TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys I'm applying for Taylor Wessing's Cambridge Vacation Scheme, given I'm applying for the Cambridge Office should I make the practice area and deal I mention in my cover letter tailored to Cambridge. I wanted to mention the venture capital team (which I believe is cross-office) but the deal I wanted to mention - which aligns most closely with my experience with start ups - is from London. Thanks!

Hey!

If you're applying specifically to Cambridge, it's definitely a good idea to show some awareness of the kind of work that office is known for. That said, it's totally fine to reference a deal from the London office, particularly if it closely aligns with your experience and interest in venture capital work.

Just make sure that the Cambridge office is involved in similar VC / start-up work (which it often is, and it seems like you believe it is!). You could potentially frame it as: you're drawn to Taylor Wessing's venture capital practice, which is a team that works cross offices, and that the London deal exemplifies the kind of work that excites you and that you'd be keen to get involved with from the Cambridge office.

By acknowledging this, you're showing both awareness of the office you're applying for whilst also demonstrating a genuine interest in the firm's broader VC offering.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[futureharveyspecter]

I've had similar questions and they replied me. I'm pasting the answer verbatim, so it might help you!

Mail from Taylor Wessing graduate recruitment team:

"Within your cover letter, we are looking for you to showcase your key skills, your motivations for applying to Taylor Wessing specifically, and why we're the firm that stands out for you. Therefore, make sure to do your research on our firm before applying so that your cover letter is specific to us, and the scheme that you are applying to. Here, you may wish to share additional information that you have not discussed in your application, as opposed to repeating similar points. We advise candidates to keep their cover letter clear and concise, aiming to be no more than one page.

Your cover letter also allows us to assess your written communication, so ensure to triple check your letter before submitting your application. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes, and that you've kept a high level of attention to detail when writing your cover letter."

I hope that helps!

Would this mean that we don't have to include the usual "why commercial law" within the cover letter and focus more on the firm and key skills that we have, considering 1 page doesn't give you a lot of room.

 

[Lawlawland]

Would this mean that we don't have to include the usual "why commercial law" within the cover letter and focus more on the firm and key skills that we have, considering 1 page doesn't give you a lot of room.

I'm planning to do the same, as the question given is about the skills. I might also attempt to parallel the things I like about the firm with how that fits my skillset, something I tried with Slaughter and May application, as they're strictly one page. It helps me reduce the page length from 1.75 to 1 page.

Also, though people might already know this, using Google Docs helps me extend the margins without making it look clumsy in the PDF format. So, I would ideally extend the border to accomodate 3-4 more lines.