TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[kukubird]

Most likely they won't like TW, Cooley, Cleary, and Winston.

Ah, okay thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi @Abbie Whitlock tysm for your help previously. Could I ask the best way to structure these questions? Since they’re a lot, just some bullet points will do! All 250 words each. Thank you in advance

Please explain why you want to be a solicitor & what about the role at Michelmores appeals to you the most?

At Michelmores we have 3 values: collaborative, commercial and creative - how do you think these values help us to ensure our long term success?

What value do you think solicitors add to a transaction, and why is this important for clients?

What are the key skills you have learnt from your extracurricular activities and/or work experience and why are these skills important for a legal career?

Hi!

Of course, no problem at all!

Happy to help - I'll set out how I would approach each question below.

Question 1 - Why you want to be a solicitor and why Michelmores

I would split this into two separate parts:

First half: why solicitor

• Start by outlining what genuinely draws you to the role (whether that is problem-solving, working with clients, intellectual challenge, etc).
• Provide a brief example that shows the above and confirms your interest (this could be from work experience, uni modules, part-time work, etc.)
• Keep your answer reflective overall - go beyond "I enjoy law", and discuss why the solicitor role specifically suits you

Second half: why Michelmores

• Give 1-2 specific differentiators that show you have researched the firm and understand its unique offerings (e.g. sector strengths, strategy, culture, client base, etc.)
• Link those to your interests (i.e. through past experiences) or your future career goals
• End with a sentence that ties your motivation for working as a solicitor and the firm together

Question 2 - How do collaborative, commercial and creative ensure long-term success?

I would structure this as:

• Briefly introduce your answer by recognising that values shape a firms strategy and culture
• Then I would take each value one by one and discuss how they ensure long-term success - for example, collaboration leads to stronger client relationships and retention, commercial awareness leads to a good reputation and advice that aligns with client objectives, and creativity leads to innovation and adaptability.
• Conclude by tying these all together and explaining how they create success together - for example, sustainable growth and a competitive advantage

Question 3 - What value do solicitors add to a transaction?

I would structure this in three main parts:

• Start by briefly defining the role of a solicitor in a transaction (e.g. not just drafting documents, but anticipating risk and enabling the deal)
• Explain 2-3 distinct types of value - this could be risk management, structuring and negotiation, process management (e.g. co-ordinating parties and managing timelines). For each point, explain how this will benefit the client (e.g. avoids disputes and protects reputation).
• Conclude by tying it back to what the client prioritises - essentially, show that solicitors add value beyond technical legal drafting.

Question 4 - Key skills from extracurricular / work experience and why they matter

I would generally avoid listing skills, and instead:

• Pick 2-3 strong skills that are transferable to the role of a solicitor
• For each, give a short example of where you developed it and explain why it is important for a solicitor (e.g. client management, attention to detail, resilience, teamwork, etc.)
• Conclude with a sentence that links the skills to the responsibilities that trainees have

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

 

[8law]

hello is anyone able to provide insights into the mills and reeve ac, i can provide insights into other firms in return please pm me

 

[Legallywhatever]

Is anyone applying to grad solicitor apprenticeships?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi @Andrei Radu & @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you are well!
I have an AC in a couple of weeks and was wondering what the most crucial commercial matter/news currently to be aware of (for case studies)

 

[yumjuicebox]

hi!! has anyone heard back from hogan for summer vac scheme post job sim? thank you in advance!

 

[ABC234]

Why is everyone hearing back and my email is dry as the desert 😭 😭 😭

 

[Gracejonesd]

Hi has anyone heard anything from Russell-Cooke today? Apparently they are sending out responses in batches :/

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

hi!! has anyone heard back from hogan for summer vac scheme post job sim? thank you in advance!

Yeah quite a few people have had ACs and summer vac scheme offers. I think HL ACs run until March though so there’s still a chance!​

 

[tc2026]

hey has anyone heard back from the Bank of England?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

GT PFO

What's GT?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Why is everyone hearing back and my email is dry as the desert 😭 😭 😭

Mine too

 

[haribolover]

What's GT?

Greenberg Traurig - also was rejected

 

[desk70]

I'm still waiting on Osborne Clarke post- commercial AC. Is it a pfo?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Russell-Cooke spring vac scheme video interview - any insights very welcome!

Congratulations + good luck! - Was there a stage before this? applied late so a bit out of the loop with RC - thanks

 

[Jennifer2003]

Has anybody had experience with the Walker Morris AC? Would appreciate any advice

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hi has anyone heard anything from Russell-Cooke today? Apparently they are sending out responses in batches :/

Hey! I haven't heard from them either. I was just wondering how you know they are sending them out in batches?

 

[ChambersLoading]

Whilst working as a paralegal may be helpful for future applications, they're not a guarantee that you'll secure a training contract. If you are struggling for money, I would suggest broadening your search to include other roles and industries. You don't have to work directly in the legal industry to have exposure to it and to gain the skills, experience and attributes needed to be successful at landing a training contract.

I agree, no point limiting myself to paralegal roles. Are there any jobs you’d recommend that value a legal degree or background, or that help build transferable skills?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Hey,

Has anybody heard from:

Stephenson Harwood
Charles Russell Speechlys
Russell Cooke
Shoosmiths (London)
Marriot Harrison
Simmons (Bristol)
Bevan Brittan ?

Have received the SJT for S&S Bristol but haven't completed it yet, haven't heard back from MH post SJT would be curious to know if anyone has as I believe they said they'd let us know by Feb 27. Haven't heard anything from SH or Russell Cooke

 

[panon]

is it worth applying to a vac scheme that conflicts with one that I currently have (and prefer) In hopes of switching to the direct training contract process halfway through the vac scheme process? this is because this firm's TC deadline was before their vac scheme deadline ... (@Abbie Whitlock)