TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Can who you get sat next to in an exit dinner be an indicator for if you are likely to get a TC/ impressed the firm so far in your VS?

Don't think so. They gather feedback after the VS ends usually.

 

[TD]

Hi everyone! I am new here. I am originally from India and will be joining the LLM at LSE this autumn. This group has already been incredibly helpful in giving me a broad overview of how the commercial law recruitment landscape works, so thank you all.

I was hoping someone could help me with a few questions, since I am still new to the UK recruitment process

During my five years of law school in India, most of my experience has been in public policy and technology law. I have worked extensively on research and policy projects (alongside a few law firm internships), so my profile isn't what you would typically describe as "commercial law" focused. However, I am keen to pursue vacation schemes with the long-term goal of qualifying and working in the UK.

I had a few questions:

1. Does having a predominantly non-commercial law background put candidates at a significant disadvantage when applying for vacation schemes? Do firms generally hesitate to recruit applicants whose experience is primarily in policy, research, or the public sector?
2. How common is it for international LLM students to secure vacation schemes and ultimately training contracts? Is the recruitment landscape noticeably more geared towards undergraduate law students, or are LLM students viewed similarly by firms?
3. Given my background, is there anything in particular you think I should be doing over the next few months to strengthen my applications?

Finally, are there any questions you think I should be asking at this stage that I am perhaps overlooking?

I'd really appreciate any advice or perspectives. Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock.

I was just looking for some advice about changing an application question answer, as it touches on a question someone asked above.

I am planning to reapply to a firm I applied to last cycle, where I reached the AC but unfortunately wasn’t successful.

They had three application questions that individually focused on an ambitious goal, a high-quality piece of work I had completed, and then a situational question surrounding work as a trainee.

As I said, I passed the application stage and then the VI, and they said I could reapply this cycle and would just be judged again against the pool of applicants.

I’m not sure whether I should come up with new examples for questions such as where I worked towards an ambitious goal and a high-quality piece of work, or whether I should keep the same ones. For the situational question, I can’t see how I could or should change it, as it was based on juggling demands as a trainee at the firm.

I was just wondering what you think?

Hey!

Given the fact that you reached the AC last cycle, I don't think there's any need to change your examples just for the sake of it, as they were clearly strong enough to get you through both the application stage and the VI.

However, if you have had any new experiences over the past year (e.g. a vacation scheme, new role, or another achievement) that allow you to answer the question more effectively or from a different angle, then I would definitely consider using those instead. The key thing is whether the new example is stronger and adds new skills to your application, rather than it simply being different.

I would also revisit your existing answers with fresh eyes, as I always found that useful between cycles. Even if you keep the same examples, there may be opportunities to improve the structure, make your reflections more specific, or demonstrate your impact more clearly. These minor improvements can make a really big difference to how your application comes across!

For the situational question, I agree with you - if it is based on a hypothetical trainee scenario, there may not be much scope to change the substance of your answer (as it should be how you'd genuinely approach any given situation!). I would instead focus on whether you can make your reasoning clearer or better align it with what the firm is looking for.

Overall, I wouldn't feel a lot of pressure to use completely new examples for the sake of it. If an example has already demonstrated the competencies the firm is looking for, it is absolutely fine to use it again, provided it is still your strongest evidence from your experiences

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're well.

I have a few questions, if that's ok!

(1) I was wondering if you could give me advice as to how I should answer this question differently than the classic "why law": "Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions?"

(2) How would you structure the answer to the following question: "Select one article from the DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions?"

(3) So I need to link any of my answers back to the firm and why I am interested in it?

Thanks!

Hi!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too! Of course

For question one, I think this is asking you to be slightly more specific than the classic "why law" question, although they are still similar. Rather than talking broadly about why you want to become a lawyer, I'd focus on one particular experience that genuinely influenced your decision, explain why it was significant, and then show how it shaped your career ambitions. For example, if a particular piece of work or conversation sparked your interest in commercial law, I would explain how that led you to pursue further experience and ultimately confirmed your motivation.

For question two, I would structure this by briefly summarising the article, explaining why the issue interests you, and then discuss the implications for clients. Lastly, I would link it back to your own ambitions - for example, why you would enjoy advising clients in that sector or working on those types of matters. The key part is to make sure that it is personal to you and your ambitions, rather than just analysing the article.

For your third question, yes, where it feels natural. Not every answer needs to end with "and that's why I've applied to DLA Piper", but if you can make a genuine link back to the firm, it generally strengthens your application. For example, in question 2, that is an opportunity to explain why that sector interests you and why DLA's expertise in it makes the firm an attractive place to train. For question 1, I would keep the focus primarily on your own journey, but if your career ambitions align with something DLA offers, it could be worth mentioning it briefly.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can who you get sat next to in an exit dinner be an indicator for if you are likely to get a TC/ impressed the firm so far in your VS?

Hey!

Personally, I would try not to read too much into it. In many cases, the seating plan will have been arranged before the vacation scheme even started, so it is unlikely to reflect how you have performed during the week.

Even if there is some thought behind who sits where, I don't think it is something you can reliably use to gauge your chances of receiving a TC. I would try not to spend too much time analysing it.

Instead, I would treat it as another opportunity to have a good conversation, ask thoughtful questions, and leave a positive final impression. Your overall performance throughout the vacation scheme is going to matter far more than who you happen to be sat next to at dinner.

Best of luck!