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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

berocca567

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Jan 11, 2025
64
53
Should I mention university law society events and Forage work experiences in this section? : Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.

Or is this only where I've visited a firm.

Also, how do people structure this kind of section?
 
Last edited:
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
288
237
I’m a non-law final year student and hoping, in an ideal world, to get a vac scheme and then a training contract by the end of my final year to start the gdl next September.

Is it worth me applying to open days for firms who view on a rolling basis if I already know a lot about the firm? I’m worried about delaying application until after the open day if they specifically advise getting the application in early.

Also, is the competition for winter/spring/summer vacation schemes relatively similar, or are there less competitive times to go for as a final year student? I can’t do a winter one as I wouldn’t be able to get the time off my part time job so I’m wondering if a spring one would be the best to go for?
Hi!

Yes, I'd say it is definitely worth applying if you already know a lot about the firm. Open days can be a great way of learning more about the firm before making an application (and I would advise you go to a few in the cycle), but they are definitely not a requirement - I didn't attend an open day at any of the firms I completed a VS or secured my TC with. The most important part is submitting a tailored and well-researched application - if you feel you can do that without attending the open day, I would apply early if that is what's advised :)

The competition is relatively similar across winter / spring / summer, although if any is viewed as more competitive, I would say it's winter schemes. I think your plan of applying for spring / summer schemes is great - I did three schemes last year, all across spring / summer, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to apply to multiple firms. It also gives you plenty of time to refine your commercial awareness and application writing strategy :)

Best of luck with the applications!
 

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
288
237
Should I mention university law society events and Forage work experiences in this section? : Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.

Or is this only where I've visited a firm.

Also, how do people structure this kind of section?
Hey!

I would include university law society events and Forage virtual work experience (if you haven't included it in the work experience section), as long as they are career-related. This section is not limited to firm visits - the idea is to show that you've explored the legal profession and engaged with opportunities to learn more about it.

Most candidates will structure this section by writing a short paragraph that summarises what they attended and what they gained from it, for instance mentioning a few events and highlighting key takeaways such as learning about different practice areas or gaining an insight into the firm's culture. I'd say that keeping it concise but reflective usually works best :)

A structure could look like:
  • Introduction: briefly introduce the types of events you've attended.
  • Main detail: mention one or two examples and what you gained from them
  • Closing: summarise your main takeaway from the event(s)
I hope that helps! :)
 

Amgrad

Star Member
Oct 2, 2025
47
70
Hi Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith

Given that my questions were ghosted by HL and W&C confirmed last week that they won't sponsoring visa for VS, I am considering Reed Smith.

I saw someone asked about your life at Reed Smith whilst work as SQE intern on the another thread, but you didn't reply.

How you balance your studies and juggle with work, especially in the recent SQE passing rate drops, below 50%?

I've written my application since weekend and seems like stronger now and ready to submit, but I want to hear more from you, other than what TCLA offers and shows in general through email subscription last week.
 
  • 🤝
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

c.t.tc

Distinguished Member
  • Jun 10, 2025
    54
    48

    TheLegalEdit

    Active Member
    Apr 29, 2025
    15
    8
    That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?
    Thanks, I really worked hard to try and do well in the test. For my sjt, I’m not sure how well it went. My highest were Respect and Working with Others and lowest (surprisingly) was Critical Thinking. Not too sure how to feel about this. Did you apply? How did your tests go?
     

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