• 📅 2025–26 Applications: Vacation Schemes, Open Days & Training Contracts

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    Vacation Schemes
    Rolling vs non-rolling checklist included.
    Open Days & Insight Schemes
    Comprehensive list across top firms.
    Training Contracts
    All key TC deadlines in one place.
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  1. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I would not worry about the recruiters not reading it. If you write you answer well (in a structured, concise, and clear manner) they will definitely read it - the fact that they gave you this higher word count limit reflects the fact that they believe there is enough valuable content to cover...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I would advise you to check the firms' FAQs pages to see if they have any specifically stated policy about this, but in general firms allow candidates to reapply if this is in a different application cycle. Since the new cycle only starts around August/September, the past TC application probably...
  3. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Since the framing of the question does not emphasise one part more than the other, if I were to go for a "split" answer, I would dedicate around 150 words for a section on what skills relevant to commercial law I posses and around 150 words for a section on why this makes Dechert the right fit...
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Just to add to @Abbie Whitlock's great answer here, a structure for open day applications that I have seen worked really well for me and others was the following: State which aspect of the firm that is of interest to me (ideally, one of the firm's unique selling points) I would like to learn...
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think you can treat the personal statement very similarly to a cover letter (in that you should seek to address the why commercial law, why firm, why you questions) but that you should drop the additional formality that comes with letter-style writing (such as the introductions you mentioned).
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    According to their website here the application form does not include any "lengthy written tasks" and is only meant to gather basic information for eligibility assessment purposes. As for whether the applications are rolling or not, I could not find any information on their website, but other...
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think it would be acceptable. I believe the "personal" part is more of an indication that the firm wants you to discuss an achievement that was very much "yours" rather than an achievement of, say, a group you were part of. Nonetheless, even if the firm indented the "personal" part to refer to...
  8. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I could not find any specific information on their website, but based on their specified requirements in other years and my knowledge of the firm, I am quite certain you only need an overall 2.1 to be eligible to apply.
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @AS24 that's a great question I used to also wonder about, and it also gives the opportunity to clear a common misconception. While you may very roughly think of band 1 to band 4 Chambers rankings as going from the "best" to the "worst" in reputation, this best-to-worst ranking is only a...
  10. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    A cover letter should include answers to the three core questions firms also generally ask on their application forms, and I would advise you to structure it by having dedicated paragraphs for each: Why commercial law: You should explain what makes you interested in commercial law rather than...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    In the past few years they also used to run a selective Open Day at their London office and even have a fast-track scheme for attendees for a Vacation Scheme application. I have taken a look on their website and they have not listed this opportunity yet - but this may be because they will...
  12. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    To add to @xMontmorency 's great answer, I would say the trainee experience at Paul, Weiss is likely to be quite different from that at other US firms with small intakes because of: How novel the TC programme is: while it may be a general truth that firms with smaller intakes, and particularly...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think you can include both and ideally should include both. In general, when wring an answer for an extracurriculars application form question, you always want to link the experience to a skill that is relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor. Nonetheless, given the particular language...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @dannyp123 that is a great question! I agree with you that being entrepreneurial is a quality that increases in importance as a lawyer progresses in seniority. As a partner, clients will rely on you to be at times a general strategic advisor and to understand their business like the back of...
  15. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I have no information regarding Clifford Chance being a more difficult firm to reapply to than others, so I would say it's worth a shot: I know of candidates at other top firms being rejected even 4 times straight before finally succeeding. That said, since you have been rejected twice I would...
  16. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    As @Abbie Whitlock mentioned, it can be both. If progression to the second stage is selective - ie they review your application before sending you the test, it is less likely your written application will be reviewed as thoroughly/weighed as heavily as in the case of automatic progression...
  17. Andrei Radu

    Ask 3 future trainees ANYTHING!

    Hi everyone! My name is Andrei, I’m a future trainee at Davis Polk and I am currently in my SQE year. I’m excited to returning as one of TCLA’s Community Assistants for this year alongside @Amma Usman and @Abbie Whitlock. I just wanted to say hi again to those who know me from last year and...
  18. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Chris Brown and huge congrats 🥳 🥳. I am not working on the forums during the summer period, but I saw a post about this on LinkedIn, and I just had to log back in and congratulate you :). Your story is a true testament to what you can achieve through hard work and dedication, and is beyond...
  19. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @KBanana I will give you my thoughts on each of your questions in turn: 1. With busy supervisors, how often should you try to speak to them in a day? The first thing to point out here is the obvious fact that supervisors are also human, and thus prone to inappropriate reactions and mistakes...
  20. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @johnnn821 I have quoted below two posts in which I discussed this topic:

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