TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson]

I am currently drafting my HSF Kramer application and I need help with approaching the first question.
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests. (Max 300 words)
Does anyone have any advice on how to approach, answer, and structure this question?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I am currently drafting my HSF Kramer application and I need help with approaching the first question.
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests. (Max 300 words)
Does anyone have any advice on how to approach, answer, and structure this question?

Find a topic that you genuinely find interesting. It actually doesn't matter what it is, they're not lying!

Don't try to impress with the complexity of your topic.

Have two paragraphs, one should cover "introduce us to a topic you know about". Second should cover "why it interests you". According to grad rec team themselves, so many candidates completely miss that it's a two part question.

Use simple and clear sentences. Each grad rec member is reading hundreds of applications. You want them to really understand what you're saying despite this.

It'd be good, however, if you knew more about this topic than the average person/lawyer. When reading your first paragraph, the grad rec member should probably be learning something new.

 

[dannyp123]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to refine how I demonstrate genuine interest in a practice area when writing applications. My usual approach is to pick a specific practice area I’m interested in and highlight how the firm has added value to clients through its advice. However, I’m unsure whether there should also be a personal link to the area—something about why it appeals to me personally—and if so, how to express that effectively. Do you have tips or examples of how to combine a firm-focused angle with a personal connection in a way that feels genuine rather than forced?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to refine how I demonstrate genuine interest in a practice area when writing applications. My usual approach is to pick a specific practice area I’m interested in and highlight how the firm has added value to clients through its advice. However, I’m unsure whether there should also be a personal link to the area—something about why it appeals to me personally—and if so, how to express that effectively. Do you have tips or examples of how to combine a firm-focused angle with a personal connection in a way that feels genuine rather than forced?

Yes, the personal link is the most important part!

I've DMed you with an example from one of my successful applications

 

[lawstudent2]

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.

Just wondering if anyone knows how to access this email as despite me being a premium member I haven't received this and it sounds interesting

 

[lawyersum]

Good evening everyone. Does anybody have any advice on how to genuinely make a personal connection with facts about the firm and yourself? I find that I can get loads of stats and info about a firm, but it ends up reading like a shopping list in my answer. For example, with energy deals (I’m very interested in the sector), I usually make the connection with a firm’s excellence in a particular area to my heritage (APAC/ South Asia) and being interested in that region. But with more ‘drier’ deals or facts such as PE, real estate, M&A I struggle to find a meaningful personal connection beyond ‘I did a Forage programme on it’. Would be grateful for any tips

 

[londonlawyer]

Just wanted to ask whether it would be worth applying to the Willkie TCLA Open Day now, given that the deadline is in two days and the applications are rolling. Are there any more spots left? @Jaysen Thank you!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Good evening everyone. Does anybody have any advice on how to genuinely make a personal connection with facts about the firm and yourself? I find that I can get loads of stats and info about a firm, but it ends up reading like a shopping list in my answer. For example, with energy deals (I’m very interested in the sector), I usually make the connection with a firm’s excellence in a particular area to my heritage (APAC/ South Asia) and being interested in that region. But with more ‘drier’ deals or facts such as PE, real estate, M&A I struggle to find a meaningful personal connection beyond ‘I did a Forage programme on it’. Would be grateful for any tips

Forage programmes are perfectly fine to mention, I did this in several successful apps! But also identify what precisely stood out about the practice area for you. For example, don't just say something like it was intellectually engaging or high-profile. Those things can be found in basically any area. What really distinguishes PE? Perhaps the sophisticated clients seeking strategic investments, or fast-paced deals. And then say why are *you* as an individual suited for such an area? And why is the way this firm does that best suited to you?

 

[tarastar]

Do we need to write the date on the Slaughter and May cover letter? The website says there's no need to write any addresses, so am I correct in assuming we can jump right into the content?

 

[Mara]

Does anyone know when King and Spalding applications open?

 

[Moo&mak]

Hey, has anyone had a look at the Pinsent Masons application form yet? They just opened today and it looks like there is no section for long written answers (Why Commercial Law/PM? style). The form only has sections for academic history and relevant experiences and after that it goes straight to the blended assessment (case study, SJT, and VI). Did they remove the written application element this year or am I missing something?

Based on my knowledge and past experience Pinsent masons does not have application questions.

 

[lawyersum]

Forage programmes are perfectly fine to mention, I did this in several successful apps! But also identify what precisely stood out about the practice area for you. For example, don't just say something like it was intellectually engaging or high-profile. Those things can be found in basically any area. What really distinguishes PE? Perhaps the sophisticated clients seeking strategic investments, or fast-paced deals. And then say why are *you* as an individual suited for such an area? And why is the way this firm does that best suited to you?

Thanks so much for the clarification

 

[RaniaH062002]

I've applied to Latham and Watkins and I am preparing for their assessment and VI. Does anyone have advice in how to approach their test?

 

[tcla02]

Yes, the personal link is the most important part!

I've DMed you with an example from one of my successful applications

Hi! Would you mind sending me the example as well? It'd be really helpful

 

[RaniaH062002]

Hi! Would you mind sending me the example as well? It'd be really helpful

billyonthespeeddial that would be super helpful for me too if your willing could you DM me?

 

[htrizzy100]

Does anyone know if its worth applying to A&O Shearman TC based on their intake numbers cos I can't seem to find info anywhere? Also, given its been a month since apps opened for winter VS - do you think its still worth applying?

 

[Linus]

Does anyone know if its worth applying to A&O Shearman TC based on their intake numbers cos I can't seem to find info anywhere? Also, given its been a month since apps opened for winter VS - do you think its still worth applying?

Are you applying for a Training Contract or a Vacation Scheme?

Do you have any previous Vacation Schemes?

 

[Shahenshah]

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!

I'm in a similar boat, did my GCSEs nearly a decade ago now. I just wish they'd have a box saying: Do you have X grades at A Level, if not, what grades did you achieve and are there any extenuating circumstances? Are my smattering of iGCSEs and O Levels in letter grades that aren't even used anymore relevant when I have six years of academic legal experience and a years worth of practical legal experience. I have to waste easily an hour or two just inputting every individual grade for GCSEs, A levels and my 50 odd university courses. Just a gripe but it really makes me hate these applications. I sound old but I miss the days it was just CV and cover letter.

 

[htrizzy100]

Are you applying for a Training Contract or a Vacation Scheme?

Do you have any previous Vacation Schemes?

I wanted to apply for TC, having done one elite US VS last cycle and having other legal (high-street/commercial bar) and non-legal (finance) experience - but obviously I wish to maximise my chances of an offer

 

[wrpark]

Yes, the personal link is the most important part!

I've DMed you with an example from one of my successful applications

Hi! I've had the same question, do you mind DMing me the example as well? Would be highly appreciated. Thank you!