TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

This might be me overthinking it, but NRF seems to have dropped the 'why commercial law' part of its cover letter. Their website specifies "Tell us ‘why you want to join', 'what excites you about our programme', and 'how your skills match our values'."

How would you all interpret this? Is it better to follow the general structure of 1. why commercial law, 2. why NRF, 3. skills, or make sure we're answering the question like 1. why join NRF, 2. what excites us, 3. skills?

Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated : ))!!

Hello!

I completely agree with what @TCpleasex has outlined - I would try and incorporate your enthusiasm for commercial law within the framework of the other questions.

I would definitely make sure to answer specifically what NRF asks for - focus on why you want to join NRF, what excites you about their programme, and how your skills align with their values. If you are able to show your enthusiasm for commercial law through this, I would absolutely include it. However, I wouldn't try and force it into your answer if it means that you aren't fully answering the specific question

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Macfarlanes rejection

I'm sorry to hear that 😣 Rejections are tough, but they definitely do not reflect your potential. Keep putting yourself out there, keep building your experience, and the right opportunity will come your way. You've got this - I'll be rooting for you!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Anyone had Sidley HR interview yet?

 

[Legal12345]

Macfarlanes rejection

Was this after 2nd stage assessment?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Sidley WVS rejection

 

[Sachin Chandra]

The Mayer Brown Vacation Scheme application contains only one answer section: 'Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application'

Am I missing another one? It seems too little...

 

[Deleted member 40373]

anyone still not received sidley rejection after applying in august?

 

[CharlesT47]

anyone still not received sidley rejection after applying in august?

Me too. But I feel it's coming-- they've already sent out loads of HR interviews so it's pretty clear we weren't shortlisted as potential candidates.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Sidley WVS rejection

I'm really sorry to hear about the Sidley WVS rejection - I know how tough it feels after putting so much effort in. Please don't let it make you doubt your abilities, as these schemes are incredibly competitive and rejections happen to even the strongest candidates. I hope you're able to take a bit of time for yourself and keep going with confidence - the right opportunity will come!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

The Mayer Brown Vacation Scheme application contains only one answer section: 'Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application'

Am I missing another one? It seems too little...

Hello!

You're not missing anything - I've just had a look at the application form too and there really is only that one question. It does feel quite short compared to other applications! I'd just make sure to use that section well to highlight things that haven't come up elsewhere

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Me too. But I feel it's coming-- they've already sent out loads of HR interviews so it's pretty clear we weren't shortlisted as potential candidates.

I know it's hard seeing others post updates, but it really doesn't always mean the rest of the applications are out of the running - some firms take a staggered approach and send out batches of invites. Hopefully you'll get a positive update soon!

 

[Amma Usman]

I replied for the Jones Day WVS last Friday - is this too late?

Please don't worry about timelines too much at this stage. Despite applications being rolling, I always think it's better to submit a good quality application, than a rushed one...

Rooting for you on this!

 

[Shahenshah]

I'm so sorry to read this!! But know that this rejection does not define you or your potential, take it as a re-direction towards something better!! If you don't mind me asking, how much time passed between you completing the Simulate assessment and this update?

Didn't even get to the assessment, quite of a bit of time has still passed actually, I think I completed the Captivate on Aug 26, and heard nothing since then, got my rejection yesterday. I guess I was too truthful on the personality test! 😅😂

 

[Shahenshah]

Was this after 2nd stage assessment?

First stage, the wrong personality or I got the maths test wrong lol

 

[Amma Usman]

Just got an invite to Jones Day's AC! Any advice for the AC would be greatly appreciated - I've been told that it involves a group exercise and a one-to-one discussion with senior lawyers

Congrats on the invite, that is such an amazing achievement and you should be really proud of yourself.

For the group exercise, focus on showing that you can work effectively as part of a team. Make an effort to bounce ideas off the others and build on what people say, rather than just putting forward your own points. There is so much knowledge that can be shared when several people are thinking together, so make sure you actively listen and draw out those strengths. It is less about having the “best” idea and more about demonstrating that you can collaborate and help the group reach a well-reasoned conclusion.

For the one to one discussion with senior lawyers, know your motivations inside out. They will almost certainly ask the classic questions such as why commercial law, and they will want to hear why you prefer business over other areas of law you might have experienced, like family or criminal. Make sure you can talk about how your own experiences led you to this decision and weave that into your answers so it feels natural. They will also want to know why Jones Day in particular. When you explain this, avoid speaking negatively about other firms because they are all strong in their own right. Instead, highlight what draws you to Jones Day specifically. For example, you could talk about the non-rotational training system and why it appeals to you, and even give an example of when you have thrived in a similar environment where you had to take ownership of your work across different areas.

It is also a good idea to prepare some thoughtful questions of your own. These can be slightly out of the ordinary if they reflect your genuine curiosity, as long as they show that you have done your research and are thinking carefully about the firm and the role. Finally, if you are ever unsure what a question is asking, do not hesitate to clarify with your assessors. It is always better to pause and confirm than to guess and risk waffling. Above all, stay calm, be yourself and let your enthusiasm come through.

 

[LRR23]

Has anyone heard back from Mayer Brown after sending app recently/last week?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

does anybody know if Gibson Dunn or Forsters places high importance on a first or an extremely high 2.1?

 

[Amma Usman]

does anybody know if Gibson Dunn or Forsters places high importance on a first or an extremely high 2.1?

Most law firms will generally look for a 2:1 in any instance.

 

[llblawstudent]

anyone heard back from Macfarlanes after the second assessment? I was thinking originally that we wont hear back for a while considering the AC is in January, but it's rolling so you never know I guess

 

[llblawstudent]

Hello!

You're not missing anything - I've just had a look at the application form too and there really is only that one question. It does feel quite short compared to other applications! I'd just make sure to use that section well to highlight things that haven't come up elsewhere

Hey Abbie, just to piggyback off this, like you've said it seems a really short application, so I'm not sure where the "why Mayer Brown" would come in, as the question doesn't specifically ask for this, it just seems more general. Should we tailor the answer or the work experience section to Mayer Brown to make up for this?