TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[user55998384]

could anyone who has an OD invite from STB pls share your grade profile

 

[TortillaTC]

could anyone who has an OD invite from STB pls share your grade profile

I’d appreciate this too! Happy to DM if that’s preferred.

Also, do we know when they’re sending out invites for the other 3 ODs?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Would anyone who previously applied to Gibson Dunn and was successful be open to a quick question?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Hi - quick query here. I am just curious as to how having completed a vacation scheme (and not received the TC offer) looks good on your applications. I understand I have had invaluable experience at a great law firm but wouldn’t other similar firms see the vac scheme and think oh well he was rejected by them so why would we bother?

 

[summersun]

Hi - quick query here. I am just curious as to how having completed a vacation scheme (and not received the TC offer) looks good on your applications. I understand I have had invaluable experience at a great law firm but wouldn’t other similar firms see the vac scheme and think oh well he was rejected by them so why would we bother?

It's quite common to fail a VS as many have a 50% conversion rate if not less. Realistically you were still a top applicant and there might have been a marginal reason why someone else and not you.

Also I was not asked once about my previous VS and just used them to show my interest in law and have clearer motivations for the law firms I was applying to. I ended up with a TC on my 3 td VS which shows they really didn't care I had "failed" the others.

 

[Deleted member 33582]

Hi - quick query here. I am just curious as to how having completed a vacation scheme (and not received the TC offer) looks good on your applications. I understand I have had invaluable experience at a great law firm but wouldn’t other similar firms see the vac scheme and think oh well he was rejected by them so why would we bother?

They’re so useful because you’re not only exposed to legal work, but also to law firms as businesses.
Having a vac scheme on the CV won’t make or break your application in itself (although maybe failing to convert ten would be a red flag!), but it can offer unique insights that make your applications stand out

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi - quick query here. I am just curious as to how having completed a vacation scheme (and not received the TC offer) looks good on your applications. I understand I have had invaluable experience at a great law firm but wouldn’t other similar firms see the vac scheme and think oh well he was rejected by them so why would we bother?

Hi!

It is a completely understandable question, and I actually had the same concern.

For context, I completed three vacation schemes and wasn't offered a TC from them, but I was still successful in securing a direct TC later in the same cycle. From my experience, other firms didn't seem to view the unsuccessful conversions negatively, especially as they know how competitive it can be. Instead, they were much more interested in what I'd learnt from those experiences and how they shaped my motivations.

A vacation scheme gives you tangible examples to drawn on in applications and interviews. You can talk about working with trainees and partners, completing real tasks, receiving feedback and, importantly, reflecting on what you would do differently. I found I could give much more detailed and commercial answers as I had experienced life inside a firm rather than just attending insight events or doing virtual programmes.

The graduate recruitment team also know that there are many reasons why someone might not convert a vacation scheme. Conversion rates aren't 100%, even for very strong candidates, so not receiving an offer doesn't automatically mean you are not good enough. What matters more is whether you can demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and that you have built on the experience and learnt from it.

Therefore, I definitely wouldn't worry that another firm will simply think that since you haven't been offered a TC there, they shouldn't consider you. If anything, the experience will strengthen your application, provided you reflect on it well and explain what you have taken away from it

 

[Xoxoyo]

I have completed a summer vacation scheme and have been placed on a reserve list for a TC. Is there any hope that I will be actually offered a TC? Has anyone been in this position before?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Hi!

It is a completely understandable question, and I actually had the same concern.

For context, I completed three vacation schemes and wasn't offered a TC from them, but I was still successful in securing a direct TC later in the same cycle. From my experience, other firms didn't seem to view the unsuccessful conversions negatively, especially as they know how competitive it can be. Instead, they were much more interested in what I'd learnt from those experiences and how they shaped my motivations.

A vacation scheme gives you tangible examples to drawn on in applications and interviews. You can talk about working with trainees and partners, completing real tasks, receiving feedback and, importantly, reflecting on what you would do differently. I found I could give much more detailed and commercial answers as I had experienced life inside a firm rather than just attending insight events or doing virtual programmes.

