TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[kojo1102]

Can Graduates apply for the A&O Shearman Winter VS?

 

[OliviaPope]

Can Graduates apply for the A&O Shearman Winter VS?

No, just direct TC

 

[jamsparkle]

is Linklaters not going to announce a winter VS this year...?

 

[Holiday7]

Does anyone know if Links is rolling this year? Their VAC scheme webpage is pretty light on detail.

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

SUP B***tches MEG IS BACK
Question, I got ABB at a level (legit like 10 years ago lol) and have since then got 2.1 in undergrad, distinction in masters and 7 years of work experience. No specific mitigating circumstances for the ABB. Do you think it’s worth applying to firms that have criteria of AAB+? Thank you

 

[yasmars]

SUP B***tches MEG IS BACK
Question, I got ABB at a level (legit like 10 years ago lol) and have since then got 2.1 in undergrad, distinction in masters and 7 years of work experience. No specific mitigating circumstances for the ABB. Do you think it’s worth applying to firms that have criteria of AAB+? Thank you

My advice is to have a look at how the firm communicates its grade criteria. Some only let you apply if you have mitigating circumstances whereas others have a more holistic approach and may still encourage you to apply.

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Has anyone previously done NRF's VI for paralegal positions? Pls like this message if you have!

 

[Eudora]

Did anyone else find the Macfarlanes SJT really difficult this year? I did it last year as well and this year's one felt noticeably more technical.

 

[e.jy336]

Did anyone else find the Macfarlanes SJT really difficult this year? I did it last year as well and this year's one felt noticeably more technical.

Do you mean in terms of the VI questions?

 

[TheHamlet4]

is Linklaters not going to announce a winter VS this year...?

I emailed them, hope we will get an answer on that by the end of Tuesday.

 

[TheHamlet4]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock,

I know you have prior VS experience, though not with the firm you got your TC with. I was wondering, however, if you are familiar with people who got TCs directly without a VS?

Due to visa restrictions, I can only do WVS, which is why I am also planning to apply to firms with sizeable DTC intakes. Would you consider that a time waste since I don't have any VS or paralegal experience to fall back on?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock,

I know you have prior VS experience, though not with the firm you got your TC with. I was wondering, however, if you are familiar with people who got TCs directly without a VS?

Due to visa restrictions, I can only do WVS, which is why I am also planning to apply to firms with sizeable DTC intakes. Would you consider that a time waste since I don't have any VS or paralegal experience to fall back on?

Hi!

Yes, I actually know people in my cohort who secured TCs directly without having done a VS or worked as a paralegal beforehand, and they were successful through the DTC route. Therefore, I don't think it is a waste of time to apply!

However, I think it can vary between firms. Some firms may expect applicants to have some form of legal experience, even if that isn't necessarily a formal VS or paralegal role, whereas others will be much more focused on your overall experiences, motivation and performance throughout the application process. I would read the eligibility requirements carefully, and have a look at what each firm expects from applicants.

Given your visa restrictions, I think it makes complete sense to target firms with sizeable DTC intakes rather than automatically ruling yourself out because you haven't had the opportunity to do a VS. I would also make sure you are highlighting any experiences you do have that demonstrate relevant skills and your interest in commercial law, even if they aren't specifically legal.

So yes, it is definitely possible, and I wouldn't let the lack of VS or paralegal experience put you off applying at all!

 

[user9809]

Does anyone know the questions for Covington application?

 

[lk23]

does anyone know what platform mills & reeve use for their apps?
currently struggling to reach their emerging talents page - i don't know if it's because their applications go up tomorrow or smth?

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone know the questions for Covington application?

Although it might be different this year, last time they asked questions along the lines of...

• What aspects of Covington’s work, culture or approach stood out to you in your research, and why do they appeal to you? (350)
• Select a practice group and discuss a recent commercial trend or development that you believe will impact this group? (300)
• Describe an experience, or activity which you have been involved in outside of your academic studies and how this experience allowed you to develop? (300)
• If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why? (300)

Kind of a fun last question!

 

[mintgecko]

Is it worth waiting a couple of weeks after applications open if I have the chance to meet the firm at an event?

For example, I haven't got any personal experiences/connections to Mishcon, however, I am keen to apply for their VS, and I'll meet them at an event on the 22nd October (three weeks after their applications open).

I am assuming this will be quite advantageous for answering the 'why this firm?' question and gaining other insights, however, is this worth the three weeks I'd lose, assuming the earlier you can apply, the better?

