TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[M85672]

Hi,

So Sidley's A-Level requirement is AAA - I achieved an AAB but have also now graduated from a prestigious university with a 2:1, <1% away from a First. Is this something I could plausibly try to elaborate on in order to still try to apply?

I know firms generally have contextual recruitment, so just wondering if this would fall into that scope? Thanks

 

[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

 

[Jaysen]

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?

That's fine. If you can drop me an email at [email protected], we'll make a note of this.

 

[TCLA0322]

Hi,

For Sidley Austin's work experience section, it only allows a maximum of four work experiences to be filled. I wonder if it’s better to list all four legal work experiences, or is it more recommended to fill in the four most recent or substantial work experiences?

 

[Maddy]

Hi,

For Sidley Austin's work experience section, it only allows a maximum of four work experiences to be filled. I wonder if it’s better to list all four legal work experiences, or is it more recommended to fill in the four most recent or substantial work experiences?

I used my substantial work to fill the four spaces, but since its work experience, I included my non-legal experience as well to demonstrate transferable skills necessary for the legal field. I hope this is correct.

 

[htrizzy100]

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

Haven't recently but they did say at interview feedback to not apply in the same cycle (which I am not) - Did you mention you had applied before because i'm considering not mentioning due to negative bias

 

[i-want-a-tc]

If your written application was successful in the last cycle and the questions are the same, can you submit same application but with a few changes?

 

[noahsmiit01]

" I don't have a prize because I am the prize"

Wonder whether the application will automatically get rejected if someone says that instead of leaving it blank hmm