TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[londonlawyer]

Whether you can still include a headline interest in "business advisory" as the underlying reason why you want to be a paralegal at a commercial law firm depends on how you elaborate on what you mean by that. On the one hand, if you specify that you are interested in directly advising business on strategic decision-making and influencing their operations, I do not think this will work. Even when applying for a position of a trainee/junior associate this kind of justification would probably appear inadequate, as such direct and high-level client advice is normally only given by senior associates and partners.

On the other hand, if you specify that what you mean by that is that you want to constantly learn about business in a variety of industries and what about what drives their decision-making, and that it means you want to be involved in helping business navigate complex matters with huge strategic implications, I think the justification would be appropriate even for a paralegal role. Just like trainees, paralegals also need to understand the context behind the matters they work on, and I constantly hear lawyers explain how invaluable their support can be on time-sensitive and complicated matters.

The slight shift in the language and focus of these two formulation of what business advisory means may not appear very significant; however, I think for this kind of question it is crucial to showcase a nuanced understanding of the different types of work and responsibilities that exist for the different roles in a commercial law firm. This takes me to my final point: to really demonstrate your interest in a paralegal role specifically, I would advise you to also mention and explain your interest in the typical tasks a paralegal (as opposed to a trainee/junior associate) gets to work on

Thank you so much!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is anyone familiar with how strict Covington is on grades? I can't find much info online and I'm not sure if it's worth it to obsess over the form questions if they won't even read my application (I did get a 2:1 but don't have amazing grades)

From what I know Covington is not generally seen as one of the very grade-focused firms (such as the likes of Slaughter and May and Cleary Gottlieb), so I think your application will be considered even if you do not have an overall "high" 2.1 grade. That said, on their website the firm does specify that they are looking for candidates who have a "strong academic record" - which I interpret as a preference for candidates who have achieved 2.1 grades consistently in their modules (although not necessarily in every single one).

 

[chiichii]

I would advise you to wait until Monday. If you were to reach out now, I do not think this would have a significant impact vis-a-vis reducing the potential inconvenience caused to the manager, as (i) you are unable to give them a clear answer at this point, which will disable the manager from making fixed alternative arrangements, and (ii) normally such issues are not addressed during the weekend. If instead you inform them of the situation on Monday after receiving the open day invitation, you can explain that you have not brought up the issue sooner because you perceived your application as a long shot as this kind of opportunity is very competitive; and thus did not want to inconvenience them for no reason.

Ahh that's fair, now i can see this with a clearer sense. Thanks for the help Andrei, your advice is gold! Really appreciate it 😊🙏

 

[M_m]

Hi, does anyone a sample cover letter for paralegal roles or know where I can find one? Even insight into what I should add and how to structure it would be extremely helpful!

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know if OC give you scores/feedback for their test or if you have to wait until the deadline?

Not sure I've seen anything on timelines - gutted though I didn't finish the 2nd part, so lost at least 2 points - I practised the calendar thing, but the constant shifting days made it tricky!

 

[Freshcutgrass]

Does anyone have any advice on how to answer Clifford Chance's new application questions:

A) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?

B) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

C) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility which you are most proud of or, an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[Dannie]

Where can I find paralegalling opportunities?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

How do you know this? The vs is in December there is still a whole month for ACs

 

[c.t.tc]

Not sure I've seen anything on timelines - gutted though I didn't finish the 2nd part, so lost at least 2 points - I practised the calendar thing, but the constant shifting days made it tricky!

Is this for Osborne Clarke? If so when did you submit your app because I got an email when i submitted at the beginning of this week saying there was some kind of issue with their tests so there would be a delay in sending them out

 

[CharlesT47]

@Andrei Radu Hi, I was wondering whether you could give some advice for a Jones Day Interview. Right now, I am trying to think of an answer as to why JD as opposed to other law firms I have applied to. (e.g Weil, Cleary, Willkie, Kirkland) I have consistently picked US law firms who are strong either in PE or restructuring as those are my main interests. How do I explain my JD pick though-- they have expertise in PE/ Restructuring though not to the same extent as the other firms I've listed.

