TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

DLA are non rolling confirmed by their early careers team!

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice on talking about paralegal experience in the work experience section as I have only been there a few months and not sure how best to talk about it? thank you

Hello!

Of course - I can share some tips that I used when detailing my paralegal experience in the work experience section.

I wouldn't worry too much about only having been there a few months - even a short amount of paralegal experience can give you plenty to talk about. I'd suggest focusing less on the length of time and more on the skills and insights you've gained so far. For example, you could highlight any responsibility you have taken on (e.g. drafting, client contact, legal research, admin support), or how the role has helped you develop transferable skills like attention to detail, teamwork, or time management.

It can also be useful to frame it in terms of what you've learned about the legal sector, firm environment, or a particular practice area. Even if your tasks seem small, they show an understanding of how a firm operates day-to-day, which is really valuable! I often discussed how some of the smaller administrative tasks that I completed in relation to client monies gave me an insight into the financial systems involved in matters and how clients were billed.

As an example of how you can draw skills out, in my time as a paralegal, I managed the firm's transition from paper files during an office move and organised them to be sent to an external storage facility. Whilst on the surface this may seem like a general administrative task, I highlighted my leadership and teamwork skills in managing the team, as well as organisation skills and working towards a tight deadline to ensure that all the files were sent away by moving day.

Quality over quantity is definitely the way to go - it's better to pick out a few strong examples and reflect on those

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

Regarding NRF WVS, am I missing somethign here, as I don't see a word count, it tells me to upload a document as a cover letter?

Also, is it true that I don't need to do the Arctic shores again if I did it last year and am happy with my results?

Hi!

Apologies, I should've deleted my original post - I was unaware that they had removed the word count for this year, so you definitely aren't missing something!

I'm not too sure in relation to the Arctic Shores test, unfortunately! I would email the graduate recruitment team to double-check, as I'm sure they would be more than happy to confirm that for you.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, quick question about Taylor Wessing. There's a section on the application form about the webinars, events etc. that you have undertaken with the company. Might be a bit of an obvious question but since the virtual open days are in November, and apps are rolling so I wanted to get mine out sooner rather than later, is it worth waiting to get one on there to support the application, or is it something that I can still succeed without. Bearing in mins I don't have any previous interactions with the firm. Thanks

Hi @llblawstudent !

Not an obvious question at all - lots of people wonder the same! You definitely can still succeed without having attended a Taylor Wessing event before submitting your application. Those sections are really just a chance to show engagement if you've already had some interaction, but they're not a requirement. For context, I did not attend any events at the firm I secured my TC at before attending their AC, so it is definitely not a requirement!

If you're keen to apply early, I'd go ahead and submit rather than wait - strong answers about your motivation, skills, and understanding of the firm and its USPs will carry far more weight than whether you have ticked the events box.

However, if you feel that your application would be stronger by drawing from insights that you gained at a virtual event or webinar later on, there is no harm in waiting until after the events to apply! Even with rolling deadlines, most firms will view every application submitted, and it's much better to submit a stronger application than submit early.

In summary, not attending won't disadvantage you - the most important thing is whether you are confident you can write a strong application with the information you have on the firm currently

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, another quick question about HL Lift Off 2026. One of the app Qs are to Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. By "this role', do they mean the programme (i.e they're essentially asking what experiences have allowed you to become more commercially aware) or being a lawyer at HL in general?

Hello!

Great question! In this context, "this role" is really about the HL Lift Off programme itself, but since the programme is designed as a pathway into a career at the firm, it makes sense to frame your answer in terms of both. In other words, they're not just looking for generic extracurriculars, but for experiences that have helped you build transferable skills relevant to being a lawyer (such as teamwork, resilience, communication, organisation, commercial awareness etc.)

A good way to approach it could be:

• Choose something you've done outside of work / study
• Explain the skill you developed from it
• Link this back to why it would be useful on the programme and more broadly at Hogan Lovells

By approaching it this way, you're covering both angles!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does Weil have SJT now?

Hello!

From what I can see on their website, they don't have an SJT as part of their application process. It is listed as:

1. Online Application Form
2. Video Interview
3. Individual Case Study at Weil, and 45-minute interview
4. Vacation Scheme

However, if you have been told differently and wanted to double-check, I'm sure you could email the graduate recruitment team who would be happy to confirm for you!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

VS

 

[libertad seoane]

How should I structure the Linklaters 'Work Experience' Section? It seems to demand different approach/structure to other applications