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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
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 
Haha thank you! Lord Sumption needs a Training Contract too since he has retired from the Supreme Court! He has decided to enter the commercial law sphere😂
Hello!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!
Happy to help
The way that I would structure the answer is as follows:1. Short introduction
Briefly state the range of events you have attended and how they've supported your understanding of commercial law
2. Key events
For each event, I would include:
- Name & organiser (e.g. TCLA workshop, firm open day, other virtual experience)
- What you learned (e.g. practice area insights, commercial awareness, or specific skills)
- Impact on you (e.g. how this shaped your interests, clarified firm preferences, or built confidence)
3. Final takeaway
I would summarise how these experiences have strengthened your motivation for commercial law and informed your application to White & Case.
In relation to whether you can include virtual events such as TCLA - yes, you can absolutely include them! Firms understand that applicants, especially international students, often rely on them to gain an insight into specific firms. What matters is what you gained from these events, not whether the event was in person.
You could potentially add a short line for context, for example: "As an international student, virtual events such as TCLA's workshops have been particularly valuable in giving me consistent access to industry insights"
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Bahahaha 🤣 Lady Hale will (may) soon be joining you in that pursuit
Hi!
I'm well, thank you - hope you are too!
From the FAQs on their website, I can see that it states: "Yes, we welcome you to apply again but you will need to wait for the next application cycle." Therefore, I would assume that you cannot reapply in the same cycle
Hey!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
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
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
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.
Joining the kdrama bandwagon! Add lovely runner to your list 🤣
Can't say for structure cuz everyone is different. For the events make sure you focus onFor 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!
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 🤣
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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
Thanks! But be warned—these ‘abilities’ come with a strict dress code: robe by day, cape by night. 🦸♂️⚖️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 >> 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!
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