TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawstudent272003]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jaysen Hi guys I was wondering if you can give some advice regarding self-funding the SQE and still applying for TCs. Is this a good option and are firms willing to recruit candidates who have already done the SQE?

 

[TortillaTC]

For Sidley, Chambers Student mentions that successful candidates need a high 2.1 degree with consistently good grades - does anyone know if they're strict about the high 2.1? or an overall good, tailored application can offset a mid/lower 2.1? I know that it's always worth trying but I'm aiming for lots of high-quality applications this cycle and I'd rather save my time if applying somewhere is unrealistic (clearly, Slaughters is out of reach if even high 2.1 candidates doubt themselves lmao)

For context: I have A*A*A and a Distinction for the PGDL

 

[Sharan]

Heyy guys. haven’t got a question at the moment, but just wanted to raise attention about something. i got an email from Jaysen titled ‘why are you applying to this firm’, and through using the fake firm ‘Slaughter & Allan LLP’, he so amazingly depicts what makes a decent application stand out from the amazing ones that actually get selected.

Just telling you all, do have a read of it, it is eye-opening (definitely was for me).


Thanks for the help Jaysen!! Been loving all these insightful TCLA emails. Super useful and clear-cut.

 

[Sharan]

Hey Sharan,

I agree that this question can sometimes be confusing and leave you wondering if there is a "hidden" question within the question.

I had success with this question when I treated it like a story in a sense. I first described how I first became interested in law (e.g. a specific course at uni, an insight event I attended), then how I developed this interest (e.g., shadowing a solicitor, networking), and finally what my motivations/expectations are for my future career. In this final part, I usually linked my answer to the firm; for example, if I was applying to a commercial law firm, I described my interest in commercial law and backed this up with robust examples of how I have developed and maintained this interest - e.g. attending a firm's open day or completing a commercial law virtual experience program.

In this way, my answers started broadly and became more narrow as the "story" went on.

I hope this gives you some clarity!

Thanks!!! That’s super smart. So much better to understand now, these questions honestly throw me off when they are worded so similarly to other questions. I hate overthinking because then I actually underestimate the value of writing a good response because im focusing too much on what the question actually means 🤣

 

[WillKitchen]

I have a question about the "education" section for most application portals, and would be interested to hear people's opinions...

I completed my GCSEs in 2009 and A Levels in 2011, and an undergraduate degree in Film Studies a few years later. It seems fairly anachronistic to list these grades on current applications, considering my career change and subsequent qualifications (including a PhD and SQE 1 Prep).

My judgement is that if a firm asks for that data as part of the application, however, it does need to be submitted. Career changers must be resigned to fill in GCSE data multiple times, just like any current undergraduate looking for a training contract!

I believe that I present a compelling narrative about how and why I am moving from my initial academic background into Law, but I am wondering how to avoid allowing my subject choices to prejudice future applications.

Thanks for any feedback / comments!

 

[WillKitchen]

Is this a good option and are firms willing to recruit candidates who have already done the SQE?

I am in a similar situation and would be interested to know, too.

 

[Amanr_04]

Hi all

Does anyone know if the TCLA application review includes a review of the work experience section, as well as the application qs?
Thanks.

 

[Bhavana]

Hi all, for the work history section, should I collate open days/first-year schemes into 1 experience, or discuss each separately? Thank you!