TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[M_m]

I’m having technical issues progressing with the NRF form. Does anyone know what the application questions are if it’s a cover letter?

 

[SamiyaJ]

I’m having technical issues progressing with the NRF form. Does anyone know what the application questions are if it’s a cover letter?

Yes it’s a cover letter

 

[svb risk management intern]

Can I safely assume that if I use the same thing from my work experience ('WE') in my application, I dont need to put the same amount of experience or explanation on what i did.

For example, I am writing about how i worked on a report for my supervisor which was vague. Now, I am realising that I have repeated some of the things heavily when explaining the thing in both my WE and app, which makes ≈100 words a bit of a loss.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Can I safely assume that if I use the same thing from my work experience ('WE') in my application, I dont need to put the same amount of experience or explanation on what i did.

For example, I am writing about how i worked on a report for my supervisor which was vague. Now, I am realising that I have repeated some of the things heavily when explaining the thing in both my WE and app, which makes ≈100 words a bit of a loss.

Hi @svb risk management intern,

Great question. I would not necessarily treat it as a loss of words, since you should be emphasising different things when talking about an action in the work experience section and in an application answer.

In the work experience section, you are mainly describing the things you did in a lot of detail. To take the supervisor report you mentioned in your post, you would discuss what the report was about, what steps you took to complete it successfully, and the skills you gained as a result.

As for the written answer part of an application, you'd use the same report in the context of explaining why you are interested in a specific aspect of the firm or commercial law.

So, don't worry about repeating things too much in this particular context - as long as the purpose for which you invoked the experience was different and you described it from different angles, it should not be an issue.

 

[Heartofglass]

Guys, did Macfarlanes actually read through the 300 word application answers or did they just send out OAs based on the results of the previous OA?

I think it's the latter because I did the first OA on Wednesday and, jumpscare, I got the second OA on Thursday.

 

[fbtrainee]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

Yes they have, now they only have the summer vac scheme and DTCs

 

[dreamer]

Hi which is the second stage? What does that entail?

From what I've seen/read so far, it's a job simulation exercise with some video recording of your response.

 

[dreamer]

the second stage is a judgment style scenario type test, theres also some video questions u have to answer. has anyone heard back after completing the second stage?

poking my nose here

 

[CharlesT47]

I think it's the latter because I did the first OA on Wednesday and, jumpscare, I got the second OA on Thursday.

Yeah that must be it. I applied on Aug 20th but am yet to receive the second stage. Don't understand why they're waiting to reject me if they aren't even going to read my application

 

[Jessica Pearson]

@Veronica @Ammanbaby1 I am interested in a particular firm's emerging market group. How do I link it to me? The only thing I can think of right now is that I come from Nigeria and I have experience with some of those companies (as in I have used their services) but I don't know if this is substantive enough.

 

[TC seeker]

@vera.mekhonoshina Hi Vera! Will law firms have requirements for the grades of PGDL? will they mention that conditions if candidates have been offered a training contract?

 

[Tattyasha]

Anyone else having problems with NRF? It won’t let me enter Uni info at all

 

[BT0901]

Anyone else having problems with NRF? It won’t let me enter Uni info at all

I couldn't enter my secondary school information. Definitely one of the most useless application portals. Who even asks for a GPA in the UK.

 

[lawyersum]

I couldn't enter my secondary school information. Definitely one of the most useless application portals. Who even asks for a GPA in the UK.

I thought cv mail was bad then I experienced NRF's portal and was truly proven wrong lol

 

[Lawlife5]

Does any one know where I can find successful open day applications or if anyone is willing to provide a sample to see what I am meant to be saying as I am not sure how to approach these questions as I will just be repeating myself by saying I want to learn more about this and this after each point I say about the firm?

 

[applicant457]

I think it's the latter because I did the first OA on Wednesday and, jumpscare, I got the second OA on Thursday.

True, but it doesn't really make sense that they would make their recruitment team go through hundreds and hundreds more applications, VIs, and written answers. My guess is that they work fast and review applications as they come in so as soon as the first OA is done they can send the job sim. lmk what u think!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Would it be useful to still apply to Dechert's WVS? Or is it too late?

 

[ZNadeem]

@Veronica @Ammanbaby1 I am interested in a particular firm's emerging market group. How do I link it to me? The only thing I can think of right now is that I come from Nigeria and I have experience with some of those companies (as in I have used their services) but I don't know if this is substantive enough.

Hi! That is definitely a good link! You just need to emphasise why/what about that background/experience has drawn you to the relevant area. In fact, many candidates won’t have a direct connection to such USPs, so it’s fine to focus on the aspects you can link to yourself to show genuine interest in a practice area.

For example: "Having grown up in Nigeria, I have firsthand experience with several companies operating in emerging markets and have observed the unique legal and commercial challenges they face. This background has inspired my interest in the firm’s Emerging Markets expertise, as I am keen to apply my understanding of these markets to support clients navigating cross-border opportunities."

 

[CharlesT47]

Would it be useful to still apply to Dechert's WVS? Or is it too late?

is it rolling?

 

[ZNadeem]

@vera.mekhonoshina Hi Vera! Will law firms have requirements for the grades of PGDL? will they mention that conditions if candidates have been offered a training contract?

Hi! Just some insight: I think most firms do list any grade requirements for the PGDL on their website, usually under the careers section or FAQs. If you can’t find the information there, it’s perfectly fine to email the graduate recruitment team to clarify.