TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[a1024]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

 

[iklawapps]

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

Hi, I would interpret this to scatter 'why commercial law' throughout the cover letter.

For example, when talking about 'why NRF' you could mention here why commercial law and then specifically why commercial law at NRF.

'What excites you about our programme' also has scope for you to sprinkle in why commercial law. Why specifically does your interest in commercial law excite you about what NRF offer on their programme and how you will use that passion and understanding of a commercial solicitor in the position you are applying to.

Finally, in terms of skills matching values, this could be a great opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness. Not simply stating you have commercial awareness but how using that skill of commercial awareness and your interest in commercial law fits with the firms values.

I know you will have limited words, however, this is the approach I would attempt to take. I have never applied to NRF so someone else might have a better insight, but I think the fact that they have dropped the 'why commercial law' question means they will be looking for you to indicate through the other questions why commercial law and also indicate your commercial awareness of the firm and also their clients etc.

gotcha, thank you both so much : )) I was probably unnecessarily freaking out about it, so I REALLY really appreciate the help with that!! < 3

 

[ZNadeem]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hi! For this question, I’d suggest choosing your three most impressive achievements or interests and making your answer a bit more personal. You don’t need to cover everything — the rest can sit in the work experience section.

 

[flower1]

Hello, I applied to the White & Case Vac Scheme around 2 years ago. My application was successful, but I got rejected at the video interview stage. Would it be appropriate to use the same application, changing some parts? For example, my motivation to law hasn't changed. I also noticed the firm has an immersive skills-based assessment - what is this, what does it entail, how to prepare?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, I applied to the White & Case Vac Scheme around 2 years ago. My application was successful, but I got rejected at the video interview stage. Would it be appropriate to use the same application, changing some parts? For example, my motivation to law hasn't changed. I also noticed the firm has an immersive skills-based assessment - what is this, what does it entail, how to prepare?

Thank you

Hey!

I'd say it's fine to reuse parts of your old application, especially since it's unlikely that your core motivation for law and White & Case has changed. Just make sure to update it so it doesn't feel copy-pasted - reflect on new experiences or skills that you've gained over the past two years, and update any information on the firm to more recent insights (e.g. recent deals, practice area growth etc.). This will make sure your new application is still relevant!

On the immersive skills-based assessment: this will likely test how you approach tasks and problems in a simulated work environment. It usually involves scenario-based exercises (like reading a client email or deciding how to prioritise tasks), plus some situational judgement and logical reasoning elements. The idea is to see how you think, communicate, and organise yourself.

To prepare, I'd suggest:

• Practising situational judgement tests (SJT) and basic verbal reasoning / logical reasoning exercises
• Reading up on White & Case's core values and global nature - they'll expect you to reflect these traits when handling scenarios
• Making sure you stay calm and organised - think about how you would actually respond in a situation if you were performing at your best!

I hope that all assists

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hello!

Just to add to @ZNadeem's answer (which I would absolutely agree with!), you can definitely mention things that link to your experiences, but frame them slightly differently. For example, instead of describing a society role in the same way you did under "work experience", you could focus on an achievement within that role (e.g. winning an award, reaching a certain amount of members, organising a major event). This way, you aren't simply repeating what you have already outlined in the work experience section.

Additionally, you can also discuss other things that may not have been directly applicable to the work experience section, such as:

• Academic Achievements: if not already listed, such as scholarships, prizes, or high grades in particular modules
• Non-Academic Achievements: these could be language skills, music, sport, or creative projects
• Personal Interests: these could be examples that show commitment, teamwork, or discipline (e.g. running marathons, maintaining an online blog / social media page, tutoring)

The aim is to give the graduate recruitment team a more complete picture of you as a person, so I would include your proudest achievements and anything that didn't quite fit in other sections of the application form that you think is key to your overall identity

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

When disclosing mitigating circumstances, do I need to mention the disability/disorder? I'd rather frame it as a general health condition that I overcame. Would this be okay?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When disclosing mitigating circumstances, do I need to mention the disability/disorder? I'd rather frame it as a general health condition that I overcame. Would this be okay?

Hey!

You don't have to go into detail if you'd prefer not to. Graduate recruitment are much more interested in understanding the impact it had on your studies, and seeing that it was an isolated period. As long as you explain the circumstances clearly in that sense, you won't be expected to provide specific information about the disability / diagnosis.

 

[applicant457]

Would highly recommend emailing [email protected] asap for it as I don’t think they will extend the deadline (3 Oct midday) !

Thanks for this, will email now. Deadline doesn't really make a difference as long as I get it on time I guess but I doubt they will give me a day's notice given they made a mistake.

So is it just me with this issue??

 

[BobThebIlly]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

 

[summersun]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

Hi, I personally never applied to WVS because I always had classes or exams in decemeber and it did not prevent me from obtaining a VS.
I think it is better to send quality application for spring or summer than send 6 WVS of lesser quality.
A lot of people secure their TC through spring and summer VS as most firms do not offer WVS. I would not say it is stupid.
If you can apply to them that's great but most of these firms have other VS and will plan on giving TC to students attending spring and summer as well as Winter so you should be fine.

