TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[noahsmiit01]

Any idea when we will hear back?

On 9th

 

[zara elles]

Might be a silly question, but should I really be tailoring my work exp section to each firm? I have never done this in the past as my work exp is really more a list of things I have done in each role rather than explaining the skills I've learnt in the role. Should I be looking at the competencies of each firm and tailoring my work exp for this? I just assumed this was only really needed in the questions tailored to each firm.

Also, am I okay to leave this section in bullet points (ofc they are full sentences), rather than paragraphs - I just felt it was easier to read this way since each point is an entirely different task.

 

[fffvfdsfv]

is it still worth applying for a&o or no (since its rolling)?

should i apply for the vs or the tc? ive already done two vac schemes (at a magic circle and silver circle) but also im going into my final year of uni

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Does anyone know if Latham does rolling apps for their Spring VS or if they at least look at apps before deadline but dont respond?

Non-rolling

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem
For the Sidley question : In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?
Would it be appropriate here to weave in examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities, or would that be straying too much from the question?

Also for the commercial news issue, is it okay to focus on a US-based issue or would it better to focus on a UK/EU issue?

Thank you!

I think better if UK/EU - but doesn't matter so much. More important is how well you understand (and can explain) the issue and how you justify your interest in it

 

[Bread]

When writing about commercial awareness topics, is it recommended that we discuss very current commercial trends or is it ok to mention a longer ongoing lawsuit?

 

[ZNadeem]

Might be a silly question, but should I really be tailoring my work exp section to each firm? I have never done this in the past as my work exp is really more a list of things I have done in each role rather than explaining the skills I've learnt in the role. Should I be looking at the competencies of each firm and tailoring my work exp for this? I just assumed this was only really needed in the questions tailored to each firm.

Also, am I okay to leave this section in bullet points (ofc they are full sentences), rather than paragraphs - I just felt it was easier to read this way since each point is an entirely different task.

Hi!

There’s no need to tailor your work experience section to each firm — I never did. Realistically, the competencies firms look for are broadly the same. The crux of a strong work experience section is to:

1. Provide a bit of context on the role.
2. Be detailed on what you actually did and how.
3. (Optional, depending on space) Briefly touch on the 1-2 skills you gained and how they’ll benefit you as a trainee.

I wouldn’t use bullet points — most firms prefer it in paragraph form, as it flows better and shows you can write professionally.

 

[ZNadeem]

is it still worth applying for a&o or no (since its rolling)?

should i apply for the vs or the tc? ive already done two vac schemes (at a magic circle and silver circle) but also im going into my final year of uni

Hi! If this is your only chance to apply to the firm this cycle, then yes — definitely submit. You’ve got nothing to lose, and if they want you, they’ll still progress your application.

Since you’ve already completed two schemes, you could go straight for the TC. That said, bear in mind that many firms tend to recruit primarily through their vacation schemes, so weigh that up when deciding.

 

[ZNadeem]

When writing about commercial awareness topics, is it recommended that we discuss very current commercial trends or is it ok to mention a longer ongoing lawsuit?

Hi! That’s perfectly okay. Longer ongoing cases or trends can work really well, especially if you can explain the wider implications and why they matter to clients.

 

[dannyp123]

is it still worth applying for a&o or no (since its rolling)?

should i apply for the vs or the tc? ive already done two vac schemes (at a magic circle and silver circle) but also im going into my final year of uni

It is not rolling, I asked grad rec the other day dont worry.

 

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, I noticed that Taylor Wessing's vacation scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, the virtual taster weeks and open days are not till mid to late October. Do you think it's fine to wait to do an application until after then, or should i try sending one out earlier? Thanks!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Hey guys, I noticed that Taylor Wessing's vacation scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, the virtual taster weeks and open days are not till mid to late October. Do you think it's fine to wait to do an application until after then, or should i try sending one out earlier? Thanks!

Definitely attend those events

‘Screened on a rolling basis, but all decisions after the deadline’ might as well be ‘non-rolling’ imo.

There have been numerous cases where people apply to ‘rolling’ firms on their deadlines and end up getting VS/TCs, whereas those who applied earlier in the cycle didn’t.

As long as you submit a strong application, and ideally submit it at least a week before the deadline, you’ll be absolutely fine for 99% of firms (especially those that specify all decisions will be made after the deadline).

 

[abbietc03]

Hey guys, I noticed that Taylor Wessing's vacation scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, the virtual taster weeks and open days are not till mid to late October. Do you think it's fine to wait to do an application until after then, or should i try sending one out earlier? Thanks!

Reiterating what others have said above, but I think it's perfectly fine to wait until after the virtual taster weeks and open days to then apply. I submitted an application for a VS on the deadline day (and it was a rolling deadline), and I still received an offer (and I hadn't actually attended an open day at the firm). Therefore, I don't think you will be at a disadvantage if you wait until after the events.

Imo, it's better to submit a stronger and more comprehensive answer closer to the deadline than to rush writing one so that you can submit as early as possible!

 

[Kakaboo]

Is Ashurst rolling? It says rolling then it says you will get the test after the deadline?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Is Ashurst rolling? It says rolling then it says you will get the test after the deadline?

• No, we review all applications after the closing date. from the Ashurst website

 

[Chriss]

Anyone do the Macfarlanes job simulation and can share insights on what it entails and how best to prepare?

 

[dannyp123]

Definitely attend those events

‘Screened on a rolling basis, but all decisions after the deadline’ might as well be ‘non-rolling’ imo.

There have been numerous cases where people apply to ‘rolling’ firms on their deadlines and end up getting VS/TCs, whereas those who applied earlier in the cycle didn’t.

As long as you submit a strong application, and ideally submit it at least a week before the deadline, you’ll be absolutely fine for 99% of firms (especially those that specify all decisions will be made after the deadline).

Alright perfect thanks for the advice @SoonToBeTrainee @abbietc03!

 

[tobywstress]

Does anyone know what sort of grade profile these firms (HFW, WFW, Stephenson Harwood, Mayer Brown) are looking for? I saw most of them being a 2:1 but no information online as to what exact % candidates need. Will applying to their open day (and getting an invite, hopefully) mean that my academics will not be a problem?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey guys, I noticed that Taylor Wessing's vacation scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, the virtual taster weeks and open days are not till mid to late October. Do you think it's fine to wait to do an application until after then, or should i try sending one out earlier? Thanks!

Hi! I’d suggest holding off until after the events — attending the open days will give you stronger insight into the firm, which you can then reflect in your application. That way you’ll be able to show a more genuine and informed interest in Taylor Wessing. They would take these event dates into account when starting to progress people past the application stage.

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know what sort of grade profile these firms (HFW, WFW, Stephenson Harwood, Mayer Brown) are looking for? I saw most of them being a 2:1 but no information online as to what exact % candidates need. Will applying to their open day (and getting an invite, hopefully) mean that my academics will not be a problem?

Hi! There isn’t an exact % cut-off for most firms — they generally just look for at least a 2:1 overall. Whether or not you get an open day invite doesn’t change that benchmark, though open days are more about showing interest and getting to know the firm. If you’re worried about your grades, remember that firms do take mitigating circumstances into account, so it’s always worth explaining those if they apply.