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5 August 2026 at 6pm — EVENT: How to Secure a Training Contract with Simpson Thacher. Sign up here.
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27
- Thread starter Abbie Whitlock
- Start date
If I’m not qualified in the E&W, then why not trainee roles? A lot of firms don’t entertain applications for NQ roles if you’re not qualified in England.
In past years it’s been one motivational, one competency, and unless it’s changed this year you have unlimited prep time
Hey everyone!
I'm running an event with graduate recruitment tomorrow at 6pm: How to Secure a Training Contract with Simpson Thacher.
These events are very good: Paul will tell you exactly what he looks for in an application and what to expect at interview.
If you're interested, and haven't already signed up, you can do so here.
I'm running an event with graduate recruitment tomorrow at 6pm: How to Secure a Training Contract with Simpson Thacher.
These events are very good: Paul will tell you exactly what he looks for in an application and what to expect at interview.
If you're interested, and haven't already signed up, you can do so here.
Hey!
In terms of applications, what made the biggest difference for me was being much more reflective about my experiences rather than trying to add loads more to my CV. Instead of just listing what I had done, I spent more time thinking about what I had actually learnt, how those experiences had developed skills relevant to commercial law, and using specific examples to evidence that. I also made sure that every application was actually tailored to the firm, even if that meant submitting fewer applications overall. It really helps to try and link one of your experiences and skills to any motivational points you make - for example, if you are stating you are applying to a firm based on one of their practice areas, I'd always back it up with something like a university module I studied or previous work experience.
For commercial awareness, I found that trying to follow everything was overwhelming too (+ it made me feel a bit helpless before I'd event started!). What worked much better for me was picking a few stories a week and really digging into them (i.e. their impact and wider consequences), rather than just memorising the headline facts. I would ask myself questions like: Why does this matter? Who benefits and who loses? How might it affect this firm's clients or the legal work they do? What practice areas might get involved in this type of work? What legal or commercial help might clients need following this?
I also found it really helpful to discuss stories with other applicants or friends, as explaining it out loud made it much easier to memorise and analyse them. This was also why BIUCAC was a really instrumental part of my commercial awareness journey, as it gave me real-life circumstances to test and challenge myself.
One thing I would also add is not to underestimate podcasts or newsletters that explain the why behind a story rather than just reporting the facts - I used the FT News Briefing podcast and LittleLaw loads during my application cycles. It is much easier to build commercial thinking that way than by trying to memorise headlines, as that doesn't showcase your way of thinking.
Wishing you the best of luck this cycle - you've got this!!
Anyone have any advice for the Macfarlanes Capptivate test? Or the test in general if they’re all similar
Well, law is a fundamentally geographic profession so it would be tied to demand for non-English counsel.
If you’re interested in qualifying in the UK, I believe that you would have to sit SQE, but you then wouldn’t have the requirement for two years post-qualifying work if you’ve already practiced law abroad.
Trainee roles are for graduates with no prior legal qualification. If you’re a qualified lawyer, even abroad, I would guess that it’s simply not the role for you. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’d assume that it’s a bit like if a cardiologist wanted to become a neurosurgeon, they wouldn’t redo all of medical school
The application for Macfarlanes' Winter Vacation Scheme suggests that the work experience section should be written in bullet points. It does not include any other application questions.
Some things I'm already thinking about:
- Showing transferable skills
- Maybe highlighting my interest in firm-specific initiatives (without forcing it, of course, only where relevant)
What I'm struggling with is some level of certainty and direction. How am I supposed to show my interest in attending the Scheme without any application questions (and therefore best leverage the work experience section?)
@Abbie Whitlock If you had a moment, how would you suggest I tackle this?
Some things I'm already thinking about:
- Showing transferable skills
- Maybe highlighting my interest in firm-specific initiatives (without forcing it, of course, only where relevant)
What I'm struggling with is some level of certainty and direction. How am I supposed to show my interest in attending the Scheme without any application questions (and therefore best leverage the work experience section?)
@Abbie Whitlock If you had a moment, how would you suggest I tackle this?
Where does it mention that it needs to be written in bullet points?
I am in the process of deciding what strategy I want to implement this cycle in terms of choosing what firms to apply for. I have recently graduated from a northern RG uni with an upper 2:1 in law. I want to skip wasting my energy on applying to firms that primarily recuit from Oxbridge or focus on consistent high uni grades. Does anyone have a list of such firms?
from what i have gauged i would say the only firms are slaughters, links, hsf kramer, cleary but even then i wouldnt 100% count them out - if there are any others pls lmk coz i am in a similar boat!
