TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Gr33n]

I wanted to get my Sidley Austin VS application reviewed and was wondering if TCLA does reviews?

Theres a guy on tiktok that does app reviews for free i think

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I wanted to get my Sidley Austin VS application reviewed and was wondering if TCLA does reviews?

Hiya @amrita6399

Yep, you can find the link for application reviews here. Good luck with your application

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jaysen. Hi guys, can anyone help me find the application questions for Herbert Smith Freehills and Norton Rose Fulbright winter vacation schemes so I can prepare in advance? Also, do you have any insights into what Paul Weiss's new winter vacation scheme questions are likely to be?

Hiya @Jamtaz12

You can find previous vacation scheme application questions using the premium database here. Unfortunately, we don’t currently have any previous Paul, Weiss applications. As soon as I've found anything, I'll share it with you on here. In the meantime, I think it’s safest to prepare broadly. I'd recommend creating a structured outline as to why you're interested in the firm; why law; and why you. You can also have a draft outline of any topics or news stories you think are relevant to the firm. Good luck!

 

[amrita6399]

Hiya @amrita6399

Yep, you can find the link for application reviews here. Good luck with your application

Thank you very much!

 

[jojo23]

hi everyone, if we are asked to write about any topic we want to apart from a legal one do you think it would be best to keep it to 'professional' topics so something in the news or can it something just tied to our hobbies

I know a guy that did theirs about the Simpsons and was successful so, if you want to write yours about kanye, go for it

 

[llblawstudent]

London office yes, did you? And I guess we will find out in a few days! Really interesting that there was no interview for this scheme

Yes I did too. As this is my first vac scheme application, I hope it will be off to a good start. I think this is the first time they've done one of these, so I'm guessing thats why theres no AC or interview.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

I know a guy that did theirs about the Simpsons and was successful so, if you want to write you're about kanye, go for it

stop i love that!! thanks for letting me know haha, they got theTC in the end?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

hi everyone, if we are asked to write about any topic we want to apart from a legal one do you think it would be best to keep it to 'professional' topics so something in the news or can it something just tied to our hobbies

One trainee at HSF wrote about Taylor Swift and got a TC offer

 

[ilovegardening1111]

One trainee at HSF wrote about Taylor Swift and got a TC offer

ahh amazing !! very impressed that law firms are rewarding originality

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

In terms of application strategy is the advice less and better quality apps vs more. I've condensed an initial list of 30 to 9 firms I want to apply to, of which there is 1 star firm that I want, but they offer no vacation scheme! I feel like it's risky applying to only 9 (VS/TCs) but I've never done this so!

I applied to far more. I did about 9 first cycle and got to 4 ACs but no further. I have just checked which number application the US firm I have my TC with following a successful summer vac scheme was - 29th! (I did more applicatioms after too!) It definitely is a numbers game too! The reality is that you apply and often don't hear back for months so I just kept applying when I had time to do so. I was pretty successful getting to ACs but not quite getting over the line until I did! You just need the one offer.

Hats off to those who get multiple offers though.

 

[jojo23]

One trainee at HSF wrote about Taylor Swift and got a TC offer

Even more reasons to write one about Kanye 🤣

 

[jojo23]

stop i love that!! thanks for letting me know haha, they got theTC in the end?

Yep 🤣🤣

 

[confusedbird]

Does anyone here by any chance have an email for Paul Hastings? I looked around on their website for an email for graduate recruitment but I can only see a number to call... (

 

[dm_corporate]

Hi all,

Wishing everyone luck with their applications for this cycle!

Does anyone have any advice on CV's for paralegal positions as I have contacted several firms who have told me to send them an up to date CV. Any formatting dos and don'ts, or common pitfalls to avoid? I'd really appreciate insights from those who've successfully landed paralegal roles.

Thanks