TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yasmars]

Thinking of the people who wrote 4x 500 word answers for Eversheds only to be scuppered by the critical thinking test 💀 . Why do firms not tell us.

Same firm that runs direct TC apps btw and never hires anyone via that route.

Really annoying that firms are not transparent with their processes. At least get rid or streamline the written aspects if you’re going to introduce tests.

 

[LaDiva]

Taylor Wessing PFO, completed tests 14/11. Exactly the kind of boost I needed before a seminar!!

 

[Amgrad]

Taylor Wessing PFO, completed tests 14/11. Exactly the kind of boost I needed before a seminar!!

Sorry to hear, is this for Spring or Summer?

 

[c.t.tc]

@Abbie Whitlock Do you have any advice for a written exercise that requires quite hefty on the spot reading? Just in terms of approach and how to structure!

 

[M_m]

Anyone applied for CMS on deadline day and received the WG?

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Dear @Kirsty Wilkins !

I know this has already been addressed here, but what is the best way to provide our GCSE grades? Since I, like other candidates on this forum, don't have an option to provide them via the application form. Could it have something to do with my being schooled abroad?

Thank you for your help!!

Hi @yk1906

Your GCSE grades are automatically pulled through into your application from Vantage, so no need for you to do anything else - we will see them as part of your application once we receive it.

Good luck!

Kirsty

 

[jaccobbhx]

Congrats!! When did you receive the invite may I ask?

Yesterday in the afternoon

 

[jaccobbhx]

Congrats!!
Did you apply for 2027 or 2028 TC? Thanks

Thank you! 2027 TC

 

[WiddyJ]

for nrf - are we expected to fill out the work experience section even though they require a CV?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody applied to dentons in mid-november and heard back?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

how likely is it if you attended the latham OD to get an AC seeing as you dont ahve to do the online test

I just know it’s not a guarantee, you can still get PFO’d

Imagine someone who didn’t apply for the open day, but does so well in the VI and has a superb application, of course they will be progressed.

 

[LaDiva]

Sorry to hear, is this for Spring or Summer?

Spring - it's surprising how the little emojis reactions can uplift your spirit! The race carries on!!

 

[Trophy]

Thank you! 2027 TC

Thanks that’s very helpful information.

 

[marisachr]

is it worth applying to W&C now considering its rolling and they close in mid-jan?

 

[lelezb1]

Hello, I’m reviewing my application answers for Wilkie and got a bit confused by this question: ‘Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law.’
I can’t tell if they’re asking for my motivation for pursuing a career in commercial law (based on what I liked/enjoyed during my experience in relation to commercial law), or whether they want me to explain ‘why/how my skills suit the career, hence I want to pursue this career’. It might be obvious, but I am overthinking a lot. So, I’d really appreciate any insight on this. Thanks in advance.
@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[yk1906]

Hi @yk1906

Your GCSE grades are automatically pulled through into your application from Vantage, so no need for you to do anything else - we will see them as part of your application once we receive it.

Good luck!

Kirsty

Thank you 🙏🙏

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Are the Taylor Wessing critical/verbal reasoning test invites automatic?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Did anybody who got Taylor wessing WE apply for the Cambridge summer vac scheme?

 

[Rads]

I would not write to grad rec about it. The general rule is that you should email recruiters about a mistake only if it is necessary to correct that mistake so that they are able to consider your application on its true merits (e.g. correcting a wrong grade entry) or to explain an error that may otherwise be misleading (e.g. correcting a statement that you are applying for a TC instead of a VS). Nonetheless, in your case it is clear what you actually intended to write, so there would be no point to emailing about it. As for your question about how much this could impact your progression chances: in my experience, if your application is a high-quality one otherwise, you can be progressed despite one or two attention to detail errors of this nature.

Andrei, I made a similar mistake where I started directly on why Davis Polk, should I try and rectify it now by emailing the early careers team?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, I’m reviewing my application answers for Wilkie and got a bit confused by this question: ‘Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law.’
I can’t tell if they’re asking for my motivation for pursuing a career in commercial law (based on what I liked/enjoyed during my experience in relation to commercial law), or whether they want me to explain ‘why/how my skills suit the career, hence I want to pursue this career’. It might be obvious, but I am overthinking a lot. So, I’d really appreciate any insight on this. Thanks in advance.
@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

You're not overthinking - that question can read both ways, so the safest and strongest approach is usually to combine the two angles!

When firms ask "Why do you want a career in commercial law?", the graduate recruitment team essentially want to understand:

1. Your genuine motivation - what exposure, experiences or observations made you interested in commercial law specifically (not just law in general)
2. Your suitability - the skills, strengths and working style you have that make this career path a good fit overall.

Most strong answers will weave both together. For example:

1. Start with what sparked your interest (this could be work experience, commercial curiosity, something you studied, a deal you followed, etc)
2. Then link this motivation to the aspects of the job you're drawn to (complex transactions, client-facing work, strategic problem-solving, international matters, etc.). This is also a way to demonstrate an understanding of what trainee solicitors actually do!
3. Finish by showing how your skills and characteristics mean you'd thrive in that environment. Have a think about what skills and traits are essential for trainees, and discuss how you have showcased them in the past.

So it's not necessarily an either / or - they're really asking you to show both your motivation and your fit. A balanced and concise answer should cover everything they want to see!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!!