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you forgot davis polk and s&c
I’m non-RG with an upper 2:1 and have reached ACs with Links and HSF Kramer (Got VS at HSF Kramer), so I definitely wouldn’t rule them out as options if you’re non-Oxbridge/ non-RG.
That said, I do know that both firms can definitely be quite strict about module grades being consistently at a 2:1 standard as a minimum.
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Hey!
I know it is easier said than done, but I would try not to worry too much about the lack of application questions.
With the work experience section, firms are often assessing whether you can show how you have demonstrated the competencies that they are looking for, rather than giving you a separate opportunity to explain your motivation. I would focus on making each bullet point achievement-oriented, highlight the impact of your work and the transferable skills you developed, rather than simply listing your responsibilities.
You can certainly weave in firm-specific interests where they are genuinely relevant, but I would avoid trying to force "why Macfarlanes" into every role as it might feel unnatural. For example, if you have had experience that aligns with areas Macfarlanes is known for or you have developed skills that would be particularly valuable there, you can naturally emphasise those. The key is to let the relevance come through rather than making it explicit - if they wanted you to explain your motivations, it is likely they would've included application questions.
Therefore, I'd try not to overthink the absence of a "Why Macfarlanes?" question. If the firm has chosen not to ask it, that is probably because they are deliberately assessing candidates in a different way, or it might be a part of their later assessments. I'd focus on presenting your experiences as strongly as possible and trust that they're looking for evidence of potential through that!
Lovely. Thanks for your prompt response, you're the best @Abbie WhitlockHey!
I know it is easier said than done, but I would try not to worry too much about the lack of application questions.
With the work experience section, firms are often assessing whether you can show how you have demonstrated the competencies that they are looking for, rather than giving you a separate opportunity to explain your motivation. I would focus on making each bullet point achievement-oriented, highlight the impact of your work and the transferable skills you developed, rather than simply listing your responsibilities.
You can certainly weave in firm-specific interests where they are genuinely relevant, but I would avoid trying to force "why Macfarlanes" into every role as it might feel unnatural. For example, if you have had experience that aligns with areas Macfarlanes is known for or you have developed skills that would be particularly valuable there, you can naturally emphasise those. The key is to let the relevance come through rather than making it explicit - if they wanted you to explain your motivations, it is likely they would've included application questions.
Therefore, I'd try not to overthink the absence of a "Why Macfarlanes?" question. If the firm has chosen not to ask it, that is probably because they are deliberately assessing candidates in a different way, or it might be a part of their later assessments. I'd focus on presenting your experiences as strongly as possible and trust that they're looking for evidence of potential through that!
Hi! I wasn't able to attend today's event with Simpson Thacher - Will there be a recording for this?
Thank you @Abbie Whitlock thats super useful! With commercial awareness, what were you using to follow the stories? Did you just pick a sector on BBC/FT/The Times etc and read articles everyday in that section?Hey!
In terms of applications, what made the biggest difference for me was being much more reflective about my experiences rather than trying to add loads more to my CV. Instead of just listing what I had done, I spent more time thinking about what I had actually learnt, how those experiences had developed skills relevant to commercial law, and using specific examples to evidence that. I also made sure that every application was actually tailored to the firm, even if that meant submitting fewer applications overall. It really helps to try and link one of your experiences and skills to any motivational points you make - for example, if you are stating you are applying to a firm based on one of their practice areas, I'd always back it up with something like a university module I studied or previous work experience.
For commercial awareness, I found that trying to follow everything was overwhelming too (+ it made me feel a bit helpless before I'd event started!). What worked much better for me was picking a few stories a week and really digging into them (i.e. their impact and wider consequences), rather than just memorising the headline facts. I would ask myself questions like: Why does this matter? Who benefits and who loses? How might it affect this firm's clients or the legal work they do? What practice areas might get involved in this type of work? What legal or commercial help might clients need following this?
I also found it really helpful to discuss stories with other applicants or friends, as explaining it out loud made it much easier to memorise and analyse them. This was also why BIUCAC was a really instrumental part of my commercial awareness journey, as it gave me real-life circumstances to test and challenge myself.
One thing I would also add is not to underestimate podcasts or newsletters that explain the why behind a story rather than just reporting the facts - I used the FT News Briefing podcast and LittleLaw loads during my application cycles. It is much easier to build commercial thinking that way than by trying to memorise headlines, as that doesn't showcase your way of thinking.
Wishing you the best of luck this cycle - you've got this!!
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