The graduate recruitment team also know that there are many reasons why someone might not convert a vacation scheme. Conversion rates aren't 100%, even for very strong candidates, so not receiving an offer doesn't automatically mean you are not good enough. What matters more is whether you can demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and that you have built on the experience and learnt from it.

Therefore, I definitely wouldn't worry that another firm will simply think that since you haven't been offered a TC there, they shouldn't consider you. If anything, the experience will strengthen your application, provided you reflect on it well and explain what you have taken away from it

Thank you so much! This is such a great response!

 

[TCGrad1642]

They’re so useful because you’re not only exposed to legal work, but also to law firms as businesses.
Having a vac scheme on the CV won’t make or break your application in itself (although maybe failing to convert ten would be a red flag!), but it can offer unique insights that make your applications stand out

Thank you!

 

[username10341034]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you are well! I am thinking of applying to Simpson Thacher's vacation scheme but do not have any direct experience with private equity (I work within in-house disputes at a professional services firm). Please could I ask for your advice on structuring an answer to: Tell us why you want to join Simpson Thacher. (250 words)

I have done general research into the firm, but I am a bit stuck on how to stand out in my application. I am also unsure how to structure the answer given its short word count.

Many thanks!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Hi just wanted to ask how my grades this year will affect my chances of securing a TC in the future.

For context I go to a target RG and received a high 2:2 overall in my 2nd year, and honestly I don't have any mitigating circumstances. I put a lot of hours into my studies this year, was quite literally studying everyday to gain a solid understanding of all my modules but I was clearly doing something very wrong for months straight lol.

For this reason I've decided to not apply this application cycle, but I was wondering if things would be more favourable for me in the next cycle if I hypothetically scored very high in my final year (1st/high 2:1 overall, 1sts in all final year modules). I'm trying to give myself a headstart by starting on my dissertation in the summer and being sure of the topic, and meeting my module leads online to ask some questions about how to do well.

For experience, I also did my first VS this year (didn't convert into a TC), and I have a good amount of extracurriculars (writer for a student blog, exec position etc). I plan to take on a few extracurriculars this year (mooting, writing) but they are either only in the winter term or are very related to my dissertation topic.

I am very interested in going to a good law firm, but I understand that a good amount are basically out of the picture for me. I want to know which ones would be more favourable towards me if I did show genuine improvement.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you are well! I am thinking of applying to Simpson Thacher's vacation scheme but do not have any direct experience with private equity (I work within in-house disputes at a professional services firm). Please could I ask for your advice on structuring an answer to: Tell us why you want to join Simpson Thacher. (250 words)

I have done general research into the firm, but I am a bit stuck on how to stand out in my application. I am also unsure how to structure the answer given its short word count.

Many thanks!

Hi!

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

I would try not to worry if you don't have any direct private equity experience. Firms don't expect applicants to have worked in PE already, and what is more important is showing that you understand what the firm does and why that genuinely appeals to you.

Even without direct experience, you can still demonstrate an interest in private equity. For example, you could discuss PE deals that you have followed, trends that you have found particularly interesting, podcasts or articles that you have read, any Forage programmes that you have completed, or any commercial awareness that you have developed through your research. The key part is to explain why private equity interests you and link that back to Simpson Thacher's market-leading practice, rather than feeling you need firsthand experience.

With only 250-words, I would keep the structure relatively simple, such as:

• Why commercial law (briefly, if it is relevant to the question)
• Why Simpson Thacher specifically - I'd pick 2-3 points rather than trying to cover everything. For example, its market-leading private equity practice, the quality of its cross-border work, or aspects of its culture that resonate with you. Make sure you explain why each point matters to you, rather than just listing facts from the website.
• Why you are a good fit - link your own experiences and interests to the firm's work. Your in-house disputes experience is still valuable, as it demonstrates exposure to commercial clients, understanding business priorities, and working in a professional environment. You don't need to force a PE connection if it isn't there.

