TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone,

I’d just like to remind us all to be mindful of the way we respond to one another here. The forum is meant to be a supportive space, and it can be disheartening when replies come across as dismissive. Even if a question feels straightforward or we disagree with a point, it’s always better to respond constructively and with respect. Please keep that in mind going forward.

 

[jojo23]

I put it as “russel group” as it is a direct quotation from the person who asked, someone’s clearly not got good attention to detail. Naughty naughty.

Top 10 uni ? Holy cope

Sure ya did buddy.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

hi guys- does sidley have a fixed number of places for their winter and spring vac schemes? i am trying to figure out if they offer places on a first-to-impress basis and if i should apply for the winter scheme instead of spring.

hiya @TCLA

All firms will have a fixed number of places for each of their vacation schemes. Sidley do seem to review applications on a rolling basis, so there can be an advantage to applying sooner rather than later. As the winter scheme applications are already open, it’s quite possible they’ve already started progressing some candidates to the next stage (and rejecting others). Applications for the spring and summer schemes have not opened yet, so they are unlikely to be reviewing applications for those just yet.

If you’re ready, I’d definitely encourage you to get your application in sooner rather than waiting until later in the cycle. If you think your application might benefit from further review, then it's completely fine to wait until applications for the spring/summer scheme open in September. Good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Do you guys think Stephenson Harwood’s application questions will stay the same this year?

Hiya @PlscanIhaveaTC

In my experience, a lot of UK firms do change their application questions from year to year (particularly those outside the Magic Circle where the application formats/questions tend to be more consistent from year to year). Stephenson Harwood is a good example of a firm that’s changed things up. To give you a sense of how their questions have evolved, here’s what they asked in 2023 (the year I applied) vs 2024:


2023 Questions (all with word limits of 250)

1. Why Stephenson Harwood? (Research sources, what about the work appeals to you, what the firm can offer)
2. Any other matters? (E.g. career change, gap year, additional info)
3. Tell us about a time you exceeded expectations (Challenges, response, outcome)

2024 Questions (all with word limits of 600)

1. Why do you want to be a solicitor, and how are your skills suited to the role?
2. Why Stephenson Harwood, drawing on your professional, academic, and personal experiences
3. What are three significant challenges law firms will face over the next five years?

Even if they change the questions again this year, I still think you can definitely prep ahead, without waiting. I’d suggest putting together a short outline covering some research into the firm and what sets it apart; your motivations for wanting to join; a few trends or news stories you think could affect the firm and its clients; and a short draft on why you want to be a solicitor. Most firms will ask questions with some variation on these points. By coming up with an outline in advance of applications opening, you’ll already have some research/points you can incorporate into your final answers.

Best of luck with you apps!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! I have two questions ahead of this application cycle.


I completed my undergraduate law degree at a Russell Group university, but my grades weren’t the strongest, I graduated with a 2.1 overall, with extenuating circumstances. I know firms usually require at least a 2.1, but also look at individual module grades. I’m also aware that some firms, such as Slaughter and May, are particularly strict on academics, so I don’t plan to apply there. What would you recommend my strategy be? Do you think I still have a chance with some Magic Circle or Silver Circle firms, or should I contact graduate recruitment directly?


My second question is about my experience. I’ve worked in strategy consulting for three years since graduating, and I’ve now decided to return to law - I’m starting my SQE LLM course in two weeks’ time. Would it make sense for me to apply directly for training contracts given my work experience (which includes a number of due diligence projects and many transferable skills), or should I still apply for vacation schemes since my legal experience is limited (just two months of internships at law firms during university, about five years ago)?

Thanks so much, and best of luck to everyone applying this year!

