TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[amrita6399]

Is there an automatic test for HL?

It was automatic until the last cycle, but given that they have changed their recruitment process this year, I'm not sure if it's still automatic.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could clear up the confusion I have around Cleary's application process. The firm says 'All candidates should submit a cover letter and full curriculum vitae via the firm's website including a breakdown by subject of all A-Level (or equivalent) results and degree module results where known.' Does that mean I need to put my 25+ module grades on my CV and have my CV be 2+ pages of A4, or does that mean I should upload my university transcript on the online application form and put my degree classification on the CV instead?

Hello!

It should be possible to fit all of your module grades on your CV if you utilise space efficiently, such as grouping them by year and using bullet points.

If you have included them all and it is over 2 pages of A4, I would include the most relevant grades / overall classification on your CV and upload the transcript separately.

However, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double-check as they are more likely to be able to confirm the correct approach for you

 

[Afuturetrainee]

This happened to me ahah, I haven't done the second one as it is identical
I emailed them about it on Sat but obv they haven't responded yet
I think it is a glitch tho as one has the same reference number as my old first year scheme application whilst the other has the reference number for the open day application so I just did that one

True I just noticed!

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone! What's the best approach to describe open days and other events with law firms under the WE section of app forms? Is it necessary to talk about specific sessions or presentations within the open days or just my key takeaways/how they shaped my career preferences? @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @Andrei Radu Thank you in advance for any advice!

Separately: how many WE is “too many” for one firm? I usually include long-term extracurriculars as semi-WE if no other question covers this but this can increase my overall WE entries to around 9-10.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! What's the best approach to describe open days and other events with law firms under the WE section of app forms? Is it necessary to talk about specific sessions or presentations within the open days or just my key takeaways/how they shaped my career preferences? @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @Andrei Radu Thank you in advance for any advice!

Separately: how many WE is “too many” for one firm? I usually include long-term extracurriculars as semi-WE if no other question covers this but this can increase my overall WE entries to around 9-10.

Hello!

For the open days and firm events, you don't need to go into detail about every session or presentation, as this can make things feel a bit list-like. Instead, focus on what you took away from the experience - what you learned about the firm's culture, practice areas, or working style, and how that helped shape your interests or career direction. I would perhaps briefly mention the main sessions of the event, but the focus of your entry should be about what stood out to you on the day. For example, mentioning how an open day clarified your preference for a certain type of firm or practice area tends to read much more insightfully than listing the day's activity.

In terms of how many WE entries to include, 9-10 isn't necessarily "too many", as long as each one adds value and you're not repeating the same points. It's fine to include long-term extracurriculars as semi-WE if they've helped develop relevant skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork, time management). Just make sure each entry has a clear purpose and shows personal growth or reflection - quality over quantity!

I hope that answers your question

 

[Jennifer2003]

I’m a non-law final year student and hoping, in an ideal world, to get a vac scheme and then a training contract by the end of my final year to start the gdl next September.

Is it worth me applying to open days for firms who view on a rolling basis if I already know a lot about the firm? I’m worried about delaying application until after the open day if they specifically advise getting the application in early.

Also, is the competition for winter/spring/summer vacation schemes relatively similar, or are there less competitive times to go for as a final year student? I can’t do a winter one as I wouldn’t be able to get the time off my part time job so I’m wondering if a spring one would be the best to go for?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I've noticed that a lot of firms have changed their grade requirements quite drastically over the past year or so. For example, firms like Linklaters and W&C used to have a great reputation for being holistic with grades and only required an overall 2:1, but they’ve now changed their policy to require 2:1s in every module. Does anyone know why they’ve done this?

I was thinking it might be related to the SQE and its low success rates. Maybe firms are trying to mitigate risk by recruiting mostly first-class or high 2:1 grads, as there are concerns about hiring people who may not pass an already challenging exam. I’m not entirely sure how accurate this is and would appreciate insight anyone has.

where have you seen that White & Case require a 2:1 in every module?