 

[summersun]

Hi
I am currently preparing my answers for Bird&Bird.
I focused my answer on why them towards IP, tech and media.
I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to focus on the energy sector when answering their question on what is the biggest opportunity for a sector they specialise in.
I am struggling to an answer that is not AI related when mentionning the media and tech sectors whereas I have a clear idea of what my answer would be for the energy sector.
Would anyone be able to tell if that seems likea bad idea/ have any suggestions ? @vera.mekhonoshina @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would it be stupid to exclusively apply for spring/summer vac schemes?

I’m in my final year of university and had initially planned to apply to six winter vacation schemes, but that no longer seems possible. Instead, I’m planning to apply to around 15–17 vacation schemes across spring and summer, as well as some training contracts. Am I being naive for doing this?

Hello!

To add to the fantastic advice above, I would agree that it's not silly to exclusively apply to spring / summer va cschemes. Lots of firms offer the bulk of their opportunities in these windows rather than winter, and if you've got the capacity to do 15-17 good quality applications, that sounds like a solid plan.

Winter schemes can be handy, but they're definitely not essential! I applied for many winter schemes last cycle and didn't end up securing any, but I went on to secure and complete 3 vacation schemes across spring / summer - so there will be plenty of opportunities later in the cycle! I actually really appreciated applying for the later opportunities, as it allowed me to spend time building and refining my skills before interviews and assessments for VS / DTC.

As long as you ensure that your applications are tailored and high quality, you're definitely not being naive - it sounds like you're approaching it in a sensible way

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi
I am currently preparing my answers for Bird&Bird.
I focused my answer on why them towards IP, tech and media.
I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to focus on the energy sector when answering their question on what is the biggest opportunity for a sector they specialise in.
I am struggling to an answer that is not AI related when mentionning the media and tech sectors whereas I have a clear idea of what my answer would be for the energy sector.
Would anyone be able to tell if that seems likea bad idea/ have any suggestions ? @vera.mekhonoshina @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman

Hello!

I don't think it would be a bad idea at all to focus on the energy sector, especially if you feel you can give a stronger and more original answer there. Bird & Bird has a really strong reputation across multiple sectors, not just tech / media, and they'll be looking to see that you've done your research into their wider expertise.

I'd say the most important thing is to give a strong, well-reasoned answer. If you've got a clear idea for the energy sector, it's much better to go with that than force something for tech / media that you're not confident in. Even if you have spoken about IP and tech in your 'Why Bird & Bird' answer, they will expect you to have interests in other areas as well, and it might even be advantageous to discuss another sector in your answer.

 

[summersun]

Hello!

I don't think it would be a bad idea at all to focus on the energy sector, especially if you feel you can give a stronger and more original answer there. Bird & Bird has a really strong reputation across multiple sectors, not just tech / media, and they'll be looking to see that you've done your research into their wider expertise.

I'd say the most important thing is to give a strong, well-reasoned answer. If you've got a clear idea for the energy sector, it's much better to go with that than force something for tech / media that you're not confident in. Even if you have spoken about IP and tech in your 'Why Bird & Bird' answer, they will expect you to have interests in other areas as well, and it might even be advantageous to discuss another sector in your answer.

Thank you very much that's reassuring.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody got bclp open day offers yet?

 

[FT.g]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

 

[bh.sa]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

HL's application window runs from 1 September 2025-31 August 2026, so you should be eligible to reapply!

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu, apologies, but I have another question. I am currently applying to Dechert, and I am struggling to understand how many words I should write to cover each part of the question. This is the question: Please outline the skills you possess that make you well suited to a career as a commercial solicitor and explain why you believe this makes Dechert the right Firm for you to develop your career. 300 words max. Could you offer your opinion?

Since the framing of the question does not emphasise one part more than the other, if I were to go for a "split" answer, I would dedicate around 150 words for a section on what skills relevant to commercial law I posses and around 150 words for a section on why this makes Dechert the right fit for me. Nonetheless, I would probably prefer an "integrated" writing approach that does not split the elements of the question in different parts. Thus, I think my structure would look something like this:

Paragraph 1 (around 150 words):

1. Describe an experience/achievement and how this showcases a skill you claim to have
2. Explain why the skill you have is relevant for commercial law - how it ties into the nature of the job and the general services a commercial solicitor provides to clients
3. Explain why the aforementioned skill makes you a particularly good fit for Dechert, as opposed to any other firm. You could connect the skill to the particular demands and tasks of the firm's main practice areas, its training programme, or strategy and market positioning.

Paragraph 2 (around 150 words):

• Repeat the steps above but for a different skill

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi all, if I got rejected from the most recent Hogan lovells and white and case direct TC that just passed (deadlines were in July 2025), do you think I can apply for the new Vacation schemes that just opened? Or would I have to wait

I would advise you to check the firms' FAQs pages to see if they have any specifically stated policy about this, but in general firms allow candidates to reapply if this is in a different application cycle. Since the new cycle only starts around August/September, the past TC application probably counted as one for the 2024/2025 cycle, so you should be able to apply again.