I am interested in JD mainly for their training and opportunity to shape my own TC. If they did not have this aspect, I wouldn't apply to them. The international nature is appealing to me, but none of the above firms I have applied to above make being a 'global' powerhouse a strong reason for applying and so I find it difficult to use this reason to justify JD.

If anyone is willing to offer some advice, that would be great. Cheers

 

[Pola123]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

 

[Bread]

@Andrei Radu Hi, I was wondering whether you could give some advice for a Jones Day Interview. Right now, I am trying to think of an answer as to why JD as opposed to other law firms I have applied to. (e.g Weil, Cleary, Willkie, Kirkland) I have consistently picked US law firms who are strong either in PE or restructuring as those are my main interests. How do I explain my JD pick though-- they have expertise in PE/ Restructuring though not to the same extent as the other firms I've listed.

I am interested in JD mainly for their training and opportunity to shape my own TC. If they did not have this aspect, I wouldn't apply to them. The international nature is appealing to me, but none of the above firms I have applied to above make being a 'global' powerhouse a strong reason for applying and so I find it difficult to use this reason to justify JD.

If anyone is willing to offer some advice, that would be great. Cheers

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

 

[johnsmith]

Is this for Osborne Clarke? If so when did you submit your app because I got an email when i submitted at the beginning of this week saying there was some kind of issue with their tests so there would be a delay in sending them out

Yes it was for OC, I also got that email indicating next week and then it came early.

 

[johnsmith]

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

I think Goodwin asked what sort of firms you applied to on their form though I think a generalised answer was better there than naming others:

 

[CharlesT47]

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

Hmm I'm not entirely sure I agree with you. I was under the impression that a common interview question is 'What other firms have you applied to? and why us over them' which would neccessitate an explanation as to specific qualities/ differentiating factors.
I feel if I say JD is attractive because of 'small trainee intakes' or 'high responsibility', this isn't entirely convincing as it can be applied to every other US law firm? But thanks for the repsonse.

 

[lawyersum]

is the Osborne Clarke test only verbal reasoning?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

Sorry to hear this and know how upsetting this can be. Was this for London if you don't mind sharing.

 

[johnsmith]

is the Osborne Clarke test only verbal reasoning?

They detail in their email what the tests are and there’s a link to find practice ones - they use a provider that I’ve not seen before!

 

[safari3]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

Sorry to hear this Did you check if the firm has a policy to reject candidates that made it to AC or the Internship in a recent cycle? I wouldn't take it heart and wish you the best of luck in your other applications!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice on how to answer Clifford Chance's new application questions:

A) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?

B) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

C) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility which you are most proud of or, an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I can offer some general advice on the things I would / wouldn't include in the new application questions! They are designed to test your self-awareness, motivations, and fit with the firm's culture, so I would make sure that you are specific and reflective (and avoid being generic).

Question A

It's important to show that you've genuinely researched the firm, and why (based on this research) the firm is the right fit for you. I would avoid generic things such as "global firm" or "prestige", and try to show you actually understand what makes Clifford Chance stand out (such as their LIFT or ACCESS programmes). Then link this back to you specifically - how does working at Clifford Chance align with the kind of lawyer you want to be and your future career goals.

Question B

Have a think about what makes a good Clifford Chance trainee (e.g. teamwork, attention to detail, resilience, commercial thinking, etc.). There might be a list of traits and skills that they value on their website - it might be worth having a read of those as well. Pick 2-3 real examples from your past experiences (e.g. uni projects, part-time work, volunteering, internships) that prove that you have developed those skills. Don't just list them - show the situation, what you did, and the outcome. This is where you can show reflection and self-awareness - be concise in discussing the experience itself, and focus on what you did that helped you to develop those skills and attributes and how they would help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

Question C

I would choose a few extra-curriculars or achievements that you're genuinely proud of. It could be something such as running a society, volunteering work, a particularly high grade, or even something more centred in your personal life. When I was writing a similar question for Clifford Chance a few years ago, I discussed achieving a high grade in a public speaking module (as this was an area I wasn't confident in). As long as you can show why it was important to you and why you are proud of it, most examples can work here! The experience you choose should show some relevant transferable skills as well, such as initiative, leadership, or perseverance. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it's shaped you.

In summary: specific examples + reflection + link back to CC. This will help make your answers personal and tailored, and avoid generic reasonings. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application