TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SamiyaJ]

I'm autistic and used to struggle a LOT with SJTs. In my opinion, what helps is to read the firm's values so you can apply them to the SJTs. Do not choose extreme options or you won't seem very balanced and there are also a few general rules (with exceptions, hence the need to check the firm's values).

1. Firms are generally efficient, if there is a more efficient way of doing something, do so.
2. Firms are generally collaborative, so pick a more collaborative option if necessary.
3. You are a trainee, so whilst you need to showcase some level of independence and competency, if you truly don't know something, the better option is to seek clarification.
4. The client generally comes first and it is important to be the most careful when it comes to that.
5. Don't do anything which will negatively impact the firm's reputation.
6. Maintain professionalism and calm under pressure.

This thinking helped me go from passing no SJTs to passing them most of the time.

Thank you so much!

 

[JasmineM9]

​

Hello everyone, I have AC experience with Sidley Austin, Davis Polk, Milbank and A&O Shearman from this past recruiting cycle. I also did vacation schemes at a couple of them. The application grind is gruelling and not particularly enjoyable at the best of times, so please feel free to ask me any questions you may have! Happy to help if I can.

Hii! Do you know roughly Sidley’s response time once you submit your application? 😊

 

[ashwright]

Hiya @ashwright

Call me old school, but I’ve always been an unapologetic Excel loyalist (and yes, this is a hill I will die on).

Although some of my colleagues who use other tools would probably disagree, I never really felt the need for Notion or other tools. During my second year, I used an excel spreadsheet to track absolutely everything in one place, e.g. firm names, deadlines, application status, interview dates, and a section for little "miscellaneous notes/links" that were relevant to each firm. I'm also a big fan of the conditional formatting and just generally using colour-codes (e.g. green for submitted, yellow for in-progress, red for “oh no, deadline tomorrow”). This was just my preference though, so I'd say just use whatever platform is helpful to you

I did the same as @Ram Sabaratnam! I used an excel spreadsheet to organise and keep track of my applications. I had separate columns for all of the following categories: 😅

1. Firm names (usually in alphabetical order).
2. VS/TC deadlines for each firm (in order from earliest to latest e.g., WVS or SVS).
3. Application stages e.g., SJT, VI, AC and what stage of the process I was at.
4. Interview dates and type of interview (was it solely commercial or competency etc).
5. Application outcome (whether successful or unsuccessful) for VS and/or TC.

I am also a fiend for formatting and so I colour coded everything (green for submitting an app, blue for passing a certain stage, yellow if it was still in progress and red for a PFO). 🥲

I didn’t even know there was something called notion until now lmao. I think ultimately it just depends on personal preferences but I found it easier to use excel over word. 🙂​

Thank you so much, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Chris Brown ! Excel sounds like the way forward - it should be a lot less fussy than Notion & a lot more practical than Word!

I really appreciate the breakdown of what you guys included in your spreadsheets; it's really helped me to get a sense of the main things I should keep an eye on.

I have one quick follow up, if that's alright 😁 When researching a firm, we go through quite a bit of content on a given firm (e.g., podcasts, articles, news). Unfortunately, this 'information collecting' process is still something I haven't quite got a handle on!

Do you guys think it's worthwhile taking notes on each source that you come across? Ram, you mentioned a 'miscellaneous notes/links' section - what was your approach to this section? Chris, did you have a similar process of collection or did you take a more ad hoc approach?

Thank you again - you're both the best!

 

[Chris Brown]

Thank you so much, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Chris Brown ! Excel sounds like the way forward - it should be a lot less fussy than Notion & a lot more practical than Word!

I really appreciate the breakdown of what you guys included in your spreadsheets; it's really helped me to get a sense of the main things I should keep an eye on.

I have one quick follow up, if that's alright 😁 When researching a firm, we go through quite a bit of content on a given firm (e.g., podcasts, articles, news). Unfortunately, this 'information collecting' process is still something I haven't quite got a handle on!

Do you guys think it's worthwhile taking notes on each source that you come across? Ram, you mentioned a 'miscellaneous notes/links' section - what was your approach to this section? Chris, did you have a similar process of collection or did you take a more ad hoc approach?

Thank you again - you're both the best!

