TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[hxnnahrobinson]

Hi all, hope that you are well. I am currently waiting to see if I have managed to convert my Vacation Scheme into a Training Contract following a final stage interview I had a week and a half ago. It’s so hard not to think about it, but I have done the best that I can do.

 

[lucyindia]

Hi everyone, this will be my first cycle applying for VS (and really taking applications seriously as well).
Concerning Macfarlanes, I was wondering if there are any advantages to applying to the WVS vs the SVS - especially since the WVS only has c.15 places whereas the SVS has 20x2?

 

[Novaa]

Hi everyone, this will be my first cycle applying for VS (and really taking applications seriously as well).
Concerning Macfarlanes, I was wondering if there are any advantages to applying to the WVS vs the SVS - especially since the WVS only has c.15 places whereas the SVS has 20x2?

Hellooo!!

I’ve heard that usually fewer people apply to WVS’, so there’s less “competition” in that sense. But since they’ll be doing the same checks, I’d imagine Macfarlanes has a rough idea of their average applicant numbers and structured the WVS around filling 15 places. Also what firms advertise isn’t necessarily their absolute capacity, so they could potentially have room for more than 15

They’re both two weeks right? So yeah I see the WVS more as another option for scheme availability rather than there being a clear advantage to either.

 

[Euphrosynos]

Would greatly appreciate any helpful tips on how to make the most out of an Open Day. Will be attending my first one and I would love to be prepared pre/during/post open day. Thanks x

 

[svb risk management intern]

How do you answer the question: why do you want to attend an open day at X firm?

I feel like this has been discussed before but I am not able to find specific content on how to write about them.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would greatly appreciate any helpful tips on how to make the most out of an Open Day. Will be attending my first one and I would love to be prepared pre/during/post open day. Thanks x

Hi!

Congratulations on securing your first Open Day!

A few things that I would recommend:

• Do a bit of research beforehand so that you have a good understanding of the firm's practice areas, strategy, and recent work. This will help you ask more thoughtful questions, and get more out of the sessions.
• Come prepared with a few questions, but don't feel like you need to ask loads. It is much better to ask one or two questions that you are genuinely interested in than to ask something just for the sake of it. It is good to be engaged with the sessions, but there is no need to try and talk at all times.
• Speak to as many people as you can, including trainees, associates and members of the graduate recruitment team. They all have different perspectives and can give you valuable insights into the firms in different areas.
• Related to point two, but be engaged throughout the day. Participate in discussions, introduce yourself to people and show genuine curiosity about the firm and its work. I always liked to prepare a semi-elevator pitch before attending open days - for example, my name, current stage, and motivations.
• Afterwards, spend a bit of time reflecting on what you learned. Make a note of anything that stood out to you, conversations you had, and specific examples that reinforced your interest in the firm. Those details can be incredibly useful when it comes to writing a vacation scheme or training contract application later on, and it can be easy for smaller things to slip your mind.

Most importantly, I would try to enjoy it!! Open days are just as much about you getting to know the firm as they are about the firm getting to know you, so make the most of the opportunity.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do you answer the question: why do you want to attend an open day at X firm?

I feel like this has been discussed before but I am not able to find specific content on how to write about them.

Hey!

A good way to approach this question is to explain why the Open Day is the right next step in your research, rather than simply repeating why you want to work at the firm.

I would usually structure it like this:

1. Briefly explain what attracts you to the firm (e.g. its culture, practice areas, strategy, or a particular initiative).

2. Explain what you hope to gain from attending the Open Day. For example, you might want to learn more about the firm's work, speak to trainees about their experiences, or better understand what makes the firm's culture unique. This is typically the biggest chunk of your answer, and is what distinguishes an Open Day application from a VS one.

3. Finish by explaining how attending the Open Day will help you submit a stronger future application. For example, you could say that speaking to trainees about their experiences in a particular practice area or learning more about the firm's approach to client work will allow you to better understand what distinguishes the firm and why it aligns with your own interests and career goals.

The key thing is to be as specific as you can. Rather than saying you want to "learn more about the firm", explain what you want to learn and why that is important to you. Showing that you have researched the firm and have a genuine reason for wanting to attend will make your answer much stronger.

I hope that assists!

 

[TheHamlet4]

Is A&O open day only open to students?

 

[Euphrosynos]

Hi!

Congratulations on securing your first Open Day!

A few things that I would recommend:

• Do a bit of research beforehand so that you have a good understanding of the firm's practice areas, strategy, and recent work. This will help you ask more thoughtful questions, and get more out of the sessions.
• Come prepared with a few questions, but don't feel like you need to ask loads. It is much better to ask one or two questions that you are genuinely interested in than to ask something just for the sake of it. It is good to be engaged with the sessions, but there is no need to try and talk at all times.
• Speak to as many people as you can, including trainees, associates and members of the graduate recruitment team. They all have different perspectives and can give you valuable insights into the firms in different areas.
• Related to point two, but be engaged throughout the day. Participate in discussions, introduce yourself to people and show genuine curiosity about the firm and its work. I always liked to prepare a semi-elevator pitch before attending open days - for example, my name, current stage, and motivations.
• Afterwards, spend a bit of time reflecting on what you learned. Make a note of anything that stood out to you, conversations you had, and specific examples that reinforced your interest in the firm. Those details can be incredibly useful when it comes to writing a vacation scheme or training contract application later on, and it can be easy for smaller things to slip your mind.

Most importantly, I would try to enjoy it!! Open days are just as much about you getting to know the firm as they are about the firm getting to know you, so make the most of the opportunity.

I hope you have a great time!

Thank you so much Abbie! Really helpful x

 

[svb risk management intern]

Hey!

A good way to approach this question is to explain why the Open Day is the right next step in your research, rather than simply repeating why you want to work at the firm.

I would usually structure it like this:

1. Briefly explain what attracts you to the firm (e.g. its culture, practice areas, strategy, or a particular initiative).

2. Explain what you hope to gain from attending the Open Day. For example, you might want to learn more about the firm's work, speak to trainees about their experiences, or better understand what makes the firm's culture unique. This is typically the biggest chunk of your answer, and is what distinguishes an Open Day application from a VS one.

3. Finish by explaining how attending the Open Day will help you submit a stronger future application. For example, you could say that speaking to trainees about their experiences in a particular practice area or learning more about the firm's approach to client work will allow you to better understand what distinguishes the firm and why it aligns with your own interests and career goals.

The key thing is to be as specific as you can. Rather than saying you want to "learn more about the firm", explain what you want to learn and why that is important to you. Showing that you have researched the firm and have a genuine reason for wanting to attend will make your answer much stronger.

I hope that assists!

Thank you Abby