TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[livelaughlawve]

last year they took 3 months to PFO me and then sent two PFOs for good measure

Really exceeding expectations in everything they do

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

If Simpson Thacher reject one vacation scheme application, can we re-apply for a different vacation scheme? (I'm assuming PFO for Autumn as I've seen interview invites were given out last Friday!)

As far as I am aware, you are only allowed one VS application per cycle. That said, Paul from the grad rec team did mention that they send interviews in batches so it's not over until it is!

 

[174Tess9y3]

Is Winston Taylor's vac scheme application rolling?

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

Is Winston Taylor's vac scheme application rolling?

yes

 

[user55998384]

if anyone recieves/sees any updates about aspiring solicitors mentorship w weil lmk plsss - also assuming its j a 1 stage process as if it starts next week will wouldnt be an interview?

 

[alanshore]

Freshfields doesn't have application questions?

 

[sagekensuke]

if anyone recieves/sees any updates about aspiring solicitors mentorship w weil lmk plsss - also assuming its j a 1 stage process as if it starts next week will wouldnt be an interview?

Hey, I did an interview last week and got an acceptance email this morning

 

[alanshore]

How can I abbreviate Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer? Is HSFK acceptable?

HSF Kramer is used by the firm sometimes IIRC, but take this with a grain of salt.

 

[sagekensuke]

Freshfields doesn't have application questions?

Yeah it’s just work experience and then online tests

 

[alanshore]

Hey, I did an interview last week and got an acceptance email this morning

Yeah if they've already done interviews and sent out acceptances I'm assuming it's a PFO then :/

 

[user55998384]

Hey, I did an interview last week and got an acceptance email this morning

congrats!!! ahhhh okay i think they do it on a rolling basis - when did you apply if you dont mind me asking?

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

any updates on hogan lovells' aspiring solicitors mentoring scheme?

 

[sagekensuke]

congrats!!! ahhhh okay i think they do it on a rolling basis - when did you apply if you dont mind me asking?

On the bank holiday at around like 4ish if I remember correctly?

 

[Judgelaw]

Hey!

Yes, I would broadly interpret this as asking about your extracurriculars and other experiences outside of your academic studies and work experience.

That could include things like societies, volunteering, competitions, sports, positions of responsibility, or any other experiences where you have developed skills that you think would be relevant to a career as a commercial lawyer. I wouldn't worry too much about whether something technically counts as an "extracurricular" - I would focus more on identifying experiences that have allowed you to develop relevant skills and then explaining what you actually took from them.

I would also try to avoid just listing lots of activities. Pick the strongest or most relevant examples and focus on the skills you developed and how those experiences have prepared you for a career as a commercial lawyer.

As a rough structure, you could:
1. Choose 2-3 experiences outside of academics and work experience
2. Explain what you did and the skills you developed (e.g. teamwork, communication, leadership, commercial awareness, organisation, resilience)
3. Link those skills back to why they would be useful as a commercial lawyer

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application!

Hi I have two quick questions

Firstly, is the no work experience limited to legal work experience or does it apply to all forms of employment (retail assistant, door to door sales etc)

Secondly, how many talks and events should we discuss in the sexond question? Can we also talk about insight schemes?

 

[alanshore]

Re: everyone inquiring about any aspiring solicitor schemes, offers for the Amazon mentoring scheme have gone out.

 

[Legal12345]

is NRF open? can't seem to find a link on their website

 

[e.jy336]

Is it accepted to round up grades, i.e. if I got a 69.5 can I round this to a 70?

 

[tldrba]

Is it accepted to round up grades, i.e. if I got a 69.5 can I round this to a 70?

I round it up and then clarify in additional comments. Better to be upfront, an additional .5 doesn’t help your application that much.

 

[anon78365222111]

is NRF open? can't seem to find a link on their website

Don’t think so

 

[Henrik]

is NRF open? can't seem to find a link on their website

They are due to open today for their Open days and spring/summer vac schemes ‘https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/graduates/apply’ But it doesn’t appear like they have uploaded the link yet.

Hopefully some time today or tomorrow.

Previous years they have been non-rolling, so fortunately there is no need to be keeping too close an eye on the launch!