TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

The way I understand the question is it’s asking ‘why you’ and ‘why Macfarlanes’, but not in the traditional format or structure. 😅

I guess the main objective is demonstrate your interest in Macfarlanes and your suitability as a future associate at the firm.

I would approach it with the following things in mind to form a basic answer. I don’t think there is a single way of answering it though. 🥲

1) what experiences I have (e.g., legal advice clinic, internships, insight days, part-time jobs, society roles, volunteering, etc).
2) what skills, competencies, values and other qualities I have gained from these roles that are transferable to a career at Macfarlanes.
3) how do these things align with Macfarlanes and demonstrate that I belong at their firm i.e., why me and tie it into why their firm.
4) are there certain aspects of the firm e.g. TC structure, specialist seats, business strategy or firm culture that I resonate with and why.
5) bringing everything together, why would you belong at Macfarlanes over any other firm such as Travers Smith or Slaughter and May.

Ultimately, I would write it assuming the reader knew nothing about me or my motivations but knew everything about Macfarlanes. 🥲

The task would be to show a strong alignment between myself and Macfarlanes and how I am someone that belongs at the firm. 😅

The answer should be so specific and tailored to Macfarlanes that if you removed their name, it would still be clear it’s about them.​

Thanks Harvey, and also wanted to seek advice from everyone here. For ease of ref, here is the question:

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? (Max 300 words)

I will approach it with explaining how my competencies, skills, and interests in the practice areas they excel in align with them. However one thing I struggle with is that unlike some other firms, they don't list on the website any specific skills / competencies they look for, like Hogan Lovells. Does anyone have any insights into what makes them unique in terms of their culture, working styles, or anything beyond their practice areas?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

DLA Piper confirmed they are not rolling basis via e-mail. Strange.

They have been RB in the past - but they have changed their process slightly this year with new questions and moving the London deadline.

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I know what you mean. Tbh I think they might do semi rolling like Bakers do but I still think if you are rolling just state it as we are prioritising rolling apps. I spoke to them twice about this by email and at an event this cycle. Both occasions they said they are not rolling.

It is frustrating but I will try clarify this on my discovery day maybe third time accurate 😂

 

[abc124]

I just took the W&C test and I did get the Cappfinity 'Your answers have been recorded' outro but the W&C portal shows 'In progress' and the 'Take test' button didn't disappear, is this normal?

 

[ali-k]

hi, i just wanted some advice, i recently was lucky enough to be invited to an AC for macfarlanes. I am just looking for some advice on what to do and how to prepare from now, its in about a months time. on the email they mentioned that the day will include a group negotiation exercise, a written exercise, and a competency and case study interview. I am fairly confident on preparing for the competency interview, and the group negotiation exercise sounds similar to things I have done at uni, but how would I best prepare for these elements?

 

[ssszzg]

Hi guys, is it just me or are there no questions for the Mishcon Spring VS application this year?

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Hello,
For law firms that require a CV, do we just list work experiences, or do we highlight transferable skills to a commercial lawyer?

Many thanks

 

[Future Trainee - 2027 confirmed]

I know what you mean. Tbh I think they might do semi rolling like Bakers do but I still think if you are rolling just state it as we are prioritising rolling apps. I spoke to them twice about this by email and at an event this cycle. Both occasions they said they are not rolling.

It is frustrating but I will try clarify this on my discovery day maybe third time accurate 😂

Yeah.... I wouldn't push it, I would use the open day as an opportunity to stand out as they take notes on those that ask questions, speak with partners to apprentices (some only talk to partners - don't be this person) and find out more information on the firm, working conditions and benefits for employees to use at the A/C. They take notice of those who appear engaged, ask the right sort of questions and speak to everyone.

Note if you have asked this twice via email, baring in mind what they are looking for at the internship is communication, networking, and whether colleagues actually want to work with you and attention to detail - if you ask the same question three times that's not showing an ability to comprehend information or attention to detail. Apologies if this comes off a certain type of way, not trying to be harsh or rude just pointing it out.

 

[llblawstudent]

Hi guys, is it just me or are there no questions for the Mishcon Spring VS application this year?

For many law firms it seems. Freshfields, Mayer Brown, both the same.

 

[an03]

does anyone know if you can re-record your answers for the Latham VI?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

A&O WVS PFO

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Who has found Clifford Chance's new application system very difficult to navigate... It doesn't have a "Save" option! Hate it