I would also avoid generic statements such as "it's a prestigious US firm" unless you explain what that means for your development as a trainee. The strongest answers tend to make a clear link between the firm's distinctive features and your own motivations and experiences.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi just wanted to ask how my grades this year will affect my chances of securing a TC in the future.

For context I go to a target RG and received a high 2:2 overall in my 2nd year, and honestly I don't have any mitigating circumstances. I put a lot of hours into my studies this year, was quite literally studying everyday to gain a solid understanding of all my modules but I was clearly doing something very wrong for months straight lol.

For this reason I've decided to not apply this application cycle, but I was wondering if things would be more favourable for me in the next cycle if I hypothetically scored very high in my final year (1st/high 2:1 overall, 1sts in all final year modules). I'm trying to give myself a headstart by starting on my dissertation in the summer and being sure of the topic, and meeting my module leads online to ask some questions about how to do well.

For experience, I also did my first VS this year (didn't convert into a TC), and I have a good amount of extracurriculars (writer for a student blog, exec position etc). I plan to take on a few extracurriculars this year (mooting, writing) but they are either only in the winter term or are very related to my dissertation topic.

I am very interested in going to a good law firm, but I understand that a good amount are basically out of the picture for me. I want to know which ones would be more favourable towards me if I did show genuine improvement.

Hi!

If you are able to bring your overall degree classification up to a 2:1 or a 1st, I don't think it should be a barrier at the majority of firms. Many firms take a holistic approach to applications and are primarily interested in your overall degree classification, alongside the rest of your application.

There are some firms that are stricter and look for consistently strong academic performance across all years or a 2:1 in every module, but these tend to be in the minority. A strong improvement in your final year can also demonstrate resilience and an upward trajectory, which is something many firms will value!

It sounds like you have already identified ways to improve for your final year, and combined with vacation scheme experience and extracurriculars, you'll be in a much stronger position next cycle. I definitely wouldn't write off applying to good firms just yet!

Wishing you the best of luck with your final year!

 

[saltpepper]

Hey guys, I hope you are well. I got my second year results back and I’m at a pretty high first for my degree, one of the highest in my cohort!! Unfortunately I got a 2.2 (59%) in one of my modules would this affect my applications next year? I’m a bit scared. I’m aware that some firms require over 2.1 in every module (I am basically barred from applying to them?)

Would appreciate any advice!! Thank you

 

[AndreaHernandez123]

If anyone completed an interview with Watson Farley & Williams for the training contract?
Please message me; I'm happy to advise on firms too!

 

[tcla02]

Anyone who attended the Simpson thacher open day: how was your experience?

 

[cooked2000]

Does anyone know which firms allow you to do other VS if you get a TC offer from them vs firms that have 'non solicits'

 

[WillKitchen]

I received my second rejection from Gibson Dunn. That must be a popular choice, given their salary band. But I really like the combination of US organisation with a major employment law practice. Has anyone been to open days or other events there?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I hope you are well. I got my second year results back and I’m at a pretty high first for my degree, one of the highest in my cohort!! Unfortunately I got a 2.2 (59%) in one of my modules would this affect my applications next year? I’m a bit scared. I’m aware that some firms require over 2.1 in every module (I am basically barred from applying to them?)

Would appreciate any advice!! Thank you

Hi!

Firstly, congratulations on your overall results - that is a fantastic achievement, especially if you are one of the highest performing students in your cohort!

I wouldn't let the one 59% overshadow that. The vast majority of firms assess your academic profile holistically, so a strong overall first is likely to carry much more weight than one module score.

There are a small number of firms that ask for at least a 2:1 in every module, so if that is an explicit requirement then you may not meet their eligibility criteria (depending on how strictly they enforce it). However, those firms are definitely the exception rather than the rule, and most firms do not have that requirement. Many will be much more interested in your overall academic performance and the rest of your application, rather than individual module grades.

I would recommend checking each firm's eligibility criteria before applying, but I definitely wouldn't be discouraged by one module. A high first overall is still an excellent position to be in!

Congratulations again, and best of luck for next cycle's applications!