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!

 

[Ancika]

For the work experience section of the Sidley application, should I use the STAR format to describe my experiences, or is it better to list them in a concise, bullet-point style (e.g. ‘Drafted X’, ‘Reviewed Y’)? @Jaysen @Ram Sabaratnam would you be able to help me with this? Thank you so much!

 

[robertg22]

Hey guys! Need word of advice here, how's the experience applying for the Mayer Brown Vac Scheme vs Direct TC, specifically:

Are the TC applications also rolling?
Is the application process any different?
What's the split for vac scheme vs direct TC hires? 80/20 better/worse?
Is it really that much more competitive to apply for direct TC if I got legal work experience but no VCs?
What are other factors to consider, or rather, why would I not apply for Mayer Brown's direct TC?

Thanks in advance!

 

[robertg22]

Do you require permission or a visa to work in the office location(s) you are applying to?

As an international student, how realistic and/or beneficial is it for me to press No on every single one of these questionnaires, even for the larger firms that are happy to offer sponsorships, given that I could just use the Graduate Visa route for my TC?
Anyone got stories of this method failing horrendously? Anyone got confirmations that firms allow you to act stupid (oh I thought grad visa counts) in a way?
Is the answer any different for VS vs TC applications?

 

[lawyersum]

For those of you wanting to apply to A&OS, seems like their academic requirements are very strict, to the point where you are advised not to apply - for context, I achieved ABB A Levels and only 2 2:2s in first year. Emailed to ask whether it was worth applying. Always check with grad rec if you’re not sure. Their requirements are AAB and 2:1 in every module.

 

[Rads]

Hi can we apply for both Linklaters VS and TC in the same app cycle? I could not find it on their website.

 

[TortillaTC]

For those of you wanting to apply to A&OS, seems like their academic requirements are very strict, to the point where you are advised not to apply - for context, I achieved ABB A Levels and only 2 2:2s in first year. Emailed to ask whether it was worth applying. Always check with grad rec if you’re not sure. Their requirements are AAB and 2:1 in every module. View attachment 7258

Did they mention that they’re looking for 2.1 in every module?

 

[Sunshinepink]

For those who have passed application stages multiple times, what structure do you use?

Also good luck everyone, we’ve got this!

 

[dm_corporate]

Can someone confirm whether Latham are rolling or not? Seen that they’ve just opened

 

[TCGrad1642]

Can someone confirm whether Latham are rolling or not? Seen that they’ve just opened

Non-rolling

 

[Sunshinepink]

Do any of these firms look at applications on a rolling basis?

Pinsent Masons
Taylor Wessing
Mishcon De Reya

 

[Linus]

Did they mention that they’re looking for 2.1 in every module?

Bumping this question - would it be a 2:1 minimum in every module, or would a yearly average be able to bump it up (i.e. getting first in most, but a 2:2 in one)

 

[lawyersum]

Did they mention that they’re looking for 2.1 in every module?

Yes, at their application masterclass event last week. It was quite a hard requirement, not sure why they haven’t written it on their website.