you well suited to a career as a commercial solicitor and explain why you believe this makes Dechert the right Firm for you to develop your career. 300 words max. Could you offer your opinion?

Since the framing of the question does not emphasise one part more than the other, if I were to go for a "split" answer, I would dedicate around 150 words for a section on what skills relevant to commercial law I posses and around 150 words for a section on why this makes Dechert the right fit for me. Nonetheless, I would probably prefer an "integrated" writing approach that does not split the elements of the question in different parts. Thus, I think my structure would look something like this:

Paragraph 1 (around 150 words):

1. Describe an experience/achievement and how this showcases a skill you claim to have
2. Explain why the skill you have is relevant for commercial law - how it ties into the nature of the job and the general services a commercial solicitor provides to clients
3. Explain why the aforementioned skill makes you a particularly good fit for Dechert, as opposed to any other firm. You could connect the skill to the particular demands and tasks of the firm's main practice areas, its training programme, or strategy and market positioning.

Paragraph 2 (around 150 words):

• Repeat the steps above but for a different skill

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

I would advise you to check the firms' FAQs pages to see if they have any specifically stated policy about this, but in general firms allow candidates to reapply if this is in a different application cycle. Since the new cycle only starts around August/September, the past TC application probably counted as one for the 2024/2025 cycle, so you should be able to apply again.

 

[blcnko]

Hi does anyone know how long Arctic shores will take to email the SJT for NRF's Vacation scheme? I have applied through the portal and completed the RARE recruitment form but I havent received the SJT yet.. the deadline closes today as well!

 

[Andrei Radu]

guys, I feel like 750 words for the NRF cover letter WITHOUT including a section dedicated to why law is way too much. without why law now I have around 600 words total(including first and last stenence) and I feel like anything more is pushing it/ they will not read. any advice??

I would not worry about the recruiters not reading it. If you write you answer well (in a structured, concise, and clear manner) they will definitely read it - the fact that they gave you this higher word count limit reflects the fact that they believe there is enough valuable content to cover in this space.

As for advice concerning how to go about filling the space without waffling, I would tell you to do one or more of the following:

1. Include more examples of experiences/achievements which showcase your skills: look over your CV and work experience sections and consider which experiences you could and develop on.
2. Describe the existing experiences/achievements in greater depth: you can almost always provide more context at to how and why you got in a certain position, develop on your work and tasks, give extra particular examples, explain outcomes in more detail etc.
3. Include more reasons for why NRF is a firm you are interested in: instead of stopping at one of two unique selling points to connect your motivations to, why not go for 3, or 4, or even 5? Firms like NRF have several strong practices/sectors you can express an interest in, besides operating in a very particular market segment and having a quite specific international strategy.
4. Describe existing why the firm reasons in greater depth: you can again almost always analyse a firm's unique selling points in greater depth. For instance, if you listed a practice area strength before as a reason, and you provided a Chambers ranking as proof, you can do many other things to show depth of research and the specificity of your understanding of the firm's practice. For example, you can describe some of the major deals/cases/matters the firm worked on and the expertise that showcases, discuss competitors and make comparisons, you can mention its biggest clients and analyse the relationships, you can discuss their size and growth, any leading practitioners and lateral moves etc.

 

[i really like clouds :)]

has anyone who applied to sidley in september heard back for the wvs yet? i applied on 11th but i haven't heard anything good or bad

 

[noahsmiit01]

Good evening, guys,

I need urgent help. I am applying for the Vacation Scheme, and it says:

Do you have any visa limitations that prevent you from participating in this vacation scheme? Please note that you will be expected to work 35 hours/week.

If I am on the Student Visa (which only allows me to work up to 20 hours a week), would that mean that I am not eligible to apply for the Vac Scheme?

Would appreciate it so much for any answers

 

[ZNadeem]

Good evening, guys,

I need urgent help. I am applying for the Vacation Scheme, and it says:

Do you have any visa limitations that prevent you from participating in this vacation scheme? Please note that you will be expected to work 35 hours/week.

If I am on the Student Visa (which only allows me to work up to 20 hours a week), would that mean that I am not eligible to apply for the Vac Scheme?

Would appreciate it so much for any answers

Hi! As a former international student myself, happy to share some insight. The 20-hour work limit on a Student Visa only applies during official university term time. During vacation periods (winter, spring, and summer breaks), you are permitted to work full-time — so if the vacation scheme falls in those breaks, you should be eligible.

It’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s official term dates (since they can differ slightly) and confirm that the scheme doesn’t overlap with teaching or assessment periods. I’d also recommend emailing your university just to be extra safe — they’re used to these queries and can give you a clear answer.