TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Anyone got any tips for cover letters for paralegal jobs / internships (aka non-VS, non-TC) applications?

I think a cover letter for a paralegal application should have the same main sections as a VS/TC cover letter: why commercial law, why the firm, why you. Nonetheless, the key points of will be that when you discuss why commercial law, you want to look at why you want to work in this field as a paralegal - and thus make reference to the tasks and matters paralegals normally get staffed on. Similarly, when discussing why you, you should focus on the skills and abilities that would enable you to succeed in your role as a paralegal rather than the skills and abilities that would help you succeed as a trainee/associate.

 

[silonthesofa]

Hi, has anyone previously had a Flex Legal paralegal interview before? If so would you be able to offer me any guidance, I am quite unsure on how to approach this!

Is this to be accepted onto the Flex Legal platform or for a paralegal job via the platform? In either case though, think standard competency based interview.

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got an update for HSF WVS?

 

[AngelBaird]

Has anyone heard back from dechert post written exercise? Or know how long they typically take to get back?

I would assume we hear back after the deadline on the 17th.

 

[Andrei Radu]

How do people tend to approach applying for VS’ when you’re waiting on hearing about an OD from the firm? Do you hold off until you find out?

I would say it depends on the firm and the general situation. I would consider some of the following factors in deciding what to do:

1. Firstly, if the firm's VS application deadline is a long time after the open day date, you may as well wait as it is unlikely that you will have a significant advantage if you apply now.
2. If the firm's VS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, this is a consideration in favour of applying now. Nonetheless, bear in mind that if the ultimate deadline date is still far into the future, applying after you receive the open day application result/after attending the open day will not put you at a significant disadvantage - even firms with reviewing applications on a rolling basis report that they get 90% of their applications in the final few days before the deadline. Furthermore, if the firm has arranged an open day before the VS deadline, it is likely that they will want to properly consider the VS applications of open day attended.
3. Consider the importance of the open day in the context of the firm's recruitment practices: there are firms known to place a (comparatively) disproportionate amount of weigh on whether a candidate has attended an open day or not, to the extent of even putting them on a different application track altogether. If this is the case for your firm, it is a very strong reason to wait for the outcome.
4. If on the other hand the firm hosts many open days throughout the year and/or the open day is not necessarily made for prospective VS applicants, it may be less compelling of a reason.
5. Consider your own schedule and priorities: consider how interested you are in this specific firm as compared to other firms and whether waiting to submit the VS application later is feasible in the context of the rest of your application schedule (as you may find yourself juggling many competing deadlines).

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Is Hogan's WG timed?

 

[Popsmoke]

Does anyone know when the deadline is for DLA piper I cannot find it anywhere 😭

 

[Superfrozone]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

 

[johnsmith]

I would say it depends on the firm and the general situation. I would consider some of the following factors in deciding what to do:

1. Firstly, if the firm's VS application deadline is a long time after the open day date, you may as well wait as it is unlikely that you will have a significant advantage if you apply now.
2. If the firm's VS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, this is a consideration in favour of applying now. Nonetheless, bear in mind that if the ultimate deadline date is still far into the future, applying after you receive the open day application result/after attending the open day will not put you at a significant disadvantage - even firms with reviewing applications on a rolling basis report that they get 90% of their applications in the final few days before the deadline. Furthermore, if the firm has arranged an open day before the VS deadline, it is likely that they will want to properly consider the VS applications of open day attended.
3. Consider the importance of the open day in the context of the firm's recruitment practices: there are firms known to place a (comparatively) disproportionate amount of weigh on whether a candidate has attended an open day or not, to the extent of even putting them on a different application track altogether. If this is the case for your firm, it is a very strong reason to wait for the outcome.
4. If on the other hand the firm hosts many open days throughout the year and/or the open day is not necessarily made for prospective VS applicants, it may be less compelling of a reason.
5. Consider your own schedule and priorities: consider how interested you are in this specific firm as compared to other firms and whether waiting to submit the VS application later is feasible in the context of the rest of your application schedule (as you may find yourself juggling many competing deadlines).

Andrei these are amazing tips - thank you! They are a top priority for me and have one open day so think I'll hold off for now!

 

[DavidJC]

Weil Insight Day rejection, I did struggle a bit with the application questions though so I'm not too upset about it

 

[user333]

Is this to be accepted onto the Flex Legal platform or for a paralegal job via the platform? In either case though, think standard competency based interview.

Hi, this is to be accepted onto the platform. Thank you

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Ashurst PFOs likely at this point yes? It has been a while ahaha

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Ashurst PFOs likely at this point yes? It has been a while ahaha

If so, would grad rec possibly give results for the online test? just so one can know what areas to work on since lots of firms are using similar tests this cycle

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying 🫢

 

[Superfrozone]

I’m in the same boat but I assume a lot of people applied and we all can’t attend so I’d say apply because I’m still applying 🫢

This is my exact thoughts!

 

[mg42guy32]

I applied for the legal horizons workshop at Covington but got rejected. I am still applying for their winter vacation scheme but do you think there’s a chance I’ll be rejected again.

Likewise and I'm still going to apply to the winter vac anyway haha

 

[User2640]

Hello!

Just to add to previous users, generally, you only capitalise the names of agreements (e.g. share purchase agreement) when you’re referring to a specific, defined document (e.g. “under the Share Purchase Agreement dated X”). If you’re speaking more generally (e.g. “the parties entered into a share purchase agreement”), then I’d keep it lowercase. Just make sure you are consistent throughout!

How about when mentioning practice areas/sectors, is it better to capitalise them? Thank you very much!

 

[TortillaTC]

Weil Insight Day rejection, I did struggle a bit with the application questions though so I'm not too upset about it

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

 

[coolwizard22]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I did their Flying Start Programme last year and the grad rec team said that we should definitely mention if we have met them. It sounds like it's something they look for. However, if you haven't, I wouldn't worry - there are plenty of other ways to have a strong application.

 

[DavidJC]

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

12 Oct on the deadline