Hiya @ELSA19


It’s true that some firms are stricter than others when it comes to academics (you’re right to flag firms like Slaughter and May, which tend to take a more rigid view of grades), but there are many more who are flexible, especially when you can contextualise your 2.1 with evidence of extenuating circumstances and strong post-university achievements by working in consulting. My suggestion would be to draw your net widely, including firms that take a more holistic approach to recruitment (i.e. not just Magic Circle or Silver Circle, but also Addleshaw Goddard, Bird & Bird, Osborne Clarke, Taylor Wessing, etc). I generally don't think a low 2.1 will be an issue, but you can certainly reach out to grad recruitment/other trainees for clarity, particularly where you’re unsure whether module breakdowns would be an issue.

On the vacation scheme vs direct TC route, given your three years in strategy consulting I think you can apply directly for TCs. But I’d still recommend applying for a couple of vacation schemes, particularly at firms where the vac scheme is the main recruitment route or where you’re especially keen to experience the culture firsthand.

The main point to remember is that you’re not the same candidate you were five years ago, and that can be a real strength if you frame it well.

Hope that helps!

 

[Deleted member 38167]

Hi all,

Does anyone know which law firms offer retrospective funding for course fees, if offered a training contract? I know that Skadden does this (as it says so on their website). Does anyone know which other firms do the same?

Would be great to find this out.

Thanks,
SC

DLA, CMS can

 

[TortillaTC]

I put it as “russel group” as it is a direct quotation from the person who asked, someone’s clearly not got good attention to detail. Naughty naughty.

Top 10 uni ? Holy cope

Oh excuse me, which uni did YOU go to then? Cause most Oxbridge grads I know wouldn’t spend their time insulting strangers online..

 

[Gr33n]

100%

Also, as weird as this might sound, just don't take it too seriously.

The reality is that all applicants, and trainees/associates etc, are just cogs in a corporate machine. Like a cog, if you don't meet the needs of the machine at any point, you will likely be replaced by someone who does.

Remembering that has allowed me to have a healthy level of detachment towards the whole process. Don't sacrifice your health for an industry that really won't do the same for you. Being a cog in a machine cannot be the story of your life - get out in the world, remain social, don't give up on your hobbies/things that make you who you are. You really only have you! That won't change if you get a TC this year, next year or never.

Nah bro you obviously just don’t want it bad enough with that mentality. Bleed now and then sweat in peace. Dont encourage lackadaisical behaviour

 

[htrizzy100]

Does anyone know/have experience with re-using written app content for a VS app of a firm they got to the final stage interview with last cycle? Thinking that if it got me to the end last time then surely it should be ok and get me cleared through the initial checks? Would love some thoughts on this

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone know/have experience with re-using written app content for a VS app of a firm they got to the final stage interview with last cycle? Thinking that if it got me to the end last time then surely it should be ok and get me cleared through the initial checks? Would love some thoughts on this

Have you spoken to the firm?

I've been told "we won't interview you again" at one, but in another have been reinterviewed with substantially the same application.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

i want to apply to HSF's dispute open day to learn more about the work but dont really have direct experience in litigation

what are some other ways you can demonstrate interest without having direct experience?

would you say its better to mention deals/news etc?

i have some modules that i could stretch to link

or some transferable skills?

any advice is great!

Hiya @ohnoselim

You definitely don’t need direct experience in litigation to apply for HSF’s disputes open day; that’s exactly what the open day is for It’s more about showing that you’re genuinely curious about the work and willing to learn. You could mention a case or investigation the firm has been involved in that you found interesting and explain why. Linking to something you’ve studied in a module also works well (even if it’s only tangential, it shows you’re making connections between your studies and practice). If you've done any research or analysis on cases, or advocacy in moots, that could also be something to raise here when discussing your motivations for attending an open day on disputes. Overall, don’t worry if you haven’t done litigation before. Just focus on showing your interest in the area and in HSF itself, and I think you’ll be in a good place. Good luck with your application!

 

[Lewis_Ham44]

Hi everyone, first-time poster here 👋

I’m hoping to get some guidance on the vacation scheme/training contract application process. By way of background, I’m a foreign-qualified lawyer and currently a PhD candidate in law (going into my third year). I graduated with a First in law from my home jurisdiction and went on to complete a UK LLM with Distinction. Although I do have legal experience, I don’t have any UK legal work experience, which is why I’m considering that applying for vacation schemes may still be important for me.

