[Official] Willkie, Farr & Gallagher Vacation Scheme Thread 2025/26

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

I'm very happy to say that applications to the Willkie Farr & Gallagher Vacation Scheme are now open!

You can use this thread to chat about your applications to the firm. The deadline to apply is midday on the 10th December 2025.

@Kirsty Wilkins is currently live to respond to any queries until the end of November 2025.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Jaysen

Please note that this thread is kindly sponsored by Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

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[WillkieGemma]

Hi everyone! Welcome to our thread - we'll be on hand to answer any questions you have, or offer advice where needed. The very best of luck to all you.

 

[Alturistic whale]

@WillkieGemma Hey Gemma, thank you for reaching out via TCLA Forums. I have 2 questions;

1. Is there a minimum grade requirement for the PGDL?

2. What is your policy if a candidate fails a module? E.g. I failed my contract law module and had to resit, however, I did have mitigating circumstances for which my GP can attest for.

Appreciate the guidance!

 

[WillkieGemma]

@WillkieGemma Hey Gemma, thank you for reaching out via TCLA Forums. I have 2 questions;

1. Is there a minimum grade requirement for the PGDL?

2. What is your policy if a candidate fails a module? E.g. I failed my contract law module and had to resit, however, I did have mitigating circumstances for which my GP can attest for.

Appreciate the guidance!

Hi @Alturistic whale

We look for a 2.1 at undergraduate and this would follow through to the GDL as a commendation. However, we always take mitigating circumstances into account, at all stages.

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi Gemma!

I hope you’re well.

I have two questions.

1) I made it to the written exercise stage last cycle and was unsuccessful. Would you still encourage me to reapply this year? (Annoyingly, I forgot to ask for feedback on that stage, which I didn’t realise you offered, probably a bit late now!)

2) I’ve applied for the Willkie/TCLA open day. If unsuccessful, can I apply to Willkie’s own Open Day too?

Thank you!

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma!

I hope you’re well.

I have two questions.

1) I made it to the written exercise stage last cycle and was unsuccessful. Would you still encourage me to reapply this year? (Annoyingly, I forgot to ask for feedback on that stage, which I didn’t realise you offered, probably a bit late now!)

2) I’ve applied for the Willkie/TCLA open day. If unsuccessful, can I apply to Willkie’s own Open Day too?

Thank you!

Hi James

I'm very well thanks, and hope you are too.

1. yes of course
2. Yes. Jaysen and his team are looking after applications for the TCLA/Willkie open day, so they are two separate applications.

thanks
Gemma

 

[gracieautumn]

Good morning, Gemma!
I am currently writing my Willkie application, but unfortunately missed your Application Workshop on the 3rd. What would your three top application tips discussed in this webinar be, which may be slightly more personalised to Willkie's preferences? For example, in an older thread, I saw you discuss how Willkie tends to prefer a more factual description of work experience rather than tying it to skills.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Good morning, Gemma!
I am currently writing my Willkie application, but unfortunately missed your Application Workshop on the 3rd. What would your three top application tips discussed in this webinar be, which may be slightly more personalised to Willkie's preferences? For example, in an older thread, I saw you discuss how Willkie tends to prefer a more factual description of work experience rather than tying it to skills.

Hi @gracieautumn my honest advice would be to attend another applications workshop. As we don't recruit on a rolling basis, there is no urgency to submitting your application. My workshops can be found here: https://willkie.app.candidats.io/events

My advice would be the same for all firms; ensure your application is specific to each firm and that it demonstrates your understanding of what the firm does, how it does it, and why that is important to you. With regards to work experience, if it is entirely skills based, it is very difficult to determine what you, the applicant, actually did or achieved.

 

[rain2801]

Hi Gemma, does Wilkie sponsor visas for international students to attend vacation schemes?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma, does Wilkie sponsor visas for international students to attend vacation schemes?

HI @rain2801 nationality doesn't play a part in our decision making process, and we do provide assistance where we are able to.

 

[AGI]

Good morning Gemma!
I hope you are doing well!
I achieved a mid 2:1 in my degree, and I was wondering if candidates with this classification are typically considered for your vacation scheme, or if you tend to prioritise those with a higher 2:1. I’d really value your insight.
Thank you!

 

[WillkieGemma]

Good morning Gemma!
I hope you are doing well!
I achieved a mid 2:1 in my degree, and I was wondering if candidates with this classification are typically considered for your vacation scheme, or if you tend to prioritise those with a higher 2:1. I’d really value your insight.
Thank you!

HI @AGI oh yes, no problem at all!

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi Gemma,

I was wondering whether Willkie requires a 2.1 overall or a 2.1 in every module?

Thank you!

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma,

I was wondering whether Willkie requires a 2.1 overall or a 2.1 in every module?

Thank you!

Hi @londonlawyer We don't require a 2.1 in every module, but it needs to be a strong 2.1 overall with the majority of modules being a 2.1 or higher.

 

[rosedunn]

Hi Gemma - are you open to career switchers?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma - are you open to career switchers?

Hi @rosedunn

Yes, of course! We have a great diversity of background amongst our trainees, associates and partners .

Gemma

 

[rosedunn]

Great thank you Gemma! Final thing is your application for the open day in October rolling?

 

[WillkieGemma]

HI @rosedunn we don't recruit on a rolling basis for any of our programmes/events.

 

[Maddy]

Hi @WillkieGemma, I hope you are doing well.

I am interested in applying for the Spring Vacation Scheme; however, I will not have a valid visa to undertake it, as my current visa is due to expire soon. Does the firm provide sponsorship for applicants to attend the scheme, and whether the assessment centres will be held online to accommodate international candidates?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi @WillkieGemma, I hope you are doing well.

I am interested in applying for the Spring Vacation Scheme; however, I will not have a valid visa to undertake it, as my current visa is due to expire soon. Does the firm provide sponsorship for applicants to attend the scheme, and whether the assessment centres will be held online to accommodate international candidates?

Hi @Maddy nationality doesn't play a part in our decision making process, and we do provide assistance where we are able to. Yes, all parts of the application process can be held online, but the vacation scheme is in person.