TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DavidJC]

Does anybody know if Mayer Brown's VACS application is on a rolling basis?

They actually said in an online event that it's non-rolling this year because they've changed to a new process with the SJT and VI instead of application questions so they're trialing things, but I imagine they will have started screening already, just not made any final decisions.

 

[confusedbird]

Hi guys, this is my 2nd/3rd application cycle and will require visa sponsorship. I applied to 4-9 firms last year but did not really focus on it, took a break to work on my academics. I have an overall first class degree and decent work experiences. Having graduated it is a bit hard to stay as motivated without my peers at university when we were all working towards the same goal together. I have been fortunate to receive mentoring where they have motivated me to apply this year and give it my all saying that I should have a decent shot. However, recently I have doing my self struggle to apply. I am finding it really hard to focus on written applications and researching the firm. I keep delaying some apps because of the pressure of this being the application cycle and often end up leaving it to the deadline despite having enough time. Due to this I have missed the deadline for 2 firms. It is not a question of being driven to apply or understanding the seriousness of the situation, I am simply unable to get anything out even if I sit down at my desk and spend days on an app until and unless it is the last day. Sometimes I find all this too overwhelming and that is why I suspect am freezing, procrastinating, shutting down, and unknowingly sabotaging myself.

I have thought of these measures but not sure how they will work, would appreciate your advise:

A. Do not try and one shot an application in a day as that often causes me to not get most work done. Rather start earlier and do parts even if it one question or a small part of a cover letter/ research or organising my points.

B. Just better time management and organisation. I am planning an ambitious number of quality applications and December is likely to have the most deadlines, so while this may not prevent being overwhelmed it could at least leave me in a better situation.

C. I think I am over emphasising and trying too much to be a perfectionist leading to worse apps in my mind and also deadline issues, so getting normal drafts out and then editing them later instead of write edit keep editing then continue writing.

D. Sometimes reinventing the wheel, because I have done an application cycle because I feel that I have become over reliant on parts that worked previously whether it is why commercial law, why you, or why this practice area, and using similar iterations. When having to do an application where the practice area of interest is one I have not written about before, it can cause some friction, so embracing these new changes and trying out new iterations.

I feel very unlike myself and all the stress has been overwhelming. I really want to break this vicious cycle of mistakes and make it work. I would appreciate any all advise from those who have or are going through the same.

Just to add to the amazing advice given by others - you could try setting fake deadlines and noting them down as the actual deadlines as a safety net.

When you start working on the applications, you'll likely forget those are fake. I've done this multiple times for all sorts of things and it usually helps me get out of the "I need to do this but my brain isn't complying so I'm just sitting here frozen" situation. It also helps avoid missing deadlines because you have an inbuilt extension if you remember to check the actual deadline.

 

[legal18]

Has anyone heard from Weil post-VI? Is it likely that they'll look at the Amberjack pillars first and then decide whether to review the VI questions or take a holistic approach?

 

[applicant3000]

If anyone has Weil VI advice and is happy to share, please DM me! I'm happy to share insights for Mayer Brown, Macfarlanes, Simmons and B&B

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Just spotted a spelling typo in one of the vac scheme applications I sent off. Jesus take the wheel.

I would try not to panic too much - most firms will generally allow a few minor SPAG errors without it negatively impacting the overall application!

If it is just one spelling typo, this should be completely fine

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anybody have any advice on how to answer the following-Identify an industry sector of interest to you and discuss its current challenges or opportunities and how the Firm could help a client in the sector navigate these. (400 words max) for Baker McKenzie

Hello!

You could approach this by choosing an industry sector that you genuinely understand or find interesting, then building your answer around three main parts: (1) the sector, (2) its current challenges or opportunities, and (3) how Baker McKenzie can help clients navigate them. A way to structure it could be:

1. Choose a sector you can talk about confidently

This could include technology, financial services, consumer goods, energy, etc. I would pick one where you can point to clear trends in the market and legal implications that arise from these.

2. Outline 2-3 key challenges or opportunities

For example, if you choose technology, you might talk about:

• Increasing global regulation of AI and data privacy
• Digital transformation and M&A activity
• Cybersecurity and cross-border data transfers

Or, if you choose energy and renewables, you might discuss:

• The pressure to decarbonise
• Transition financing needs
• Complex ESG reporting requirements

Overall, I would aim for issues that are cross-border and legally complex, rather than generic ones. This will give you a lot more to talk about, and make it easier to link to Baker McKenzie.

3. Link those issues to Baker McKenzie's strengths

This should be the main part of your answer. Have a think about what Bakers McKenzie's strengths in the markets are, and their USPs. Show how these strengths help a client in your chosen sector. For example, if you choose tech:

• Baker McKenzie could help clients navigate global data-privacy regimes
• They can advise on IP protection and licensing as companies scale internationally
• They can support AI governance frameworks as new regulation emerges

I'd make sure to connect it to how Baker McKenzie would add value to their clients - what would they actually do that would help a client navigate these issues in the market?

4. Tie it all together

End by showing that you understand how the firm's global and multidisciplinary approach lets it solve complex, multi-jurisdictional problems in your chosen sector.

Keeping it within 400 words should be relatively straightforward if you focus on one sector and avoid trying to cover too much (and focus on depth!).

I hope that helps - best of luck with the application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , I am a career changer and, while applying to the Skadden's VS, there is a question re other career would I choose rather than law. However, as I am coming from another direction, law is not a backup plan, but my genuine career of choice. I am unsure about how to describe this

Hey!

As a career changer, you can definitely still answer this without making it sound like law is a backup plan!

For this question, Skadden isn't trying to test whether you're secretly unsure about law. They just want to understand what motivates you and what kinds of work appeal to you. You could frame it along these lines:

• Acknowledge that even though you've come from another career, moving into law is a deliberate and genuinely chosen path for you - although I'd keep this very brief
• Then pick an alternative career that connects to the skills or interests that attract you to law - for example, this could be something research-based, analytical, client-focused, or linked to your previous background
• That way, you are still showing a clear commitment to law, while demonstrating that your underlying strengths and interests would naturally lead you to another thoughtful career if law didn't exist.

This keeps the answer honest and consistent with your career change, and still reassuring about your motivation for law

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

DLA wg invite. Applied on their deadline.