 

[lawstudent2]

Will it ruin my chances of obtaining a TC if I almost entirely focus on only DTC applications?

For context, I have just graduated from a russell group uni, completed a vacation scheme with a large US firm but didn't receive the TC, and I am about to start a full time job in the legal sphere (although not a paralagel role).

My main issue is that, because I’ll be working for a very small company, it will be difficult to take significant time off for vacation schemes. As a result, I’m considering applying for only a very limited number of vacation schemes (essentially firms that I love which only recruit through vac schemes) and otherwise focusing entirely on DTC applications.

Will this get in the way of a TC? It remains my main goal, but keeping a full time job is also obviously important. I am really not sure how to approach this application cycle but I really want it to be my last.

I’d also really appreciate any advice on which firms might be particularly worth targeting for someone in this position.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it worth waiting a couple of weeks after applications open if I have the chance to meet the firm at an event?

For example, I haven't got any personal experiences/connections to Mishcon, however, I am keen to apply for their VS, and I'll meet them at an event on the 22nd October (three weeks after their applications open).

I am assuming this will be quite advantageous for answering the 'why this firm?' question and gaining other insights, however, is this worth the three weeks I'd lose, assuming the earlier you can apply, the better?

Hey!

I don't think there is a "right" answer here, and you definitely don't need to wait three weeks to apply purely for the event, particularly if you already feel that you have enough information to put together a strong application. While applying earlier can be beneficial, I don't think you should rush an application just to get it in on day one either - quality should take priority over submitting as early as possible.

If you are able to attend the Mishcon event before you submit, I would definitely make the most of it! Even without a pre-existing connection to the firm, speaking to their lawyers and trainees can give you much more specific and personal insights into why you want to join the firm. You may also be able to ask questions that help you identify something you wouldn't necessarily find through online research.

If the event is only three weeks after applications open, I would probably aim to prepare the application in advance and then use anything useful from the event to refine your answers, rather than holding off starting the application altogether. If you come away from the event with a strong insight that materially improves your "Why Mishcon?" answer, I think that is more valuable than submitting three weeks earlier with a weaker or more generic answer

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Will it ruin my chances of obtaining a TC if I almost entirely focus on only DTC applications?

For context, I have just graduated from a russell group uni, completed a vacation scheme with a large US firm but didn't receive the TC, and I am about to start a full time job in the legal sphere (although not a paralagel role).

My main issue is that, because I’ll be working for a very small company, it will be difficult to take significant time off for vacation schemes. As a result, I’m considering applying for only a very limited number of vacation schemes (essentially firms that I love which only recruit through vac schemes) and otherwise focusing entirely on DTC applications.

Will this get in the way of a TC? It remains my main goal, but keeping a full time job is also obviously important. I am really not sure how to approach this application cycle but I really want it to be my last.

I’d also really appreciate any advice on which firms might be particularly worth targeting for someone in this position.

Hey!

I secured my TC through the direct route, at a firm that had only just opened applications for the DTC route for the first time, so I definitely don't think focusing heavily on DTC applications will ruin your chances.

My experience was also quite similar to yours - I had completed a few VSs and had previously done a placement year in a law firm, but hadn't secured a TC through those experiences. There are also people in my cohort who secured their TCs through the direct route with no prior legal experience at all. I think this shows it is much more about how you articulate the experiences you do have than having a particular checklist of legal experiences.

Given that you'll be working full-time, I think it is completely reasonable to prioritise DTC applications and only submit a limited number of VSs - particularly if they are firms you are really interested in and that only recruit through their VS. I would probably focus your DTC applications on firms that recruit a healthy number of trainees through the direct route, as that is likely to give you the best return of your time. Whilst the list may be a bit outdated, you can have a look at this thread to get a rough idea of where firms recruit from.

However, I wouldn't completely rule out firms just because they recruit heavily from their VS. If it is a firm that you are genuinely interested in and they offer a DTC route, I would still give it a go - you truly never know!

I would also try not to worry too much about your new role not being a paralegal position. You'll still be able to draw on the experience you gain there in your applications, particularly if you can explain what you have learned and the responsibilities you have taken on. Ultimately, I think it is much better to have a sensible application strategy that allows you to maintain your full-time job than to put yourself under huge pressure trying to do lots of VS applications alongside it.

Best of luck with this cycle!