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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27
- Thread starter Abbie Whitlock
- Start date
Would it be too late if I apply to Macfarlanes on the 27th? I think they warned against applying on the deadline day at their webinar, but I have an interview tomorrow and am working at the same time.
They are non-rolling, but the application form does not have any written questions. It is just personal info, academics and work experience. Stage 1 gets sent like the day after and you have 7 days to complete.
@Abbie Whitlock Should we aim to quantify our achievements for the Macfarlanes work experience section since they ask for bullet points? like we would for the bullet points in a CV? thank u xxx
hihi
did freshfields change their wording on their dtc faq page??
this is what the dtc page says:
their normal faq page says:
im not sure if this difference existed before but now they have sort of framed it as a vac scheme being the main route of recruitment in a way, and avoided publicising a definite intake percentage for either route ('many'). im not sure if this is worth emailing grad rec over but the discrepancy is throwing me off
did freshfields change their wording on their dtc faq page??
this is what the dtc page says:
If a vacation scheme doesn’t fit your circumstances, you’re welcome to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the programme, and many of our trainees join us through the direct application route.
their normal faq page says:
If you are in your penultimate year or beyond, you are eligible to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. There is no advantage in applying for a vacation scheme over a place on the Trainee Associate Programme and approximately half our trainee intakes come from direct Trainee Associate Programme applicants. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the Trainee Associate Programme.
im not sure if this difference existed before but now they have sort of framed it as a vac scheme being the main route of recruitment in a way, and avoided publicising a definite intake percentage for either route ('many'). im not sure if this is worth emailing grad rec over but the discrepancy is throwing me off
Hey!
Yes, I think that is a good approach! I would treat the bullet points fairly similar to CV bullet points, particularly as the format lends itself well to highlighting what you actually did and any tangible outcomes.
However, I wouldn't feel that you have to quantify every single point. If there is a clear number/result (e.g. "increased attendance by 30%", "managed a team of 10", etc.), definitely include it as it makes the achievement more concrete and tangible. If there isn't a meaningful figure, I wouldn't force one in just for the sake of quantifying it.
I would prioritise action + impact/achievement + what you gained. For example:
1. Assisted with X, resulting in Y
2. Managed X people or £X budget, while achieving Y
3. Researched X and presented findings to Y, developing my ability to Z
So essentially, yes to the CV-style approach (broadly speaking), but it helps to focus on the substance rather than trying to make every bullet point contain a quantifiable number (as that isn't always possible).
I hope that assists!
I’m not sure I’d take it as them making the vac scheme the main route. The general FAQ is probably designed to cover as many questions as possible upfront, whereas the DTC page is more tailored. They’ve still said you’re welcome to apply directly and that “many” trainees come through that route, which is pretty reassuring.
Also, Freshfields has one of the larger trainee intakes, so “many” could still mean a lot. If they’ve said “approximately half” on one page and “many” on another, I’d assume it’s still a significant number of direct TC applicants, especially compared with a firm taking 15.
It will be okay!!
There's only 1 predicable VI question the rest of them are based on the situation they present you with
when you are doing a vi that involves a case study are you epxected to memorise figures and maintain eye contact or it it okay to refer to a note you made?
Just attended a firm's webinar on Vac Scheme applications and they really emphasised the importance of a 2.1 across all modules. I have graduated with a 1st and got all 2.1s and above, but got a 55% in my very first exam in first year. Will this put me at disadvantage me in applications for magic and silver circles law firms? :\\
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Not extra sure how strict it is tho - which is also my question for other firms having this policy
Does anyone know where we can find the link to register for the Behind the Scenes with Ashurst Perkins Coie event?
Hey!
This might differ between firms, so I would always check any instructions that they provide before the VI, but I wouldn't worry about memorising every single figure from the case study. If you are given time to make notes, I think it is absolutely fine to jot down key figures, facts or points that you want to refer back to during the VI.
I would just try to avoid having a full script and reading from it, as that can make your delivery feel less natural. For the figures, I would focus on remembering the key ones that are particularly relevant to your analysis, but there is nothing wrong with briefly looking down at your notes to check a number.
For eye contact, I would aim to look at the camera for the majority of your answer, but I don't think you need to maintain constant eye contact. Briefly looking at your notes to make sure you have a figure right is completely nature. I would prioritise giving a clear and well-structured answer over trying to appear perfectly polished or rehearsed!
Hi!
If all of your module grades are 2:1s or above, and the 55% was simply one exam that formed part of a module, I really wouldn't worry too much about this. Most firms asking for a 2:1 across modules will be looking at your overall module grades, rather than individual exam marks, so I think it is unlikely that one 55% exam would disadvantage you (as they are unlikely to find out about it!).
If you mean that the 55% was your overall grade for one particular module, then it may depend slightly on how strictly the individual firm applies its criteria. Some firms may interpret "2:1 across all modules" quite literally, whereas others may take a more holistic view of your academic record.
However, as you have a First overall and 2:1s or above across your other modules, I definitely wouldn't let this put you off applying to MC/SC firms! If you meet the stated requirements, I would apply and let the firm make the decision rather than automatically ruling yourself out
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