TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[futuretraineeihope]

Most job applications expect circa one page (like S&M), but for TCs/VSs you can get away with 2 pages. I would say keep it less than 1000 words (that's plenty; though NB I think W&C used to allow for 1500).

Structure:
- 'Dear X'
- Introductory sentence ('I am X; I am applying for Y')
- Why commercial law
- Why this firm
- Why me (anything extra you want to highlight about yourself: work experience, extra-curriculars)
- 'Thank you for considering my application ...'
- 'Sincerely, X'

Thank you!!

 

[Andrei Radu]

im doing an application which asks for a cover letter. Does anyone have any tips regarding: what to include/ a rough framework and a word count? thanks

A cover letter should include answers to the three core questions firms also generally ask on their application forms, and I would advise you to structure it by having dedicated paragraphs for each:

1. Why commercial law: You should explain what makes you interested in commercial law rather than other career paths. Focus on motivations that do not apply to many other professions and that cover both the "law" part and the "commerce" part of the question - i.e. you need to explain both why you want to be a solicitor (rather than, say, a banker or a consultant) and why you want to be a solicitor working for businesses on commercial matters (rather than civil matters, family law, criminal law, etc). You should provide concrete examples of experiences which illustrate those motivations - the "show, don't tell" rule.
2. Why the firm: You should explain why the firm interests you more than other firms in the City. To do this, you will need to identify its unique selling points (which will generally have to do with practice areas/sectors they are strong in). You should then once again link the unique aspects of the firm you claim to be interested in to particular examples of your experiences which suggest they align with your skills/motivations
3. Why you: You should explain why you should be chosen to progress rather than many other applicants. Explain in detail (perhaps by using the STAR structure) some of your more impressive experiences/extracurriculars/achievements and then link them to skills that are relevant for the role of a trainee solicitor.

In terms of word count, unless the firm mentions a requirement, you should either write a full page or a full two pages. Nonetheless, if you choose the second option, you should ensure you have enough valuable content which justifies the length and that you still express yourself in a very concise and structured manner.

 

[aleece]

Anybody else still waiting to hear from Sidley for WVS?

 

[applicant457]

Hi!

As there is a limited word count, I don't think you need to include any addresses in the cover letter

Hi!

Regarding NRF WVS, am I missing somethign here, as I don't see a word count, it tells me to upload a document as a cover letter?

Also, is it true that I don't need to do the Arctic shores again if I did it last year and am happy with my results?

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hi all,

I am trying to ascertain which firms compensate successful applicants for course fees they paid (i.e. GDL and SQE prep course/LPC).

So far on my list I have:

Skadden
DLA Piper
Debevoise & Plimpton; and
Morrison Foerster.

Does anyone know if any other firms also do so? Thanks in advance

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hello!

I've just had a look at the application form as well, and I can't see anywhere that you might include postgraduate studies. It might be worth emailing graduate recruitment to confirm, just to make sure you include it in the right section

Thanks!

 

[joshh]

Spoke to an ambassador for the firm today. The application is not rolling

i keep getting emails saying i should apply soon or my application may be rejected. Why would they send these if it wasnt rolling?

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, quick question about Taylor Wessing. There's a section on the application form about the webinars, events etc. that you have undertaken with the company. Might be a bit of an obvious question but since the virtual open days are in November, and apps are rolling so I wanted to get mine out sooner rather than later, is it worth waiting to get one on there to support the application, or is it something that I can still succeed without. Bearing in mins I don't have any previous interactions with the firm. Thanks

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone,

Just to let you know that the graduate recruitment team at Paul, Weiss will be live in the forum tomorrow at 10am, alongside a group of associates.

If you are planning to apply to the firm, this is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about how to write a good application, the associate experience, or to better understand what makes Paul, Weiss different.

I'll link the thread here at 10am tomorrow.

See you then!

