• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →
  • Ace Your Vacation Scheme Applications with Reed Smith
    10 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Join Reed Smith for this practical session on how to write a strong vacation scheme application ahead of key deadlines. Understand what recruiters look for and how to get past the application review stage.
    Register on Zoom →
  • Write Winning Vacation Scheme Applications with Osborne Clarke
    11 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Hear from Recruitment Advisor Patrick Fermin Ryan at Osborne Clarke on how to write a successful vacation scheme application. Gain expert advice on what makes applications stand out and how to approach yours with confidence.
    Register on Zoom →

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

TCLA0322

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
  • Jan 24, 2024
    61
    95
    I have a question: when filling out the Norton Rose Fulbright form (for those using Workday), I am having issues entering my high school name. Also, for the university section, there is no option for 'LLB' when I try to select it; only course titles like 'Law with French Law' are available. Does anyone know how to fill this out?o_O Thanks in advance.
     

    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    221
    244
    I have a question: when filling out the Norton Rose Fulbright form (for those using Workday), I am having issues entering my high school name. Also, for the university section, there is no option for 'LLB' when I try to select it; only course titles like 'Law with French Law' are available. Does anyone know how to fill this out?o_O Thanks in advance.
    I feel for you! I had this issue, their form was awful but I can't remember how I solved it!
     

    plshireme

    Star Member
    Sep 10, 2024
    27
    31
    Hello!

    I completely get where you're coming from - a lot of people don't have a single "lightbulb moment" that pushed them toward law, and that's honestly very normal! However, I'd say it's best to focus your answer around one specific personal experience, even if your motivation developed gradually. The question specifically asks for "a specific personal experience", so I would say they're looking for you to anchor your answer around a moment or situation that you can describe clearly.

    That doesn't mean you need a big "lightbulb moment" - it could just be one experience that represents or crystallised what motivated you to pursue a career in law. For example, something that made you appreciate problem-solving, negotiation, advocacy, or international collaboration - this can be any experience that ties into your wider motivations towards law.

    I think it's a great idea to bring in your travels or other broader experiences, I would just try and pick one defining example. For instance, you might choose a moment that stood out in particular - such as an interaction, observation, or situation that sparked your curiosity about how law shapes society, business, or people's lives. You can then explain how that particular experience made you start thinking about law in a more concrete way and influenced what kind of work or environment you see yourself in.

    In other words, I would use one experience as the lens through which you show how your motivation developed. That way, your answer stays focused and personal while still reflecting the wider journey that's led you towards a legal career.

    I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application! :)
    Thanks Abbie! This was a helpful perspective 😊
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    TCseeker17

    Active Member
    Nov 20, 2024
    11
    4
    Having really not expected anything, I am in the incredibly fortunate position of having received two winter vacation scheme offers from firms of a similar calibre (I don't have a particular preference but really like both). However, the dates of the schemes clash. I would hate to lose out on any opportunity given how competitive this all is! Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do - both firms offer summer schemes and direct TC routes (although say that most trainees are recruited via VS route)?
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    377
    318
    Also, should I still apply for the W&C spring or summer vac scheme, or there is no point as people have already started hearing back?
    Hello!

    I’d say it is definitely still worth applying! Most firms will get the bulk of their applications right before the deadline, and it’s likely they’ll review anything that is submitted on time.

    The most important thing is that you submit a tailored and personal application :)
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    377
    318
    For Eversheds it asks when you have worked towards an ambitious goal. The example I have is when I developed my commercial awareness through a WhatsApp group chat discussing news stories everyday. After this I did monthly sessions over zoom calls on commercial topics like presentations. Would this be a good example.
    Hello!

    That has potential to be a good example! To make it stand out, make sure you clearly explain how and why this was an ambitious goal. For instance, improving commercial awareness takes sustained effort over time, especially where you are taking the initiative to organise discussions and lead sessions outside your studies.

    You could explain that your goal was to develop a deeper, more practical understanding of commercial issues (something that many students find difficult to maintain consistently), and then explain how you pushed yourself (i.e. setting up the Whatsapp group).

    Make sure you also show the outcome - how your confident or analytical ability improved, or how it helped you perform better in interviews or applications. That way, you are demonstrating ambition and drive, and linking these to tangible results.

    I hope that helps! :)
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    377
    318
    Since I was accepted onto a selective open day, should I be worried about my grades when applying for the firm's vacation scheme?
    Hi!

    That’s a great question - if the firm has the same grade requirements for the open day as the vacation scheme, I would take that as a sign that your grades are perfectly fine!

    However, if they don’t list any grade requirements for the open day, I’d double check with the graduate recruitment team on what their grade policy is for the vacation scheme, as they may not have had any requirements for the open day :)
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    377
    318
    Having really not expected anything, I am in the incredibly fortunate position of having received two winter vacation scheme offers from firms of a similar calibre (I don't have a particular preference but really like both). However, the dates of the schemes clash. I would hate to lose out on any opportunity given how competitive this all is! Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do - both firms offer summer schemes and direct TC routes (although say that most trainees are recruited via VS route)?
    Hello!

    That’s a fantastic position to be in - big congratulations!!

    It’s definitely worth reaching out to both firms as soon as possible. I would just be honest and polite - explain that you have received two offers for the same dates and that you’re genuinely keen to attend both. Whilst it’ll depend on the firm, they’ll likely have encountered this situation many times before and will generally be very understanding - especially if they have later schemes.

    If it’s not possible to be moved to a later scheme or a direct route, I’d have a think about which firm aligns most with your long-term aspirations or practice areas of interest. It’s better to fully commit to one and make a strong impression than stress yourself out trying to juggle both.

    I hope it works out for you - congratulations again for the offers, I hope you celebrate well :)
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Amgrad

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.