TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[M85672]

Hi,

So Sidley's A-Level requirement is AAA - I achieved an AAB but have also now graduated from a prestigious university with a 2:1, <1% away from a First. Is this something I could plausibly try to elaborate on in order to still try to apply?

I know firms generally have contextual recruitment, so just wondering if this would fall into that scope? Thanks

 

[CharlesT47]

Do we know if rolling basis actually matters for Sidley? I know for most firms its largely irrelevant

Yeah I agree— it always seems that firms say they are rolling but getting an application in early just means they will review it earlier. Like Willkie’s Vac scheme they claim to be rolling but only shortlist candidates past the deadline which defeats the whole point of rolling?

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi also has anyone got Macfarlanes' SJT? I haven't received an invite to do it although applied like 5 days ago

 

[Jaysen]

For Willkie/ TCLA open days, if I withdraw my application (due to me discovering how to improve it), will you still accept my second application?

That's fine. If you can drop me an email at [email protected], we'll make a note of this.

 

[TCLA0322]

Hi,

For Sidley Austin's work experience section, it only allows a maximum of four work experiences to be filled. I wonder if it’s better to list all four legal work experiences, or is it more recommended to fill in the four most recent or substantial work experiences?

 

[Maddy]

Hi,

For Sidley Austin's work experience section, it only allows a maximum of four work experiences to be filled. I wonder if it’s better to list all four legal work experiences, or is it more recommended to fill in the four most recent or substantial work experiences?

I used my substantial work to fill the four spaces, but since its work experience, I included my non-legal experience as well to demonstrate transferable skills necessary for the legal field. I hope this is correct.

 

[htrizzy100]

Have you spoken to the firm?

I've been told "we won't interview you again" at one, but in another have been reinterviewed with substantially the same application

Haven't recently but they did say at interview feedback to not apply in the same cycle (which I am not) - Did you mention you had applied before because i'm considering not mentioning due to negative bias

 

[i-want-a-tc]

If your written application was successful in the last cycle and the questions are the same, can you submit same application but with a few changes?

 

[noahsmiit01]

" I don't have a prize because I am the prize"

Wonder whether the application will automatically get rejected if someone says that instead of leaving it blank hmm

 

[noahsmiit01]

Does anyone know if TCLA have opened up a forum for training contract deadlines for 2025-26?

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jaysen, can you confirm this, please, as well as would it be possible to update the Vac Scheme vs DTC app list: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....t-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/#post-185048

Many thanks in advance

 

[Jaysen]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jaysen, can you confirm this, please, as well as would it be possible to update the Vac Scheme vs DTC app list: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....t-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/#post-185048

Many thanks in advance

Hey @noahsmiit01 - thanks for flagging this. Will add this to the list! We are hoping to get both up as soon as possible (expecting the first week of Sept).

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone,

Today is @Ram Sabaratnam's last day at TCLA as he goes on to start his training contract.

I hope you'll join me in saying a huge THANK YOU to @Ram Sabaratnam for being such a helpful part of our community team and for being so willing to help so many people in the community.

We will miss you Ram!

 

[JasmineM9]

Hey everyone,

Today is @Ram Sabaratnam's last day at TCLA as he goes on to start his training contract.

I hope you'll join me in saying a huge THANK YOU to @Ram Sabaratnam for being such a helpful part of our community team and for being so willing to help so many people in the community.

We will miss you Ram!

Thank you for everything @Ram Sabaratnam! 🤩🤩

 

[Harvey Specter]

Thank you @Ram Sabaratnam for all your help and support on the forum this year. You helped so many of us achieve our dreams. Best of luck with your training contract at Cooley! 🐐​

 

[Shahenshah]

Hi also has anyone got Macfarlanes' SJT? I haven't received an invite to do it although applied like 5 days ago

Im still waiting, I sent their Early Careers team an email and they said it still has not been fixed.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thanks @Jaysen!

As I sign off from the forum, just wanted to say it's been such a privilege to watch so many of you grow in confidence, share advice, and support one another through what is admittedly a pretty tough process. As some of you head into the next cycle, my hope is that you keep helping each other out. You'll likely face knock-backs, moments of self-doubt, and wonder if it’s really worth it. But remember: fall down seven times, stand up eight!

Wishing you all the very best of luck with your applications. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines and can’t wait to see where your paths take you!

 

[jojo23]

Wonder whether the application will automatically get rejected if someone says that instead of leaving it blank hmm

Which one of us is taking one for the team (@Chris Brown, I'm looking at you)🤣

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

@Ram Sabaratnam Wishing you all the best for your training contract. I have appreciated your posts of help and encouragement which in part will lead to you being NQ as I start mine! Thanks for all your pearls of wisdom!

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Just received macfarlanes assessment invite

 

[Joey green]

Me too: macfarlanes: does everyone get an invitation? I thought it was automatic.