TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Hey guys! Starting prep for this cycle and would appreciate some guidance on how to decide my top 10 firms. How can I ensure that my applications are super tailored? Beyond just LinkedIn messages and extensive firm research. Thank you for all responses in advance.

 

[laww]

Has anyone heard back from Orrick or Macfarlanes yet?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Anyone heard from STB Open day? Apparently they offered someone a place last Friday.

 

[TortillaTC]

Anyone heard from STB Open day? Apparently they offered someone a place last Friday.

I haven’t heard yet - applied for all 4 dates btw

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys! Starting prep for this cycle and would appreciate some guidance on how to decide my top 10 firms. How can I ensure that my applications are super tailored? Beyond just LinkedIn messages and extensive firm research. Thank you for all responses in advance.

Hey!

This is a really good question, and I think you have already identified two of the biggest things (i.e. networking and researching firms).

One thing I would add is to think about what genuinely matters to you, rather than just trying to identify the "best" firms. For example, you could consider things like:

• Practice areas you are interested in
• The type of clients and matters the firm advises on
• The firm's culture and training style
• International opportunities or secondments
• Seat structure and qualification process
• The size of the trainee intake and whether you'd prefer a larger or smaller cohort.

I also found it really helpful to attend open days, insight events, and online events/presentations where possible. Speaking directly to trainees and associates often gives you a much better feel for the firm than the website alone, and you'll usually come away with insights that you can reference in your application.

In terms of tailoring, I would focus less on trying to mention lots of firm-specific facts and more on explaining why those facts matter to you. For example, rather than simply saying a firm has a strong private equity practice or an international platform, explain why that aligns with your interests, previous experience, or the type of work that you want to do as a solicitor. The graduate recruitment team are usually looking for that personal connection, rather than a list of facts that you have found on the website (which may not be particularly unique on their own).

I also wouldn't be afraid to refine the list as you go. You might attend an event and realise a firm isn't quite what you expected, or discover another firm that is a much better fit. It is much better to submit 10 applications that you are genuinely enthusiastic about than to force applications to firms you don't have a particularly compelling reason for applying to

 

[user55998384]

hey!! anyone who has done anything at Milbank could you please pm me would be super greatful cant seem to find much info on them online