TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock i am applying for a firm that asks for no motivation questions or cover letter just work experience filled in the application form. I am wondering whether it is worth tailoring my work experience beyond the firm's competencies. For example, writing: The interpersonal skills of professionalism and persuasiveness secured the British Library and the Welsh National Library as venues to display the art; these skills will be essential when communicating with clients, others on my team, and opposing counsel. I have also written some more specific ones about the firm's AI platform etc and relating my work experience to the firms affinity networks but im unsure if it is worth it or encouraged.

Hey!

Personally, I think it can be worth tailoring your work experience entries where you can, but I'd be careful not to force it.

If the application doesn't have any motivation questions or a cover letter, the work experience section is one of the few places where you can demonstrate your fit for the firm. Linking the skills you have developed to the firm's competencies is a good idea, and if you can naturally reference something specific about the firm (such as its AI platform or affinity networks), then that can also help show you have done your research.

However, I would make sure the primary focus of each example is still on what you did, the impact you had, and the skills you developed. The connection to the firm should feel like a natural extension of that, rather than the main part of each work experience entry. For example, your sentence about professionalism and persuasiveness works well as it first explains the achievement before linking those skills to practice.

I would also avoid trying to reference lots of different firm initiatives throughout your work experience just for the sake of it. A couple of well-placed and genuine links are likely to be more effective than mentioning every aspect of the firm. The graduate recruitment team should come away with a clear understanding of your experiences first and foremost, while also seeing that you have thought about how those experiences would translate to you being a good fit for the firm.

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I had a few questions:

(1) Are there any firm's Vacation Scheme applications are open right now, barring Simpson Thatcher?


(2) With respect to Simpson Thatcher, does anyone know if they will be sponsoring visa's for their Autumn/Winter vacation schemes? Also, are these schemes convertible?

(3) Should I apply for an open day as well? For context, I am an international student, not based in UK, or studying there, so I will need Visa Sponsorship for any firm event that I would have to attend (plus going there being another hassle). In this light, I don't see a point in applying to an open day, because even if I do get it, it is simply not feasible for me to travel from my home country to ST, fully unsponsored, for one day. Nonetheless, would mailing the early recruitment team for any arrangements - maybe an option to attend virtually, or reimbursement for travel (which is highly unlikely) be worth it?

(4) In case no arrangements can be made and I cannot apply for an open day, would that cause any prejudice to my application for the vacation scheme? (assuming they sponsor visa's and I can apply, otherwise this is rendered moot)

Hi!

In relation to your first question, it appears like this is the only vacation scheme application open right now - I'm sure more will start to open next month! Additionally, the vacation scheme page of Simpson Thacher's website states that if successful on the scheme, a training contract offer will follow.

I can't speak to the visa sponsorship side of things with certainty, so I wouldn't want to give you inaccurate information. I would recommend reaching out to the graduate recruitment team directly, as they'll be able to advise on whether visa sponsorship is available for the autumn/winter vacation scheme and whether there are any arrangements for international applicants attending open days.

On your fourth question, I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to attend an open day if it is simply not feasible due to your location and visa requirements. In my experience, attending an open day is generally not a prerequisite for securing a vacation scheme (out of my three VS last cycle, I only attended an open day for one of them), and firms understand that not everyone is able to attend in-person events. If there are virtual alternatives available, that is great - however, I wouldn't expect it to prejudice your application if not.

Hopefully the graduate recruitment team can give you a definitive answer on the sponsorship and open day arrangements. Best of luck with the application!

 

[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.

 

[Bread]

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.