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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Anybody else faced random disconnections in the middle of the white & case VI? Hopefully my responses were eventually submitted properly
I'm still waiting to receive the second online assessment for Freshfields summer VS. Should I be worried?
Has anyone heard back from Linklaters about the Winter Vacation Scheme? My application status shows on hold...
Hello!
This is usually the case - however, some firms do close their applications at times such as 5pm, so I’d try to submit it as early as possible!
Thank you!Hello!
This is usually the case - however, some firms do close their applications at times such as 5pm, so I’d try to submit it as early as possible!
Hi Abbie,Hey!
That’s a really good question - I’ve found that when a firm doesn’t ask separate “why law, why us, why you” questions, the key is to make your cover letter flow naturally while still touching on those areas.
You don’t need to include a full example for every point - I would focus on depth over breadth. For instance, choose one or two aspects of the firm’s work (e.g. a specific deal, client sector, or initiative) and explain why they genuinely interest you and how they align with your experiences and goals. This shows thoughtful engagement without overwhelming the cover letter with too many points.
When it comes to discussing your skills, I would avoid using the full STAR structure since it can make the letter feel too long. I would instead weave your examples into short, integrated sentences that connect your points seamlessly - e.g. “Through my time at [X], I developed strong attention to detail, which I applied when…”. This is essentially a very short STAR example contained within one sentence!
I’d think of your cover letter as a concise narrative that ties together your motivations with how your skill set makes you a good fit. It will definitely be tricky to include it all within a page, but by making sure all of your points are concise and add value, you should cover everything!
I hope that helps
Thank you so much for your reply!
So would you say I shouldn't mention any deals in the cover letter though? Again, if I had a separate question to expand on it further, I for sure wouldn't because it can be a bit tedious to read, but I'm afraid that without examples, statements that I make about the firm may come off a bit hollow or superficial. Along the lines of your work in life sciences is really interesting, without giving an example of what's interesting or being able to exemplify why.
Mine is the same, so I imagine they are just working through it or it is a PFO lol. Surprising it takes so long for a test invite to come through...
I think they send it out in batches so don't be worried, they could just be waiting for more people to send out the next batch
Has anyone heard back from Cleary about WVS yet?
Thank you! Very stressed about the VI though but we'll just see how it goes I suppose!
Does anyone know if there is a word count for the questions for Morrison Foerster? I can't seem to find any
Do you think it's too late to apply to Mayer Brown vacation scheme given it's rolling and it opened on 1st Sept (deadline 16th Dec)? Also, as someone eligible for both, would you recommend applying vacation scheme or straight tc? Many thanks!
Averaged 62 and 61 in my first two years, including 2x 2:2s, but applied to Cleary last year after graduation and passed the initial screening. Did have a really strong final year though where I topped a module.
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