The issue I’m running into is how I should actually categorise myself when applying. My PhD graduation date is a bit uncertain (likely to submit my thesis in winter 2026 or spring 2027), so I’m not sure whether I fall under “penultimate year,” “final year,” or “graduate” — especially since those terms usually apply to undergraduates. On top of that, because my undergraduate law degree wasn’t from the UK, I’ve noticed some firms (like Slaughter and May) class me as a non-law applicant, which feels a little counterintuitive.

My questions are:

• What’s the best course of action to figure out how firms would classify me and how to approach my applications?
• Should I be reaching out to graduate recruitment teams for guidance before applying, or is there a more efficient way to navigate this?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jaysen

 

[CharlesT47]

For Willkie/ TCLA open days, if I withdraw my application (due to me discovering how to improve it), will you still accept my second application?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi everyone, first-time poster here 👋

I’m hoping to get some guidance on the vacation scheme/training contract application process. By way of background, I’m a foreign-qualified lawyer and currently a PhD candidate in law (going into my third year). I graduated with a First in law from my home jurisdiction and went on to complete a UK LLM with Distinction. Although I do have legal experience, I don’t have any UK legal work experience, which is why I’m considering that applying for vacation schemes may still be important for me.

The issue I’m running into is how I should actually categorise myself when applying. My PhD graduation date is a bit uncertain (likely to submit my thesis in winter 2026 or spring 2027), so I’m not sure whether I fall under “penultimate year,” “final year,” or “graduate” — especially since those terms usually apply to undergraduates. On top of that, because my undergraduate law degree wasn’t from the UK, I’ve noticed some firms (like Slaughter and May) class me as a non-law applicant, which feels a little counterintuitive.

My questions are:

• What’s the best course of action to figure out how firms would classify me and how to approach my applications?
• Should I be reaching out to graduate recruitment teams for guidance before applying, or is there a more efficient way to navigate this?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jaysen

I would definitely call and speak directly with the early recruitment team for each firm you are applying to.

Ps. it would not be counterintuitive to be considered alongside non-law grads as around 50% trainees and solicitors are non-law grads. They count you as such because they would expect you to take a pgdl then SQE. So in effect you are considered as non law but with the conversion element having done your LLM

 

[Lewis_Ham44]

I would definitely call and speak directly with the early recruitment team for each firm you are applying to.

Ps. it would not be counterintuitive to be considered alongside non-law grads as around 50% trainees and solicitors are non-law grads. They count you as such because they would expect you to take a pgdl then SQE. So in effect you are considered as non law but with the conversion element having done your LLM

Thanks!

Just for context, I described it as counterintuitive because my LL.B. is from a Commonwealth jurisdiction that uses UK law as well as the same law courses as the UK. So, personally, I find the system a bit silly in that regard that some firms would still need me to do the PGDL.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Thanks!

Just for context, I described it as counterintuitive because my LL.B. is from a Commonwealth jurisdiction that uses UK law as well as the same law courses as the UK. So, personally, I find the system a bit silly in that regard that some firms would still need me to do the PGDL.

The good news is that whether you're classed as a law or non-law grad will not matter until after you've got the training contract. After you get the TC, you can always ask the graduate recruitment team if you could be exempt from doing the PGDL, as an exception due to your background. There may be more flexibility once you know they want you

 

[jojo23]

Are hogan lovells likely to change their application questions?

 

[BillSikes]

Yes

Do we know if rolling basis actually matters for Sidley? I know for most firms its largely irrelevant

 

[CharlesT47]

Do we know if rolling basis actually matters for Sidley? I know for most firms its largely irrelevant

Yeah I agree— it always seems that firms say they are rolling but getting an application in early just means they will review it earlier. Like Willkie’s Vac scheme they claim to be rolling but only shortlist candidates past the deadline which defeats the whole point of rolling?

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi also has anyone got Macfarlanes' SJT? I haven't received an invite to do it although applied like 5 days ago