The main source I used for note-taking or firm research was attending firm events (in-person or online). Whether it was open days, practice area workshops, Q&As, law fairs, etc., I spent a lot of time attending as many as I could for all the firms I was targeting for VS and DTC. 🥲

I don’t think it is worthwhile making notes from websites or articles that you can easily re-read over again. It’s already in written form so that’s just ‘copying out the textbook’ stuff. For other things like podcasts or live streams, I think it’s a good approach to take notes. 🙂

As far as how I organised firm research, I again had an excel spreadsheet. I had columns for all the things I needed to know. This also helped me with seeing the differences and similarities between competing firms, which is useful at an interview or AC stage of the GR process. 😄

Some of the things I looked for were as follows:

1. Main practice areas e.g., M&A, Competition, Restructuring, Disputes.
2. Number of offices and which regions they’re located in (EMEA, USA, etc).
3. Number of partners and associates and size of trainee intake of the firm.
4. Sector focuses e.g., life sciences, tech, real estate, financial services, etc.
5. Clients (multinational corporations, financial services firms, PE firms, etc).
6. Competitors (e.g., PW, Kirkland and Weil for PE work) and their relative strengths.
7. Recent deals or disputes (e.g., has the firm advised on a huge M&A transaction).
8. Firm facts and figures e.g., 161% growth of London Office since 2017.
9. Useful links for further research - published articles or memos relative to each firm.
10. Trainee experience and firm culture - what do the people there think of the firm?

Eventually it will look like a giant table full of all the relevant firm research and information you need. It’s easier to navigate as everything is in one place and you can cross reference things in different parts of the table too. Excel was my best friend during the last cycle. 😂​

 

[ashwright]

The main source I used for note-taking or firm research was attending firm events (in-person or online). Whether it was open days, practice area workshops, Q&As, law fairs, etc., I spent a lot of time attending as many as I could for all the firms I was targeting for VS and DTC. 🥲

I don’t think it is worthwhile making notes from websites or articles that you can easily re-read over again. It’s already in written form so that’s just ‘copying out the textbook’ stuff. For other things like podcasts or live streams, I think it’s a good approach to take notes. 🙂

As far as how I organised firm research, I again had an excel spreadsheet. I had columns for all the things I needed to know. This also helped me with seeing the differences and similarities between competing firms, which is useful at an interview or AC stage of the GR process. 😄

Some of the things I looked for were as follows:

1. Main practice areas e.g., M&A, Competition, Restructuring, Disputes.
2. Number of offices and which regions they’re located in (EMEA, USA, etc).
3. Number of partners and associates and size of trainee intake of the firm.
4. Sector focuses e.g., life sciences, tech, real estate, financial services, etc.
5. Clients (multinational corporations, financial services firms, PE firms, etc).
6. Competitors (e.g., PW, Kirkland and Weil for PE work) and their relative strengths.
7. Recent deals or disputes (e.g., has the firm advised on a huge M&A transaction).
8. Firm facts and figures e.g., 161% growth of London Office since 2020.
9. Useful links for further research - published articles or memos relative to each firm.
10. Trainee experience and firm culture - what do the people there think of the firm?

Eventually it will look like a giant table full of all the relevant firm research and information you need. It’s easier to navigate as everything is in one place and you can cross reference things in different parts of the table too. Excel was my best friend during the last cycle. 😂​

Thank you so, so much, Chris!! I am literally in the process of creating my Excel spreadsheet so this saves me A LOT of time 🙏 🤩 You're the best!

One quick question about something you mentioned - what is a 'memo'? I understand that it's a term of art, but I'm not super clear on what it actually means (and where to find memos?) Google is currently suggesting that 'memo' can mean a letter in response to a client, but I'm not sure if that's what you're referring to.
(Apologies for the silly question!)

 

[zkoala]

Hi, I'm relatively new to the VS application process, having just graduated from a non-law, non-rg degree. Personally, my university's grading system is really different, so I've converted marks to percentages. I know most firms are looking for a high 2:1, which I have, but my overall mark is 73%, which is an average 2:1 at my university, 82.5% being a first. Does anyone know if law firms will take 73% as a high 2:1 or look into the grading system at my university?

 

[wqueens8]

Hi, I'm relatively new to the VS application process, having just graduated from a non-law, non-rg degree. Personally, my university's grading system is really different, so I've converted marks to percentages. I know most firms are looking for a high 2:1, which I have, but my overall mark is 73%, which is an average 2:1 at my university, 82.5% being a first. Does anyone know if law firms will take 73% as a high 2:1 or look into the grading system at my university?

This will depend on firms. The vast majority will ask for your grades in percentages. Being that they will assume 50-59 = 2:2, 60-69 = 2:1, and 70+ = 1st.

Many firms will have an additional question however asking what classification you’re on track for? Or sometimes just are you on track for a 2:1 or higher.

There should always be a place for your to explain grading systems if you feel it needs further clarification

 

[berocca567]

Hi, If I want to cancel a premium account, will it let me use it for the rest of the month? @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, has anyone heard back from Milbank for their campus ambassador position? It said applications were reviewed on a rolling basis and since we're very close to the deadline, I was wondering if anyone else had heard back

 

[Zaine1010]

Hiya @Zaine1010

Thanks for sharing your background for context!

