TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Novaa]

IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S (NOT) TOO LATE

First-time poster... loooong-time lurker. This one is for all my career changers and maybe slightly non-linear background havers (though it applies to everyone here):

Keep going! It literally only takes one.

I started this rat race in the 22/23 cycle. I didn't receive a single in-person interview or AC invite (or anything past the pre-recorded video interview stage) in that cycle, or in the 23/24 or 24/25 cycles. I entered the 25/26 cycle pretty down bad.

There was one US firm I'd been pretty high on each year, and for 25/26 I considered not applying because I'd already been rejected at the application stage twice. I applied anyway and was successful. I did the vacation scheme, it worked out, and I got a TC offer from the firm this summer!

I wanted to share this because I know just how much of a grind the process can be. I considered throwing in the towel a fair few times, but I didn't. If anyone is in that mindset themselves, I hope my little story provides some encouragement.

I wish you all every success with this next cycle. You've got this!

(P.S. I did the TCLA mock interview pre-AC, and it was immensely helpful. Shout-out to the TCLA team!)

Donny… I don’t think you realise how perfect the timing of your post was!! YOU DA BEST

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

lowkey struggling with the 200 word limit for this Bristows question: 'Why have you chosen to become a solicitor? What relevant skills do you possess?'

like... i would assume u should split it with 100 words for why a solicitor, and 100 words for relevant skills.. but how on earth can you effectively discuss relevant skills using evidence in only 100 words!! would two skills be enough here?

Hi! That is definitely a difficult question to do in such a word count. I found it difficult enough to do something similar in 250, I can only imagine the pain of doing it in 200.

I think the best way to go about it is picking an experience that is very 'on the nose' about the two skills. Given it says skills rather than 'skill(s)', you should still try to mention two. Anything above that would definitely be too tight for the word count.

Using the same evidence for the two skills should allow you to squeeze in just enough. The fortunate thing is that you won't be the only one in this position, so your writing won't be worse off than anothers.

 

[PhillipAugustus13432]

I would highly appreciate any help with the Ashurst Perkins Coie SJT. Does anyone have any advice and feedback on strengths, etc? Anyone who got an AC last year, what was your report?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz (or anyone who passed Dentons initial application stage), I notice someone brought up their work experience section previously:

“Briefly explain the skills you gained and how these are transferable to being a lawyer at Dentons. (150 words max per experience) for their work details section”

I just wondered, would you explicitly draw out the link to Dentons, I.e “this is transferable to Dentons because X”? Or is it more a case of addressing the skills, which can then be assumed to be applied to Dentons.

Thanks!

Hi! I haven't applied to Dentons specifically but nonetheless I'm sure either approach would apply. If there is a unique aspect of Dentons, then you can absolutely draw out the link. I'm not all too aware on the USPs of the firm, but I'm sure there is something that you can bring out. Otherwise, addressing general skills that would be desired at any commercial law firm is a strong strategy.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi everyone, I also have a question regarding grades in general. I graduated with a first-class law degree and consistent 1st/2:1 modules. However, I changed my major once (from engineering to law) and did fail one mathematic analysis module. I was wondering whether this would automatically screen me our for most city law firms. Although I feel like it does not reflect whether I could be a good lawyer at all, I still feel really anxious about that.

Thanks in advance for any honest advice, especially relating to how I could better frame my academic results (like have you resit any module or have you passed all modules in the first time).

Hi! I think you should be more than fine, your grades overall look fantastic. The law degree is likely to be seen as your primary source of education as that is what you graduated with. You may be asked about the engineering grade at later stages but it is unlikely to be fatal.

In regards to the latter question, this really depends whether that original degree counts as any qualification. I would err on the side of caution and not mention anything that could be misconstrued as lying. If you did fail, and resit, then say you did but this often automatically brings an explanation box. There, you can describe your situation. I'm sure it will go well

 

[Scottishlion]

Just got A&O Shearman TC Open Evening. Does anyone know how selective the event is/whether it will help my application substantively cos I live quite far away from London...

Is this for the 21st?

 

[TCHolderr]

Hi!! If anyone has insights on Sidley, Mayer Brown or A&O Shearman SJTs, could you please DM me. I have done ACs with Jones Day, HSFK, Gibson Dunn and Stage 2 Macfarlanes and can help with any of those

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Just got A&O Shearman TC Open Evening. Does anyone know how selective the event is/whether it will help my application substantively cos I live quite far away from London...

I remember that they will reimburse the cost of travel. (correct me if I'm wrong)