TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[tosin4774]

Are Macfarlanes and Paul Weiss no longer offering Summer Vac schemes this year?

For the latter yes

 

[cs3008]

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

@Abbie Whitlock - what are your thoughts on this? I am honestly not impressed with this because I have been told otherwise from early careers at many US / UK law firms.

 

[AndreaHernandez123]

For anyone who received an offer from Watson Farley & Williams. For the TC, post interview did they call or email you?

 

[Novaa]

@Abbie Whitlock - what are your thoughts on this? I am honestly not impressed with this because I have been told otherwise from early careers at many US / UK law firms.

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

Just adding my two cents.

I think you’re both right, just about different routes. Technically, you can qualify in E&W via the SQE if the SRA accepts your foreign work experience.

But, plenty of firms still recruit foreign qualified lawyers onto TCs. I know HSF Kramer, Linklaters, and Baker McKenzie have all done this, so it’s definitely an option too.

 

[moousea]

For the latter yes

Thank you! May I ask if the same has been confirmed for Macfarlanes as well?