TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[dm_corporate]

Has anyone heard positively from Sidley Austin?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Hi! I‘m confused whether I‘m eligible for A&O Shearman's vacation scheme. I'm an international student and I haven't been educated in the UK during secondary school. Can I apply to A&O if I do not have GCSEs?

Yes, you can apply to all firms which have GCSE or A-Level requirements without having taken these exams. I personally did not have GCSE equivalent exams, so I listed all of my Year 11 final marks in applications. There will often be a section where you can explain your secondary school and any equivalent qualifications.

 

[noahsmiit01]

I can't believe Macfarlanes has only one 300-word motivation question for their Vacation Scheme application. Does anyone know whether they send an automatic Watson-Glaser test once you apply?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I can't believe Macfarlanes has only one 300-word motivation question for their Vacation Scheme application. Does anyone know whether they send an automatic Watson-Glaser test once you apply?

They send an automated virtual assessment which includes, but is not limited to, critical thinking questions. You can get more details on their website!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi all

New to the forum, and looking for tips on how to position myself and my applications for this round. Did poorly in A-levels (no mitigating circumstances, just being an idiot in 6th form) so at a mid-tier Non-RG uni. However, had somewhat of an academic comeback placing 1st overall in 1st year (avg grade), 2nd overall in 2nd year. Projected a 1:1. Does anyone have any experience with applying in this sort of situation? I.e. firms to apply for - I have put in some serious work through uni and worry its just gonna go to waste b/c of poor A-levels.

Hi! Very well done on your uni grades!

I wouldn’t worry too much about the past, which can’t be changed. There’s no reason you can’t get into good firms with those strong university results, as many have removed A-level requirements and focus far more on degree performance and relevant experience now.

You absolutely can pursue a career in law with your grades. Firms are generally less focused on A-levels nowadays, especially with the increasing emphasis on social mobility and accessibility. Even if a firm lists an A-level requirement, it’s still worth applying — strong uni results and a clear upward trajectory will speak volumes.

 

[ldlisa]

A cover letter is required, not the CV. On their application portal, this information is written at the top once you start your app.

Thanks, do you know where I could find an example?

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know whether Kirkland and Sullivan & Cromwell recruit trainees from Vac Schemes only, or is it possible to apply to their DTC?

Hi! They both do direct TC applications, but keep in mind that many firms recruit primarily through their vacation schemes.

 

[ZNadeem]

To clarify, does the Slaughter and May cover letter need addresses at the top?

Nope! Dive straight into the content — don’t waste space with addresses since it’s strictly limited to 1 page.

 

[ZNadeem]

@vera.mekhonoshina Hi Vera! I‘m an international student doing a MA Law in the UK, there will be 3 terms. In the term3 there is no lectures/ workshops and I need to write the dissertation, is it ok to do a vacation scheme? Student visas has a 20 hours restrictions. I'm confused because although there is no lectures/ workshops, it is still within term time..

Hi! As an international student myself I’d say no unfortunately, as it depends on your university’s official term dates rather than whether you have lectures or not. I’d suggest emailing your uni to clarify the exact term dates — sometimes term 3 isn’t officially counted as “term time.” You could also ask if they’d be willing to provide a letter of approval, which might help.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey TCLA Community!

Delighted to share we now have the updated versions of our TC and VS deadlines threads!

TC Deadlines - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ct-deadlines-thread-2025-26.9780/#post-216097
VS Deadlines - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lling-non-rolling-checklist.9720/#post-214861

You will find that some firms are yet to release their dates for now, but not to worry - we will keep these lists monitored weekly so you can get those applications in!

As usual, if you do have any suggestions for improvement, please let us know in the comments!

Best wishes,
We are all rooting for you here at TCLA

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello everyone! My name is Amma Usman, and I'm currently working at TCLA as a Community Assistant.

I've worked on the forums for the past year, but just thought I'd reintroduce myself for those that are new here.

I’m a law graduate from the University of Leicester and a Future Trainee at Gibson Dunn. I’m an international student, born and raised in Nigeria, and I moved to the UK a couple years back. I was so keen on joining TCLA due to the positive impact it had on my career trajectory and perception of the law firm application process. From the wonderful forum community where everyone was so open and friendly about their experiences, to the comprehensive courses, TCLA really felt like a ‘community’ from day one.

If you've got any questions at all, feel free to tag me using the '@' function, @ZNadeem, and @vera.mekhonoshina.

We're happy to help, so no question is ever a silly one!

Best of luck with this cycle - you've absolutely got this!

 

[s123]

I can't believe Macfarlanes has only one 300-word motivation question for their Vacation Scheme application. Does anyone know whether they send an automatic Watson-Glaser test once you apply?

They send it around a week after!

 

[s123]

I'm also experiencing this. Not sure what to do, maybe wait it out until tomorrow then flag it to grad rec if it persists?

worked it out by reloading it and then selecting other / none in the dropdown. If it still doesn't work flag it for sure.

 

[radssss]

Just received the MacFarlanes second stage online assessment (with the video element)!

Is this automatic? If anyone has experience doing this, I’d be very grateful for any insight!!

 

[jojo23]

When will we hear back regarding the willkie open day?

 

[a0]

Just received the MacFarlanes second stage online assessment (with the video element)!

Is this automatic? If anyone has experience doing this, I’d be very grateful for any insight!!

Same! They were really quick since I did mine on the 1st.

Their page says "If successful, you will be invited to complete a second stage online assessment."

 

[Umair Patel]

To clarify, does the Slaughter and May cover letter need addresses at the top?

Nope! The FAQs on the website say you do not need to include your address or the firm's address on the cover letter.

 

[Umair Patel]

Hi all

New to the forum, and looking for tips on how to position myself and my applications for this round. Did poorly in A-levels (no mitigating circumstances, just being an idiot in 6th form) so at a mid-tier Non-RG uni. However, had somewhat of an academic comeback placing 1st overall in 1st year (avg grade), 2nd overall in 2nd year. Projected a 1:1. Does anyone have any experience with applying in this sort of situation? I.e. firms to apply for - I have put in some serious work through uni and worry its just gonna go to waste b/c of poor A-levels.

Hi! Don't stress about your A Levels too much, and it sounds like you've been doing amazing at uni which is ultimately what recruiters will care more about.
I'd suggest first having a look at Legal Cheek and finding the firms that don't have A Level requirements/requirements that match your achieved grades (Clifford Chance for example have no minimum requirements). This should hopefully help you focus on the firms you think will work best for you. Also make sure you're doing the right things beyond your degree, attending open days and doing extracurriculars!

 

[Umair Patel]

I wouldn't worry about that, from recruiters I've spoken to, they don't check your submissions. But, Forages do look great on your applications so definitely put them down! Hope that helps!

 

[Umair Patel]

I've noticed a few firms have this common question in the application where you need to tick either the Yes or No box and then give an explanation:
Have you chosen to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in your application? Provide a short explanation of your choice – 100 words

If the answer is No, then how do I even structure this question 🤣

Hey! I had this question on an Orrick application last year which got through to the next stage - I would play on the idea that firms want to say tailored and personalised applications, and using AI removes that aspect and instead makes applications more generic. Hope that helps!