 

[berocca567]

Should I mention university law society events and Forage work experiences in this section? : Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.

Or is this only where I've visited a firm.

Also, how do people structure this kind of section?

 

[MURI]

Hey has anyone heard back from GD after taking the capptivate test?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’m a non-law final year student and hoping, in an ideal world, to get a vac scheme and then a training contract by the end of my final year to start the gdl next September.

Is it worth me applying to open days for firms who view on a rolling basis if I already know a lot about the firm? I’m worried about delaying application until after the open day if they specifically advise getting the application in early.

Also, is the competition for winter/spring/summer vacation schemes relatively similar, or are there less competitive times to go for as a final year student? I can’t do a winter one as I wouldn’t be able to get the time off my part time job so I’m wondering if a spring one would be the best to go for?

Hi!

Yes, I'd say it is definitely worth applying if you already know a lot about the firm. Open days can be a great way of learning more about the firm before making an application (and I would advise you go to a few in the cycle), but they are definitely not a requirement - I didn't attend an open day at any of the firms I completed a VS or secured my TC with. The most important part is submitting a tailored and well-researched application - if you feel you can do that without attending the open day, I would apply early if that is what's advised

The competition is relatively similar across winter / spring / summer, although if any is viewed as more competitive, I would say it's winter schemes. I think your plan of applying for spring / summer schemes is great - I did three schemes last year, all across spring / summer, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to apply to multiple firms. It also gives you plenty of time to refine your commercial awareness and application writing strategy

Best of luck with the applications!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Should I mention university law society events and Forage work experiences in this section? : Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.

Or is this only where I've visited a firm.

Also, how do people structure this kind of section?

Hey!

I would include university law society events and Forage virtual work experience (if you haven't included it in the work experience section), as long as they are career-related. This section is not limited to firm visits - the idea is to show that you've explored the legal profession and engaged with opportunities to learn more about it.

Most candidates will structure this section by writing a short paragraph that summarises what they attended and what they gained from it, for instance mentioning a few events and highlighting key takeaways such as learning about different practice areas or gaining an insight into the firm's culture. I'd say that keeping it concise but reflective usually works best

A structure could look like:

• Introduction: briefly introduce the types of events you've attended.
• Main detail: mention one or two examples and what you gained from them
• Closing: summarise your main takeaway from the event(s)

I hope that helps!

 

[Amgrad]

Hi Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith

Given that my questions were ghosted by HL and W&C confirmed last week that they won't sponsoring visa for VS, I am considering Reed Smith.

I saw someone asked about your life at Reed Smith whilst work as SQE intern on the another thread, but you didn't reply.

How you balance your studies and juggle with work, especially in the recent SQE passing rate drops, below 50%?

I've written my application since weekend and seems like stronger now and ready to submit, but I want to hear more from you, other than what TCLA offers and shows in general through email subscription last week.

 

[tcapplicant.1]

Dechert WE invite , applied 9/09. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[e_turbo2]

Is the Taylor Wessing OT invite automatic? Or are the applications screened first and then rejected if it does not meet their requirements? @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Or anyone else with some insight on this? Thanks!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone have any insight into how long it usually takes Bird & Bird to follow up post-WG?

 

[c.t.tc]

Is the Taylor Wessing OT invite automatic? Or are the applications screened first and then rejected if it does not meet their requirements? @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Or anyone else with some insight on this? Thanks!

Applications get screened and assessed first so not everyone gets asked to take the test

 

[msclm]

Dechert WE invite , applied 9/09. Any advice would be much appreciated!

I just did mine this morning! Feel free to reach out

 

[AngelBaird]

Received my written exercise invite for Dechert today. Can anyone provide some insight? I’m struggling to find anything online. Thanks!!!!

 

[Vakil]

Does anyone have any insight into how long it usually takes Bird & Bird to follow up post-WG?

I took it last Monday morning, and I am still waiting for a follow-up, if that helps.