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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Did you get one yet?
Hi @Abbie Whitlock! I would really appreciate some advice- whenever I get this Q I have no idea how to answer it and it would be great to get your opinion!
In your view, what are three attributes or qualities that a lawyer needs to be successful? Please provide examples of where you have demonstrated these qualities.
In your view, what are three attributes or qualities that a lawyer needs to be successful? Please provide examples of where you have demonstrated these qualities.
Hi all! I have a vacation scheme starting on Monday which is only to last 4 days. I was just wondering what people's opinions on coffee chats are on the scheme? How many should I arrange (if any) and do they make much of a difference in terms of conversion. I am going for a regional office if this makes any difference and there is no exit interview. Any advice is much appreciated!
As a general rule, there is no need to go on any coffee chats, and you don't need to arrange them to convert your vacation scheme. The biggest focus on your vacation scheme should be doing really well on the tasks/work you have.
But if you notice you enjoy talking to someone and you naturally think, 'I'd love to talk to this person some more'. Then you should ask them.
In other words, you want to avoid going on coffee chats for the sake of going on coffee chats. But, if it was me, I'd go in thinking: okay, I really want to get to know the people within the firm. And if it feels right, I'd ask certain people I speak to if they'd be up for grabbing a coffee on a day they are not busy.
Hello! I was wondering if anybody can kindly share their knowledge on how firms use waiting lists for vacation schemes. Is there any real likelihood of getting a spot from being on the list? And how long does it take for you to be informed of the opportunity.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Hey!
I'd say the key way to approach this question is to treat it less like a "list three traits" question and more like a mini showcase of how you think and work. A strong answer will usually follow a clear structure throughout - you pick three qualities that are genuinely relevant to being a commercial lawyer, and for each one you explain why it matters and where you have actually demonstrated it.
In terms of what traits to choose, you want qualities that fit neatly onto the day-to-day reality of the role of a trainee / solicitor. For example, things such as commercial awareness, attention to detail, communication, and teamwork all tend to work well because they are easy to justify in relation to the role, and you can clearly evidence them.
You could approach each one in a short paragraph, following a structure such as:
- Start by briefly defining the quality and why it is important in legal practice (i.e. how it impacts clients, transactions, or risk)
- Move into a specific example (e.g. from your past work experience, university, or extra-curriculars)
- Finish with a quick line that links it back to being a trainee / solicitor.
It might help to follow a loose STAR-style structure, but I'd keep it quite natural and not too strict. Additionally, I would try to vary your examples (e.g. don't rely entirely on just academics or just work experience) and keep them relatively concise - it is better to go into more depth and show reflection, rather than trying to cover too much.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with your application!
Hey!
I would say that, given it is only 4 days and there is no exit interview, your priority should definitely be on the assessed elements - so, the work you are given, how you engage with the tasks, and your general day-to-day performance. Those are the things that are most likely to influence conversion, rather than things like coffee chats which typically aren't formally assessed. Therefore, I wouldn't try to pack your schedule with lots of chats as this might be counterproductive and takes time away from your work (which could make you more stressed!).
However, I'd say it is also important to remember that a vacation scheme isn't just about a firm assessing you - it is also your chance to work out whether the firm is right for you. If there are any particular people you would genuinely like to speak to (e.g. someone in a practice area you are interested in, or involved in an initiative/pro bono work that you care about), it is definitely worth arranging one or two chats if you have the time. I would just make sure that they are targeted to people you are actually interested in speaking to, and that they are limited in number.
In terms of conversion, they're unlikely to make a significant difference on their own, but they can still be valuable for your own understanding of the firm! Overall, I would focus on doing the tasks set and planned activities well, and treat coffee chats as a nice extra rather than a priority.
Wishing you the best of luck with the scheme - I'm sure you'll do great!!
I've still not had any update on my app to Travers Smith since submitting it and I can see other ppl have had interviews - can I assume I'll most likely be rejected soon?
Thank you so much, that’s so helpful!!Hey!
I'd say the key way to approach this question is to treat it less like a "list three traits" question and more like a mini showcase of how you think and work. A strong answer will usually follow a clear structure throughout - you pick three qualities that are genuinely relevant to being a commercial lawyer, and for each one you explain why it matters and where you have actually demonstrated it.
In terms of what traits to choose, you want qualities that fit neatly onto the day-to-day reality of the role of a trainee / solicitor. For example, things such as commercial awareness, attention to detail, communication, and teamwork all tend to work well because they are easy to justify in relation to the role, and you can clearly evidence them.
You could approach each one in a short paragraph, following a structure such as:
For instance, with commercial awareness, instead of saying you follow the news, you could talk about a specific story or experience where you understood how a business decision affected things such as strategy or profitability. With attention to detail, a lot of people use academic examples (which can work well!), but it is even better if you can show real impact - such as spotting an error, improving the accuracy of a document, and avoiding a mistake. For traits such as communication and teamwork, I would try to demonstrate how you adapted your working style or contributed to a group outcome, rather than just saying that you worked in a team.
- Start by briefly defining the quality and why it is important in legal practice (i.e. how it impacts clients, transactions, or risk)
- Move into a specific example (e.g. from your past work experience, university, or extra-curriculars)
- Finish with a quick line that links it back to being a trainee / solicitor.
It might help to follow a loose STAR-style structure, but I'd keep it quite natural and not too strict. Additionally, I would try to vary your examples (e.g. don't rely entirely on just academics or just work experience) and keep them relatively concise - it is better to go into more depth and show reflection, rather than trying to cover too much.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with your application!
Hello I have been on a waitlist for a VS for about 3 weeks now. they said they would let me know if i could be offered a place on either the spring or summer. i think spring is unlikely as its quite soon but im holding out hope for summer.
I was curious what the protocol is for waitlists and how they work, if anyone might know how soon people are pulled out of it generally. and if i should send an email to grad rec checking in or just sit tight for now as i might be informed closer to the summer scheme.
I was curious what the protocol is for waitlists and how they work, if anyone might know how soon people are pulled out of it generally. and if i should send an email to grad rec checking in or just sit tight for now as i might be informed closer to the summer scheme.
I think it’s more a question of “whether people are pulled out of it” rather than how soon.
I think I saw someone on here say that they were taken off the waitlist for a vac scheme or an AC the day before. I’d imagine that it really just depends on when — and whether — people pull out of the scheme
I LOVE LOVE LOVEEE the formatting of this!! super cute! and congrats on the VS offers! incredible results AND graphic designs <3As I have come to the end of this cycle, I wanted to do a small round-up! (I saw others doing this previously and wanted to do one of my own)
My Results From The 2025/26 Cycle Out of a total of 17 applications (16 VS, 1 TC), here are my (not so amazing) results:
Made it only to Application Review/ Online First Stage Test with: 10
Made it to Video Interview/ Written Exercise with: 7
Made it to Assessment Centre with: 6
Final number of Offers: 2 VS
This sheepis hoping to leave this cycle with at least 1 TC!
Oh. 6 7...Anyways, it's quite clear that my main pitfalls are my application writing/test taking abilities, as well as my AC performance. It's quite helpful to lay it all out like this! Fingers crossed for everyone doing a scheme soon - let's hope we all convert! And best of luck to those who are waiting to hear back
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