 

[tosin4774]

Hi @Jaysen, has there been any post about the TCLA scholarship for the 2025/26 year

 

[ZNadeem]

im doing an application which asks for a cover letter. Does anyone have any tips regarding: what to include/ a rough framework and a word count? thanks

Hi! A structure that usually works well is:


1–2 paragraphs on why commercial law

• Start by clearly stating why you’re drawn to commercial law. Use the PEA structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis): make a clear point about your motivation, provide evidence from your experiences (e.g., coursework, internships, commercial competitions, or relevant projects), and then analyse why this makes you suited to commercial law. Keep it specific and personal rather than generic.

2–3 paragraphs on why that firm

• Focus on what makes the firm unique—its practice areas, notable deals, client base, culture, international reach, training approach, or strategic initiatives. Use PEA again: point out a feature, back it up with evidence or examples (from research, news, or your own insight), and analyse why this appeals to you or aligns with your career goals. Where possible, link it to your previous experience or skills to show why you’re a strong fit.

1 paragraph on why you / your skills

• Highlight 1–2 key qualities or skills relevant to the firm and role, and demonstrate them using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Rather than just listing skills, give concise examples showing real impact or achievement—this helps you stand out and shows you can contribute effectively.

Word count and style

• Aim for roughly 1-1.5 pages, depending on the firm, unless a word limit is specified. Be concise, professional, and ensure your writing is clear and structured—bullet points aren’t typical in cover letters, but make sure your paragraphs flow logically.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hey everyone,

Just to let you know that the graduate recruitment team at Paul, Weiss will be live in the forum tomorrow at 10am, alongside a group of associates.

If you are planning to apply to the firm, this is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about how to write a good application, the associate experience, or to better understand what makes Paul, Weiss different.

I'll link the thread here at 10am tomorrow.

See you then!

Will they be present via video stream, or will they just reply to comments posted in this thread?

Thank you

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, another quick question about HL Lift Off 2026. One of the app Qs are to Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. By "this role', do they mean the programme (i.e they're essentially asking what experiences have allowed you to become more commercially aware) or being a lawyer at HL in general?

 

[Jaysen]

Will they be present via video stream, or will they just reply to comments posted in this thread?

Thank you

This will be a new ‘Ask me Anything’ thread for this cycle, where they will respond to questions in written form

 

[Chriss]

Any insignts on how to best prepare for HSFKs assessment?

 

[zonnonomo]

hi is there anyone i can private chat with about sensitive mitigating circumstances? i sent a message to jessica ages ago but she left the forum only days after my text iirc

 

[berocca567]

Does anything else think that SJTs are just a way of randomly filtering people out without reason? I know they supposedly test your skills, but every time I do one I get different strengths and weaknesses. I see them as just a bit of a lottery.

 

[londonlawyer]

I think you can include both and ideally should include both.

In general, when wring an answer for an extracurriculars application form question, you always want to link the experience to a skill that is relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor. Nonetheless, given the particular language chosen by the firm when formulating their question ("how others have benefited from your involvement"), I would interpret this as a clear suggestion that you can discuss the relevance of an experience in a wider and potentially more communitarian context - i.e. you can explain how you developed skills/interests/qualities that were good for you and other people more generally, rather than only focusing on skills you developed that benefited you in the narrow sense of being good for your career. Presumably, the firm chose this drafting because they consider this broader personal development to make for a better candidate to recruit.

However, as I said in the beginning, I would try to discuss both (i) this wider personal development and (ii) the development of more specialised skills relevant for a trainee. This is again as a result of closely following the logic of the language: "what you feel you have gained from them" seems to me to suggest this second and more you-focused perspective, and using "and" instead of "or" suggests that the firm would prefer it if you could write about both rather than only focusing on one.

Thank you!

 

[TCComingSoon]

DLA are non rolling confirmed by their early careers team!

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anything else think that SJTs are just a way of randomly filtering people out without reason? I know they supposedly test your skills, but every time I do one I get different strengths and weaknesses. I see them as just a bit of a lottery.

Hi! I get where you’re coming from, but I do think firms use them because they give a quick sense of whether someone understands the role of a trainee and how to act in a law firm setting. They’re less about being “right or wrong” in an absolute sense, and more about showing judgment in line with what firms expect.

Some tips that usually help frame your answers:

-Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
-Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
-Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
-Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
-Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
-Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.