TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, when drafting an application for a firm I had an AC with last year, would it be advisable to mention the AC? Worried that it would be looked on negatively seeing as I didn't get the TC. Or should I briefly mention it and explain how I've improved since then? Thank you

Hey!

Great question! The short answer is yes, you can mention the AC, but only if it adds value to your narrative. It won't be seen as negative as long as you frame it positively and show growth.

A sensible approach could be to:

• Briefly state you reached the AC last year
• Note that the experience highlighted areas you've since strengthened (for example, commercial awareness, communication, confidence)
• Show the steps that you have taken to improve, discussing real-life examples
• Reaffirm your continued motivation for the firm

This turns it into a positive - the firm already saw potential, and you have developed further since then!

That said, I would generally try not to force it in to the application if it doesn't feel relevant. If you can't link it to clear improvement or it interrupts the flow of your application, it's completely fine to leave it out. It's not a requirement, and it won't harm your chances either way.

Best of luck with your application

 

[nbjani]

Hey! Anyone have any insights into the Gowling and Dentons VIs - just basically if I need to have my motivations practices or if they’re more skills/situation based? Also I have a DLA phone interview next week and no idea what to do! Any help would be appreciated. I’ve never got this far so the joy of getting past some applications has now turned into horror of what’s to come.

 

[sooae]

Twinnn you get it!!! I have a couple I need to binge on my list so I will defo add this to my list 🙂‍↕️

Joining the kdrama bandwagon! Add lovely runner to your list 🤣

 

[Wompycapy]

For White & Case’s question, “Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended (e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.). These do not need to be White & Case specific. (Max. 350 words)”:

(a) What structure should I follow?
(b) Can I refer to virtual events such as those run by TCLA? I am an international student so, apart from one Open Day, I do not have much in-person experience. Virtual events have therefore been particularly valuable for me.

I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has applied, and also from @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu , who are known for their structure and strategies here in TCLA

Thank you in advance!

Can't say for structure cuz everyone is different. For the events make sure you focus on

My roommate just came home with some wine - I guess Kirkland motivational question will have to wait till tomorrow 😂

May I introduce you to the art of drunk drafting.

 

[elle woods]

Can't say for structure cuz everyone is different. For the events make sure you focus on

May I introduce you to the art of drunk drafting.

do you think drunk drafting actually works? I've heard people drink whiskey here while they write their essays and apparently they get their essays done faster and get a better grade 🤣

 

[anon78365222111]

Is there a list of firms you can apply to more to a once on this website? I know NRF and Covington allow it. Any more?

 

[Lord Sumption]

do you think drunk drafting actually works. I've heard people drink whiskey here while they write their essays and apparently they get their essays done faster and get a better grade 🤣

Trust me it does!! 3 glasses of Sauvignion Blanc with some house music on in the background, and I'm writing The Budget for 2027 and re-writing the Magna Carta haha! Or maybe that's just me - but I definitely feel I can write better applications when not sober lol 😭

 

[elle woods]

Trust me it does!! 3 glasses of Sauvignion Blanc with some house music on in the background, and I'm writing The Budget for 2027 and re-writing the Magna Carta haha! Or maybe that's just me - but I definitely feel I can write better applications when not sober lol 😭

Wow Lord Sumption, I knew you were a cool judge and all that, but I didn't know you had such abilities! Maybe I'll take a page from your book one day

 

[Lord Sumption]

Wow Lord Sumption, I knew you were a cool judge and all that, but I didn't know you had such abilities! Maybe I'll take a page from your book one day

Thanks! But be warned—these ‘abilities’ come with a strict dress code: robe by day, cape by night. 🦸‍♂️⚖️

 

[Harvey Specter]

Trust me it does!! 3 glasses of Sauvignion Blanc with some house music on in the background, and I'm writing The Budget for 2027 and re-writing the Magna Carta haha! Or maybe that's just me - but I definitely feel I can write better applications when not sober lol 😭

Lord Sumption >> the other UKSC justices. 😎​

 

[Lord Sumption]

Lord Sumption >> the other UKSC justices. 😎​

You're making me blush!

I must confess, I rather enjoyed my little excursion into parking law. My judgment in Parking Eye Ltd v Beavis (2015) was pretty solid. I had the pleasure of reminding everyone that a reasonable parking charge can be more than just a ticket - it can be a perfectly lawful assertion of commercial sense. One might even say the law parked itself neatly in my favour!

 

[elle woods]

You're making me blush!

I must confess, I rather enjoyed my little excursion into parking law. My judgment in Parking Eye Ltd v Beavis (2015) was pretty solid. I had the pleasure of reminding everyone that a reasonable parking charge can be more than just a ticket - it can be a perfectly lawful assertion of commercial sense. One might even say the law parked itself neatly in my favour!

HAHA the pfp I LOVE IT LORD SUMPTION - embrace that inner corporate lawyer 😍

and omg the pun is killing me hahahah

Lord Sumption you are truly one of a kind - I will never skim over your judgments in my reading ever again I promise

 

[elle woods]

Is there a list of firms you can apply to more to a once on this website? I know NRF and Covington allow it. Any more?

Sidley I believe, I'm not sure about others tho

 

[Lord Sumption]

HAHA the pfp I LOVE IT LORD SUMPTION - embrace that inner corporate lawyer 😍

and omg the pun is killing me hahahah

Lord Sumption you are truly one of a kind - I will never skim over your judgments in my reading ever again I promise

Since you’re enjoying my judgments, maybe give Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd [2013] UKSC 34 a look - I tried to make piercing the corporate veil as clear (and sensible) as possible, limiting it to cases where a company is used to dodge existing obligations.

So… what do you think of my style there? Did it hit the mark?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Has anyone else got problems trying to apply to ropes & gray vac scheme?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Is there a list of firms you can apply to more to a once on this website? I know NRF and Covington allow it. Any more?​

I think Travers Smith and Macfarlanes also allow people to re-apply in the same cycle, subject to certain conditions which idk off memory.​

 

[Bree]

Hello, can someone please send Kirkland questions? I just traumatised myself by writing 3 extra questions for an application :')

 

[elle woods]

Since you’re enjoying my judgments, maybe give Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd [2013] UKSC 34 a look - I tried to make piercing the corporate veil as clear (and sensible) as possible, limiting it to cases where a company is used to dodge existing obligations.

So… what do you think of my style there? Did it hit the mark?

Although I just said I would never miss an opportunity to read your judgments, your Lordship may have to spare me this one time. Alas, this law student has pressing deadlines to pursue right this moment, but will get back to you once she has entered her final year of study in which she shall choose Company Law so that she may study your Lordship's judgment of "piercing the corporate veil" in rigorous detail 🫣

 

[elle woods]

Hello, can someone please send Kirkland questions? I just traumatised myself by writing 3 extra questions for an application :')

Please tell us what is your proudest achievement and why. This can be from any aspect of your life. (400 words max) *

Please tell us about a recent commercial article or event that has attracted your attention. Please explain why it interested you, give your opinion on the opportunities and challenges that it might present to a law firm such as Kirkland & Ellis. (400 words max) *

Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? (400 words max) *

Why would you like to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis specifically? (300 words max) *

 

[svb risk management intern]

🤣🤣🤣
A perfect visual representation of me after reading that username:

This has to be the funniest thread comment I have seen oh my god 🤣🤣🤣