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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Right... as of this week, my teaching semester is over (over 150,000 words of students' essays marked across two different departments!), and it's back to the applications. I'm still waiting to hear from several firms, but we can't take anything for granted, can we?

My strategy changes from season to season, based on the advice and feedback I receive from people in our community. For example, now that my first cycle is over and I understand the field a little better, I was planning to focus on only a handful of firms this year (6-8) - those with the best match for my profile, now I've met them (or most of them) at open days. But I've been having more success with the outliers or long-shots, weirdly. I also went over to Cooley again and had a fantastic chat with TCLA legend Ram, who emphasised that a broader approach is not necessarily a bad thing. So I'll probably still allocate some extra time to those firms that might be "less perfect" matches, as well. Always aim high - you never know! :)

Well done to everyone who has been getting VS/TC offers, that's always great to see.

Happy Easter (if you celebrate) and best of luck, everyone!
 
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Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thank you for answering my question earlier! Please can I ask your opinion on the following question on white and case’s application form:

Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc. These do not need to be White and Case specific.

Its 350 max words so it seems like an important question, but I haven’t attended any insight days or workshops with firms :/ I’m not sure if this means I shouldn’t apply?
Hello!

Of course, no problem at all!

I don't think this is a sign that you shouldn't apply at all! That question is focused on showing your interest in commercial law and how you have explored the career, rather than testing whether you have attended formal insight days. Lots of applicants haven't had the chance to attend firm events (+ I only went to 1 or 2 myself), so you are absolutely not at a disadvantage!

If you haven't attended any workshops or open days, you can still answer this question really well by broadening what you include and ensuring that you reflect on the insights they gave you. For example, you could mention:
  • Virtual webinars or panel events
  • Law fairs or university careers events
  • Events such as the Legal Cheek virtual law fair
The key part is to reflect on what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of commercial law or firms like White & Case, rather than just listing events.

If you truly have nothing to include, it is still okay to apply - I would just encourage you to think creatively, as most people have done something that could fit into this question.

Best of luck with your application!! :)
 

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