Your academic record won’t automatically disqualify you from firms like BCLP or CMS. While firms may sometimes look closely at applicant's performance in key modules like Contract or Tort, I think your improvement over time and strong LLM marks will help offset early weaker grades. I think what matters most now is how well you can present your experiences and motivations in a written application. This is especially important for firms like BCLP, where longer application form questions will give you the opportunity to demonstrate strong research, commercial awareness, and a clear interest in commercial law.

As I'm sure you already appreciate, there’s also lots in your own background that you could successfully rely on to articulate/demonstrate a genuine interest in the profession (e.g. founding a law society, gaining international legal experience, paralegalling, volunteering, and balancing part-time work with running a business). Over the next few weeks, I'd encourage you to really reflect on how these experiences have shaped your interests and skills in a way that makes you well-suited to a career in commercial law.

So yes I think it’s worth applying! I'd now just focus on the quality of your applications and how well you tailor them to the firms you're targeting

I just realised I hadn't responded to this, so sorry!

Many thanks Ram, this is amazing advice I really appreciate it!

Zaine.

 

[varunmalik]

Does anyone have any tips for applying to NRF?

I’ve jotted down pointers that I can relate back on, like writing my own API in university for productivity, working with AI clients in a 4-month internship at a communications firm.

It still feels very superficial for some reason. I’d love to get tips!

 

[emily12]

hi everyone, if we are asked to write about any topic we want to apart from a legal one do you think it would be best to keep it to 'professional' topics so something in the news or can it something just tied to our hobbies

linking the two is a good option if you can, but they honestly want you to actually talk about your interests and see how you write, to give an example from my app in 2023-24

i started by writing about how i really enjoy video games, nintendo in particular, and then linked it to how this led me to learn and get interested in their business strategy and how they can have such huge success with its customer base (me), and utilising IP to ensure it has wide demographics through nostalgia + innovation etc

(so basically just write about anything as long as you are actually interested)

seemed to work! i got through to AC with that app, fumbled on the last hurdle with the interviews

 

[Zaine1010]

Is it disadvantageous to mention a more niche practice area of the firm, that is not one of its main strengths?

I ask this because i am interested in a certain practice area and would like to speak about it in apps.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

linking the two is a good option if you can, but they honestly want you to actually talk about your interests and see how you write, to give an example from my app in 2023-24

i started by writing about how i really enjoy video games, nintendo in particular, and then linked it to how this led me to learn and get interested in their business strategy and how they can have such huge success with its customer base (me), and utilising IP to ensure it has wide demographics through nostalgia + innovation etc

(so basically just write about anything as long as you are actually interested)

seemed to work! i got through to AC with that app, fumbled on the last hurdle with the interviews

Thank you Emily wishing you lots of success in your next applications x

 

[ilovegardening1111]

For a second interview, if they ask the question what is a recent case that we’ve worked on that you found interesting, is it okay to mention the same case you mentioned in your first interview?

It will be different interviewers at the second interview

 

[big hot man]

Hii! Do you know roughly Sidley’s response time once you submit your application? 😊

Hey, it took a month and a week from me submitting my app to get the interview invite!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Thank you so, so much, Chris!! I am literally in the process of creating my Excel spreadsheet so this saves me A LOT of time 🙏 🤩 You're the best!

One quick question about something you mentioned - what is a 'memo'? I understand that it's a term of art, but I'm not super clear on what it actually means (and where to find memos?) Google is currently suggesting that 'memo' can mean a letter in response to a client, but I'm not sure if that's what you're referring to.
(Apologies for the silly question!)

A "memo" short for memorandum is an internal note. Usually set out as follows

To: (partner)

From: (trainee)

Date

Title (often file name and number but could be more general)


Body of memo giving information or asking questions.

They used to be used more than they are nowadays because nowadays the same info is usually sent by email. It is most likely to be used nowadays if attaching physical hard copy papers .

 

[Lrobson]

What Winter Vac Schemes are everyone applying for?
Just a heads up - I emailed Freshfields and they confirmed that they will not be offering a winter vacation scheme this year...

 

[Chris Brown]

What Winter Vac Schemes are everyone applying for?
Just a heads up - I emailed Freshfields and they confirmed that they will not be offering a winter vacation scheme this year...

There is a forum thread that lists all of the WVS for this year and SVS’ next year. Firms that are doing a WVS this year are A&O, HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells, Sidley Austin, Paul Weiss, Jones Day and Ashurst, among others:

Thread 'Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....5-26-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.9720/​

 

[amrita6399]

There is a forum thread that lists all of the WVS for this year and SVS’ next year. Firms that are doing a WVS this year are A&O, HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells, Sidley Austin, Paul Weiss, Jones Day and Ashurst, among others:

Thread 'Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....5-26-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.9720/​

NRF doesnt have a WVS?