It’s like hunger games for this tcla job. I wonder who will get it. 🤺
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I'd advise prioritising quality over quantity. The more research you do into a firm's unique selling points and into linking that to your own interests and experiences, the higher quality of an application you'll be able to write, and the more likely you'll be able to progress to the next stage. Don't worry so much about the number, but work at a pace that helps you to maintain a high quality of application so that the applications you produce aren't immediately getting rejected by Graduate Recruitement
Hi,
When I attended an application workshop, I was told this question is often asked because applicants come in thinking that they're all hands on deck and massively involved in deals, when the reality is that trainees are required for more 'non glamorous' tasks such as support and due diligence, and this question is often asked to see if you understand this. The key word is trainee solicitor, not solicitor! I think mentioning some awareness that you'll be supporting a team and learning a lot on the job is crucial for this answer. You can then try and find an opportunity to link it to the firm's strengths (e.g PE) so you display that you are aware of and familiar with the fields you'll be working in.
Hope this helped!
I know I can’t stand these messages 😂😂
Does anyone find it hard not to fixate on numbers when applying to a Vacation Scheme/Direct TC? Feeling quite hopeless when I am 1 of 3000 applicants competing for 20 odd spots.
To be honest, not too sure on how I felt about the AC. It included a written task, a group task and interview, the firm went through an overhaul of the process so there were limited resources online.
Might be copium but going off last yr's forums I think it was a staggered release, with alot being released in Jan. So fingers crossed there's still hope!
Though saying that I am mentally preparing for a PFO ://// Sucks cause they were my favourite firm, but onwards and upwards ig 🫡 🫡 🫡
Congratulations on getting to the second stage! From my knowledge...
- Before receiving the VI questions, you'll be given access to a bunch of information that is relevant (and should be incorporated where possible) to your VI questions. This access is, at first, untimed, so be sure to read it thoroughly and make notes on what you think are the important bits
- There are four questions that you have two minutes each to answer
- You get somewhere from 30s-1min to answer each question
- Of course prepare the answers to commonly asked questions (e.g. Why Freshfields? Why Commercial Law? Can you describe the role of a trainee solicitor? What is your application strategy? Can you name one industry development that is likely to affect Freshfields in the next 12-18 months?), but recognise that you won't be able to prepare for every question that is asked, so don't be thrown off if that is the case in the real thing
- Accompanying each video interview question are 4/5 SJT-type questions, so be prepared for those
I emailed Freshfields for reasonable adjustments (for second stage VI) 5 days ago and have not received an email back but my deadline to submit is tomorrow. I'm so stressed, what do I do!!! I feel like I already told them about my adjustments in my app but I still wanted to complete the form just in case to confirm. should I send an email to the team?
Double check your invite email - most firms normally automatically apply it to the assessments!
might not sound too helpful but there's also only one of you and the firm you end up getting a TC with will recognise that and value you for what you bring to the table (or so i keep telling myself to stop myself from spiralling)
Don't worry - Graduate Recruitment can be slow to reply sometimes. Even if you're certain you've already told them about your adjustments in your application, it can't hurt to make sure they know, so it's good that you've emailed. I'd recommend reaching out to them on LinkedIn - this is the link to their Senior Recruitment Specialist, and he usually gets back to people within a couple days.
That’s actually helpful to know! Thanks! But yeah I am also now mentally preparing… I hate the waiting game ˙◠˙
No, I completely understand this feeling - you are definitely not alone in feeling this way! A lot of people fixate on the numbers, but that also includes people who end up getting offers!
It is important to remember that, despite the numbers looking very high and daunting, those numbers also include people who are applying with no real interest in the firm, rushed and generic applications, and applicants who are not even eligible to apply just yet. If you have taken the time to research, reflected properly, and shown genuine motivation, you are already not in the “3000”.
It is completely normal to feel hopeless at times. This process is long, gruelling, and often unrewarding in the short term. That does not mean you are doing something wrong or that you are not good enough, though.
Maybe try to focus on what you can control. For example, writing thoughtful and tailored applications, working to improve with each cycle, and building experience and confidence.
The numbers do not define your potential or your future as a lawyer. Please be kind to yourself. Remember, you only need one yes 😊
This is not true!! Don't let the doom and gloom get to you.
Firms take holistic approaches to applications, sure there may be some firms who put a stronger emphasis on grades but many firms do not. I secured a TC at a top US firm without ever even getting a first in any module and only one vac scheme before. One example doesn't exemplify the whole industry, I know the application cycle can feel rough but quality applications are worth it- at the firm I got my TC I spent ages researching them and was truly interested by the work they were doing, and it shone through and made a difference.
Quality applications and a genuine interest in the firm do actually make a difference, despite how hard that might be to believe because of how alienating the process feels.
I appreciate the sentiment within your message. But my thought process isn't based on a single person's success. It's a view which I've developed across multiple application cycles (after seeing who makes it, and who doesn't).
I'd say that around 40-45% of my LLB cohort landed a role in commercial law prior to (or immediately after) graduating from university. In stark contrast, I've also seen some very bright people return to their home countries because they were unable to land a TC. And, these people didn't return home because they were incapable of becoming a commercial solicitor – they were effectively forced to return because they couldn't impress graduate recruitment.
This application cycle, I've written some of my best applications ever. I have only applied to firms which specialise (or have strengths) in the areas of law I am passionate about. I've had my applications reviewed by future/current trainees at the firms I've applied to. Their feedback has been very positive. These applications have been tailored, specific to the firm, and have demonstrated my knowledge/interest/experiences. Yet, for the vast majority of applications I've made, I haven't even been invited to a second stage.
The simple fact is that, while my grades are decent, my experiences aren't that impressive. You had a vac scheme before you secured a TC at a top US firm. My experience is limited to open days and the subjects I studied at university. I promise you, no matter how hard I try to spin the experiences I have, I won't be as successful as you without a great deal of luck.
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