TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ohnoselim]

Hi!

I actually think that having a crystal-clear idea about the one specific area you would want to practice in is not as common as you think!

Nevertheless, here's how I would approach this:

1. If you are applying to a more general, full-service law firm, it's actually great to demonstrate that you have an open mind and are open to exploring different practice areas - you never know if you like something until you actually try it in practice! I would still, however, get an in-depth understanding of one or two practice areas that have caught your attention and be prepared to explain why you are potentially interested in experiencing them during your training contract.
2. If you are targeting narrower, smaller firms with a clearly visible specialism (for example, PE), then I'd say having a clearly defined and well-evidenced interest in that practice is indeed necessary.

So, in short, I'd say that the degree of certainty in deciding which practice area appeals to you the most varies between firms. And, at the end of the day, one of the reasons that TCs with seat rotations exist in the first place is to provide you with an opportunity to make a conscious decision about where you qualify!

thats great to know thank you !

do you think i need to mention a practice area in my why commercial law answer?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

thats great to know thank you !

do you think i need to mention a practice area in my why commercial law answer?

This would depend on whether a particular practice area is part of your genuine motivations for commercial law! I don't think I referenced a specific practice area in 'Why commercial law', focusing instead on some more general characteristics of commercial law, like scenario analysis, for example.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

bit of a silly question, but should you be mentioning open days in your 'work experience' section? especially ones where there was no real application/competition?

i've stuck to not mentioning them in my previous cycles and although I did manage to get past initial apps, I was wondering if not mentioning them has stopped me from progressing in other firms.

I would definitely mention them! You don't have to make a separate entry for each open day - you can group all of them under one entry. All experience is good experience in this case. The firms are likely to appreciate your commitment to getting more exposure and learning about different types of firms and practice areas!

 

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, I'm aware that Macfarlanes opened a month ago with a rolling deadline. However, recently I've become more interested in the work the firm does. Would I still be fine applying now?

 

[TortillaTC]

Sidley closes in 2 days and it’s rolling - would it be a very bad idea to apply tomorrow and I should rather wait to apply for the spring/summer schemes? Got carried away w other things but would submit a very tailored, high quality app

 

[dm_corporate]

Hey guys, I'm aware that Macfarlanes opened a month ago with a rolling deadline. However, recently I've become more interested in the work the firm does. Would I still be fine applying now?

I think yes, absolutely. I’m about to put my application in this week. I don’t think they’ll be doing ACs until January but I could be wrong on that.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey @ZNadeem I was wondering do you know if the Latham online test includes a video interview bit this year or not

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Hi! It should include a video interview question, but I’ve also heard of some candidates saying they didn’t get one — so perhaps email grad rec to confirm.

 

[ZNadeem]

I was wondering whether commercial curiosity is a skill in the traditional sense? Would commercial curiosity be considered a skill which a commercial solicitor would require to succeed? I've included it as a skill in one of my answers, but I'm concerned that it sounds like a trait rather than a skill.

Hi! If the firm highlights commercial curiosity on their website or materials, it’s fine to use their wording. Otherwise, I’d recommend rewording it into a more skill-like word(s) so it doesn’t sound too abstract.

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone else who did the test for the Latham & Watkins open day not have a video interview section? I am not sure if I have missed something as I did think there would be one, I also haven't received a confirmation email yet even though the allhires website says it is completed

 

[berocca567]

I think someone else asked about this but I can’'t see it. Is this question on the Hogan Lovells application asking about extracurriculars?

Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

I think someone else asked about this but I can’'t see it. Is this question on the Hogan Lovells application asking about extracurriculars?

Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role.

Yes! You would want to focus on your positions of responsibility in university societies, volunteering, sports or other hobbies

 

[lilymawe1]

Jones Day interview invite!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Please describe a challenging situation you have faced and explain how you approached it. - for this question, is it all right to mention a situation in which a customer got angry at you and you resolved the situation/ would it better to focus on some other situation like how you dealt with a medical condition. Thank you!

 

[emily3827]

Sidley closes in 2 days and it’s rolling - would it be a very bad idea to apply tomorrow and I should rather wait to apply for the spring/summer schemes? Got carried away w other things but would submit a very tailored, high quality app

if it helps I know someone who applied in the last few days last cycle and ended up with a tc after the vac scheme!

 

[confusedbird]

Sidley closes in 2 days and it’s rolling - would it be a very bad idea to apply tomorrow and I should rather wait to apply for the spring/summer schemes? Got carried away w other things but would submit a very tailored, high quality app

I'd say given you have options - its completely up to you!
I'd shoot my shot regardless because I assume given they haven't gotten back to anyone yet there's still a chance

 

[yuk0n]

Is anyone yet to hear back for the Willkie/TCLA open day?

 

[Joey green]

To anyone and everyone who has already done the Jones Day interview: if you have a tip or advise for me I’ll forever be grateful and I’ll happily reciprocate. I really want this to go well!

 

[FAS444]

anyone heard back from Macs?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hey guys, does anyone know if we are able to apply to Sidley Austin's other Vacation Schemes if we are unsuccessful in the Winter Scheme. I haven't applied to the Winter Scheme yet and as it is due tomorrow, I am just wondering if it is worth waiting or if I will be able to apply multiple times.

Also - does anyone know if the Sidley Austin application closes at midnight tonight or midnight tomorrow night?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Hello, who is yet to hear back from Jones Day? I submitted my application on Monday evening so I am not very hopeful given they respond very quickly 💔