TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[AS24]

I think as a general rule just refer to how the firm refers to themselves in the application form? Simpson Thacher is fine based on that

Thank you

 

[AS24]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I trust you are well.

I am trying to answer Simpson Thacher second question " How have your extracurricular activities contributed to your development of skills relevant to a career in corporate law?"

Do you think we need to connect it to simpson's expertise, strategy or culture? Would you say something like, having played footballl etc..developed x skills which will allow me on deals such as..,

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How essential is having a link with the firm for getting to AC stage? I got 3 ACs last cycle and I had virtually met each firm so I was just wondering if I needed to replicate this for more firms this cycle to have a better chance at progressing.

Hi!

Just to add to other comments already made, I'd say it definitely isn't essential. Of the three firms I applied to and received VS or DTC offers from last cycle, I'd only attended an open day at one of them.

I think the key thing is making sure you are able to demonstrate genuine motivation for the firm and show that you have done your research. There are plenty of ways to build that knowledge without meeting the firm or attending an event - for example, speaking to trainees/associates online, attending virtual events, following the firm's recent work and deals, and doing your own research into its practice areas and culture.

Having a connection with the firm can sometimes give you more to talk about and may help you stand out, but I wouldn't feel that you need to attend an event at every firm you apply to. If you can demonstrate a strong understanding of why you are applying and why that particular firm appeals to you through other means, that can be just as valuable!

 

[user55998384]

for people who applied to macs, just weary there is no written app so in the work exp section would you make a direct link to the firm being or no coz it feels a bit forced?

 

[BM99]

Does anyone know where we can sign up to Ashurst Perkins Coie's mini virtual series?

 

[user55998384]

is the macfarlanes camera only on in the stage 2 for the vis?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I trust you are well.

I am trying to answer Simpson Thacher second question " How have your extracurricular activities contributed to your development of skills relevant to a career in corporate law?"

Do you think we need to connect it to simpson's expertise, strategy or culture? Would you say something like, having played footballl etc..developed x skills which will allow me on deals such as..,

Hi!

I don't think you necessarily need to connect your extracurricular activities directly to Simpson Thacher's expertise, strategy or culture. I would focus primarily on what skills the activity helped you develop and why those skills are relevant to a career in corporate law.

For example, if you played football, you could discuss how this developed your teamwork, communication, and ability to perform under pressure, and then explain how those skills would be useful when working collaboratively with colleagues and other parties on a transaction.

I would be slightly cautious about forcing a link to a specific type of Simpson deal (e.g. "this skill will allow me to work on X deal") unless there is a really natural connection. The key thing is to show that you understand why the skill matters in corporate law, rather than trying to make every extracurricular activity demonstrate why you want to work at Simpson specifically.

You could implicitly relate your answer to Simpson Thacher by finding the skills and traits they highlight on their website, and using examples that show those traits. However, I would keep this question focused on the development of relevant skills, rather than trying to force it to be a motivational answer

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for people who applied to macs, just weary there is no written app so in the work exp section would you make a direct link to the firm being or no coz it feels a bit forced?

Hi!

I would say there is a chance it can feel a bit forced, particularly because the work experience section isn't really the place to insert a motivational "why Macfarlanes" point. I would focus primarily on what you did, what you learned and the skills you developed, while making sure the examples you choose are relevant to the type of work you would be doing as a trainee.

However, as there is no separate written application questions, I wouldn't avoid showing your understanding of Macfarlanes altogether. If there is a natural opportunity to mention something that demonstrates why the experience is relevant to the firm or its work, you can do so, but I wouldn't try to force a connection into every example.

Essentially, I would prioritise making the work experience section strong in its own right rather than trying to turn it into a "why Macfarlanes" answer. The rest of the assessment process should give you opportunities to demonstrate your motivation for the firm

 

[jamsparkle]

How do you pick whether to apply to winter/spring/summer VSs when firms normally only allow one application per cycle and so many of the firms have their winter and spring schemes at the same time? I am a final year student so would really like to get a TC before I leave uni, so would prefer winter/spring, but it seems that pretty much every firm has their spring schemes take place wholly or partly in the 5-16th April period, and the winter schemes are pretty much all overlapping with the last week of my uni's term (30th Nov).

I feel like the best chance of getting a TC would involve spreading out my applications to both spring and summer to maximise the number of consideration opportunities (i.e. I'd have a chance over spring, and if I don't get one, I'd get another chance (or two...) at a TC in the summer after I finish uni, but there's also obviously always the possibility that I am unsuccessful at all of my summer applications and get multiple offers for vac schemes at the same time... maybe I'm overthinking but it just seems so hard to pick whether/how to spread out applications for schemes over the three sessions since we don't know how it will go in advance!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

How do you pick whether to apply to winter/spring/summer VSs when firms normally only allow one application per cycle and so many of the firms have their winter and spring schemes at the same time? I am a final year student so would really like to get a TC before I leave uni, so would prefer winter/spring, but it seems that pretty much every firm has their spring schemes take place wholly or partly in the 5-16th April period, and the winter schemes are pretty much all overlapping with the last week of my uni's term (30th Nov).

