TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lesh]

Where did you find this?

a former paralegal with a TC at the firm, common in some other firms too

 

[BillSikes]

those guys legit have 5 direct tc spots just to give 4 of those to their paralegals

This is DWF re the paralegal point 😂

 

[BillSikes]

Where did you find this?

Use Linkedin.

 

[ilikelaw]

Hey!

Not a silly question at all!

In short, yes, advising at your university legal clinic could count as a position of responsibility, and it is also fine to refer to it in both sections if it is one of your strongest points.

A good way to approach it is to use each section for different purpose. In the work experience section, you can keep it factual and concise (e.g. what the clinic is, your role, the type of work you did). Then, in the "interests / activities and positions of responsibility" question (which is usually longer) you can go into more depth about the responsibility element: client contact, taking ownership of matters, exercising judgment, teamwork, impact, skills developed, etc. That way, you aren't repeating yourself, just building on it!

I'd say that legal clinics are generally viewed very positively by firms, and they're likely to be more relevant than positions from Year 11 (although you can definitely still include these if relevant in some way).

It's usually fine if this slightly overlaps with other sections of your application - the graduate recruitment team expect some crossover, especially when an experience is particularly strong. The key is to use the space to emphasise the responsibility and skills involved, as that is how you will demonstrate how it is a position of responsibility (and also link to the firm / role!).

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much!

 

[nansies]

Hi! Is time factored into SJT/WG results? For example, Weil says “The SJT portion of the assessment is untimed, but we recommend it should take around 45 minutes to complete.” Will I be penalized if I take let’s say double the time?

 

[RJ Ruban]

anything from HSF? waiting to hear back and like them

I read someone got a PFO already

 

[Trophy]

those guys legit have 5 direct tc spots just to give 4 of those to their paralegals

Farrer & Co do this.

 

[manifestingthetc]

HSF PFO. Passed benchmark on 3 Dec.

Hey!, really sorry to hear this, hope you're doing ok! - was this for spring/summer? keep going!

 

[manifestingthetc]

Hi, sorry to hear that Is this for the dtc? Do u rmb when u applied to them? I’ve been waiting almost over a month.

Hey!, I applied for the DTC and received test invite today, hope that helps!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi everyone, I just submitted my application to Reed Smith for the VS. I am wondering for those that have already applied and received an invite for the online assessment, how difficult was it? I really do not enjoy the psychometric tests but I want to be fully prepared for it, so any tips or preparation points will be greatly appreciated.

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone know if Debevoise is rolling or not rolling? If it isn't rolling I'm keen on applying otherwise I won't bother. The website is unclear, have grad rec said anything?

 

[yuhhhh]

Does anyone know if Debevoise is rolling or not rolling? If it isn't rolling I'm keen on applying otherwise I won't bother. The website is unclear, have grad rec said anything?

Adding on to this does Debevoise accept applications from third year law students?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Adding on to this does Debevoise accept applications from third year law students?

I emailed grad rec a while ago, they said they review as they receive but only make decisions after considering all applications

 

[manifestingthetc]

CMS have ghosted me big time, still waiting post WG

 

[fta2024]

Does Linklaters automatically screen out based on WG results? Can I presume that if my application is being reviewed then I’ve passed score benchmark?

 

[applicant3000]

I emailed grad rec a while ago, they said they review as they receive but only make decisions after considering all applications

thanks!