TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Hey guys! Starting prep for this cycle and would appreciate some guidance on how to decide my top 10 firms. How can I ensure that my applications are super tailored? Beyond just LinkedIn messages and extensive firm research. Thank you for all responses in advance.

 

[laww]

Has anyone heard back from Orrick or Macfarlanes yet?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Anyone heard from STB Open day? Apparently they offered someone a place last Friday.

 

[TortillaTC]

Anyone heard from STB Open day? Apparently they offered someone a place last Friday.

I haven’t heard yet - applied for all 4 dates btw

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys! Starting prep for this cycle and would appreciate some guidance on how to decide my top 10 firms. How can I ensure that my applications are super tailored? Beyond just LinkedIn messages and extensive firm research. Thank you for all responses in advance.

Hey!

This is a really good question, and I think you have already identified two of the biggest things (i.e. networking and researching firms).

One thing I would add is to think about what genuinely matters to you, rather than just trying to identify the "best" firms. For example, you could consider things like:

• Practice areas you are interested in
• The type of clients and matters the firm advises on
• The firm's culture and training style
• International opportunities or secondments
• Seat structure and qualification process
• The size of the trainee intake and whether you'd prefer a larger or smaller cohort.

I also found it really helpful to attend open days, insight events, and online events/presentations where possible. Speaking directly to trainees and associates often gives you a much better feel for the firm than the website alone, and you'll usually come away with insights that you can reference in your application.

In terms of tailoring, I would focus less on trying to mention lots of firm-specific facts and more on explaining why those facts matter to you. For example, rather than simply saying a firm has a strong private equity practice or an international platform, explain why that aligns with your interests, previous experience, or the type of work that you want to do as a solicitor. The graduate recruitment team are usually looking for that personal connection, rather than a list of facts that you have found on the website (which may not be particularly unique on their own).

I also wouldn't be afraid to refine the list as you go. You might attend an event and realise a firm isn't quite what you expected, or discover another firm that is a much better fit. It is much better to submit 10 applications that you are genuinely enthusiastic about than to force applications to firms you don't have a particularly compelling reason for applying to

 

[user55998384]

hey!! anyone who has done anything at Milbank could you please pm me would be super greatful cant seem to find much info on them online

 

[TortillaTC]

I haven’t heard yet - applied for all 4 dates btw

Update: they just sent a rejection for the 22nd July open day but said that applications submitted for the other dates will be considered separately.

 

[helenaskelton]

Hi guys - need some advice. If you omit vac schemes from your CV / don’t talk about them in an interview, is that ok as long as you put it in your conflicts check for TC or whatever? Just trying to gauge things

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys - need some advice. If you omit vac schemes from your CV / don’t talk about them in an interview, is that ok as long as you put it in your conflicts check for TC or whatever? Just trying to gauge things

Hi!

I think it depends on the circumstances, but generally I wouldn't recommend omitting a vac scheme from your CV purely because you do not want to discuss it. If it is relevant legal experience, the grad rec team or interviewers may reasonably expect to see it.

However, you don't have to spend lots of time talking about every vac scheme in an interview. You can always focus on the experiences that are most relevant to the role you are applying for.

The conflicts check is a separate process and is there to identify potential conflicts, rather than to verify your CV. I would generally suggest being transparent throughout the application process, as it is always better to avoid any perception that you have intentionally left something out

 

[ufdj]

Does anyone know what Latham looks for in terms of work experience and grades?

 

[stratofaster]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie, I've just finished a vacation scheme and failed to convert. I have another scheme coming up, how bad/not bad do you think it will look that I didn't get a TC in the final interview at my next scheme?

Also, do you think it will help or harm my future apps if I have two vac schemes that I failed to convert?

Thanks!

 

[Miss Elli]

Hi has anyone else sat the Simpson Thacher paralegal attention to detail and excel tests? I've sat both and would like to know if anyone else thought the excel test was tough and if you passed

 

[EfficientBag123]

Which firms have released info for their 2027 vac schemes so far?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Which firms have released info for their 2027 vac schemes so far?

Hey!

We have a dedicated page for Simpson Thacher, who are opening their vacation scheme applications next week. You can find more information here!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie, I've just finished a vacation scheme and failed to convert. I have another scheme coming up, how bad/not bad do you think it will look that I didn't get a TC in the final interview at my next scheme?

Also, do you think it will help or harm my future apps if I have two vac schemes that I failed to convert?

Thanks!

Hi!

Firstly, I am really sorry to hear that you didn't convert your first scheme. I know it is disappointing, but it definitely doesn't mean you won't convert your next one.

I completely understand why you are worried as I had very similar concerns last cycle. I didn't manage to convert any of my vacation schemes, and at the time I was devastated and convinced it would make future applications much harder - however, I went on to secure a direct TC offer later in the same cycle.

From my own experience, I was never explicitly asked why I hadn't converted my vacation schemes. Even if you are asked, I think firms are much more interested in how you have reflected on the experience, what feedback you received (if any), and the steps you have taken to improve. Graduate recruitment teams know that vacation schemes are incredibly competitive, and sometimes the margins between candidates are very small or things simply don't go as planned.

I also don't think one or even two non-converted vacation schemes will harm your future applications by themselves. If anything, securing multiple vacation schemes shows that you have already demonstrated the qualities firms are looking for. The key part is to make sure that you use each experience as a learning opportunity, and that you show your development over time.

For your upcoming scheme, I would focus on taking on board any feedback you have received and treating it as a completely fresh opportunity. The next firm will assess you based on your performance with them, rather than what happened elsewhere - I'd just go and give it your best shot!

Wishing you the very best of luck with your next VS - I really hope it goes well!