I feel like the best chance of getting a TC would involve spreading out my applications to both spring and summer to maximise the number of consideration opportunities (i.e. I'd have a chance over spring, and if I don't get one, I'd get another chance (or two...) at a TC in the summer after I finish uni, but there's also obviously always the possibility that I am unsuccessful at all of my summer applications and get multiple offers for vac schemes at the same time... maybe I'm overthinking but it just seems so hard to pick whether/how to spread out applications for schemes over the three sessions since we don't know how it will go in advance!

Spread out your applications. Think of it this way:

- Assuming you are offered a TC, whether you get the offer in spring or in summer, you'll have a TC by the end of August. That's not a big difference from e.g. May, and, since most SQE/PGDL courses start in September and you're still at uni, makes virtually no difference.

- Some firms delay making offers until after all schemes are over anyway.

- If you apply to 5 Winter, 5 Spring, 5 Summer schemes, while you could get offers for 3 Spring schemes, statistically this is unlikely.

- If you get multiple Spring/Winter scheme offers, firms might offer you a summer scheme instead if you tell them of the overlap ASAP, though you probably don't want to rely on this.

Ultimately, the most important factor is maximising the number of schemes you can do. This is why you should spread out which schemes you apply to. IMO nothing else really matters to the same extent, besides maybe thinking about whether a spring scheme would stress you out before finals

 

[e.jy336]

Does anyone have a definitive list of firms that are strict on grades/don't review applications holistically? I have a 2.1 from a top uni but several 2.2 modules in 1st and 2nd year.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have a definitive list of firms that are strict on grades/don't review applications holistically? I have a 2.1 from a top uni but several 2.2 modules in 1st and 2nd year.

Hi!

I'm not sure about whether we have a definitive list, but there is this thread where individuals have shared information on firms with stricter grade requirements!

 

[e.jy336]

Hi!

I'm not sure about whether we have a definitive list, but there is this thread where individuals have shared information on firms with stricter grade requirements!

Thank you!

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

Hi everyone, I'm fortunate to have been offered a paralegal position at a global law firm (think CMS, Dentons, DLA Piper), my concern is whether I would be able to attend vacation schemes should I be lucky to get one or more.

If i was to take annual leave, am I limited to just one vacation scheme?

Is a direct TC the better option? I fear there are less spaces for direct TC's so this will be a more disadvantageous route to take.

Would appreciate any advice, thanks!

 

[AS24]

Hi!

I don't think you necessarily need to connect your extracurricular activities directly to Simpson Thacher's expertise, strategy or culture. I would focus primarily on what skills the activity helped you develop and why those skills are relevant to a career in corporate law.

For example, if you played football, you could discuss how this developed your teamwork, communication, and ability to perform under pressure, and then explain how those skills would be useful when working collaboratively with colleagues and other parties on a transaction.

I would be slightly cautious about forcing a link to a specific type of Simpson deal (e.g. "this skill will allow me to work on X deal") unless there is a really natural connection. The key thing is to show that you understand why the skill matters in corporate law, rather than trying to make every extracurricular activity demonstrate why you want to work at Simpson specifically.

You could implicitly relate your answer to Simpson Thacher by finding the skills and traits they highlight on their website, and using examples that show those traits. However, I would keep this question focused on the development of relevant skills, rather than trying to force it to be a motivational answer

Thank you @Abbie Whitlock, you are a gem!

 

[Enyonam]

Hi everyone, I'm fortunate to have been offered a paralegal position at a global law firm (think CMS, Dentons, DLA Piper), my concern is whether I would be able to attend vacation schemes should I be lucky to get one or more.

If i was to take annual leave, am I limited to just one vacation scheme?

Is a direct TC the better option? I fear there are less spaces for direct TC's so this will be a more disadvantageous route to take.

Would appreciate any advice, thanks!

I am also a paralegal but in house, I’ve taken holiday to do vac schemes… it’s not convenient and it’s definitely a big sacrifice, but you gotta do what you gotta do!

My workplace has also allowed me to take unpaid leave to attend one. I also think let your manager know your plans, they may be more flexible than you think

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

I am also a paralegal but in house, I’ve taken holiday to do vac schemes… it’s not convenient and it’s definitely a big sacrifice, but you gotta do what you gotta do!

My workplace has also allowed me to take unpaid leave to attend one. I also think let your manager know your plans, they may be more flexible than you think

Hi,

Thanks for responding, that's really encouraging to hear!

Can I also ask, how many applications did you make and how did you make time for prep in terms of writing and also video interviews?

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi everyone, I'm fortunate to have been offered a paralegal position at a global law firm (think CMS, Dentons, DLA Piper), my concern is whether I would be able to attend vacation schemes should I be lucky to get one or more.

If i was to take annual leave, am I limited to just one vacation scheme?

Is a direct TC the better option? I fear there are less spaces for direct TC's so this will be a more disadvantageous route to take.

Would appreciate any advice, thanks!

I am also in this position and I am quite lost! My plan atm is just saving up my holiday leave for vacs but ofc that's a big sacrifice, so I am planning to apply to some TCs where I can/feel more confident!

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone have any advice for Macfarlanes Stage 2? Happy to share any info from apps last year from various firms (B&B, Latham, Mayer Brown etc.,)!