TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[1136PX0]

The first Macfarlanes test is just sjt and watson glaser, untimed. No video or written questions.

Is this different from last year? Not sure if I remember there being a VI in the first test

 

[wooliewoo]

which firms are quite strict with grades? Eg they require 2.1s in every module?

I think Linklaters and HSFK are stricter in the sense that they expect a 2.1 in every module, but of course they consider mitigating circumstances. Also Slaughter and May and US firms tend to expect a high 2.1/1st But you should apply regardless and not let this put you off!!! Things like a strong application and experience demonstrate that you're well-rounded and they consider things beyond just grades!

 

[wooliewoo]

Is this different from last year? Not sure if I remember there being a VI in the first test

The first online assessment is a SJT + WG untimed, and I suspect the second one will include a VI.

 

[anon78365222111]

I think Linklaters and HSFK are stricter in the sense that they expect a 2.1 in every module, but of course they consider mitigating circumstances. Also Slaughter and May and US firms tend to expect a high 2.1/1st But you should apply regardless and not let this put you off!!! Things like a strong application and experience demonstrate that you're well-rounded and they consider things beyond just grades!

US firms if you have lower grades they really like work experience. If you have work experience in another career or self starter or charity work that is more weighted ( personal experience)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm currently in the process of re-drafting my work experience for applications. For context, I'm a recent grad, RG uni with 1st class honours, and did an app cycle last year but was unsuccessful (though i did make it to a fair few VIs, nothing beyond that). I'm now worried that since I've not been able to secure a TC and my search for work experience in the meantime hasn't worked out so far, there's a gap in my work ex that grad rec will not look favourably on. I'm currently a research assistant under one of my professors but that's about it. Any tips or advice on how to tackle this cycle? I'd really appreciate it! @Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about the gap in itself (easier said than done, I know!). As a recent graduate with a First from a RG university who passed the application stage multiple times, you have already demonstrated that your academics and application profile are strong enough to get through the initial stages.

I would focus less on trying to "fill" the gap and more on making sure you can clearly explain what you have been doing and, importantly, what you have taken from it. Your research assistant role is absolutely valid work experience, so I would make sure you are getting as much substance from it as possible - e.g. the research you have undertaken, how you have contributed, any challenges you have dealt with and the skills you have developed.

I'd also look back at last cycle and try to identify where your applications were falling down. If you were consistently reaching VIs but not progressing further, that could be a sign that your written applications are broadly working and that your biggest opportunity is improving your video interview technique, rather than needing to accumulate lots more work experience.

For this cycle, I would perhaps prioritise:
1. Reviewing your previous applications and identifying common weaknesses or feedback
2. Refining how you talk about your existing experience rather than worrying about having lots of different roles
3. Continuing to develop commercially and legally, so that you have strong material to draw on in applications and interviews
4. Preparing properly for VIs (as they are a very unique assessment style!), particularly as this was a stage you reached repeatedly last cycle

Plenty of successful candidates need a few cycles to secure a TC - you aren't behind, and I can't imagine graduate recruitment teams will look unfavourably at a smaller gap in your CV if you can explain what you have been doing during that time. The fact that you were already getting VIs is a really positive starting point, and it is now about working out what will get you from that stage to the next one.

Wishing you the best of luck this cycle!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock

I’d like to pick your brain about extracurricular activities questions. They give me so much trouble, as I haven’t taken a leadership role in any society in uni, or do not have a “cool” or “out of the norm” hobby. Is there a way to answer these questions without sounding boring or uninteresting?

Hey!

I completely understand this - I actually had a very similar problem in my earlier application cycles. I didn't have loads of structured hobbies or impressive leadership positions either, and I often found myself having to talk about fairly "normal" things like reading.

I think the key is not to worry too much about whether the activity itself sounds interesting. The graduate recruitment team are necessarily looking for the most unusual hobby, but they are trying to get a sense of you as a person outside of academics/work and what you genuinely enjoy.

So, if you are talking about something like reading (to use the same example), I wouldn't just say "I enjoy reading because it helps me to relax". I'd think about what specifically you enjoy about it and what it says about you. For example, do you particularly enjoy historical fiction because you like being immersed in different periods? Do you enjoy discussing books with friends or going to book clubs? Have you challenged yourself to read a certain number of books? Those details make a very ordinary activity much more personal and memorable, and shows other traits that you have.

The same applies to pretty much anything. Even if you don't have a formal leadership role, you might have taken responsibility for something informally, organised things with friends, played a sport recreationally, cooked, travelled, followed a particular interest, volunteered, etc.

I would also avoid trying to manufacture a 'cool' hobby just because you think firms want one. A genuine but relatively ordinary interest, explained with enthusiasm and some personality, will always come across better than something you have chosen because you think it sounds impressive.

I definitely had to work with fairly 'ordinary' interests in earlier cycles too - it is really about how you bring them to life!

 

[alanshore]

Does anyone know if HSFK and Latham & Watkins still run their Dubai internship programmes? They have both run structured programmes in the past, but I don't see any indication of them running them in the last two years or so.

 

[User2640]

I remember there was a thread with last cycle's written application questions, but I can't find it anymore. @Abbie Whitlock Is it still available? Thank you!

 

[wrpark]

Hey, does anyone know if Freshfields' applications are rolling? Any insights into their online assessment would be helpful as well.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I remember there was a thread with last cycle's written application questions, but I can't find it anymore. @Abbie Whitlock Is it still available? Thank you!

Hi!

You can find it here

 

[Novaa]

Hey, does anyone know if Freshfields' applications are rolling? Any insights into their online assessment would be helpful as well.

They are very rolling - Victim of The Great Roll of 2025/2026 🫩

All jokes aside, yeah, they’re a firm I’d definitely advise getting your application in earlier for. They will likely make you wait between stages, but it’s better to wait than be phased out.

I didn’t get past Stage 1 last time, but I think it’s:

Stage 1: Online Assessment (Cappfinity – SJT & WG) - the WG was challenging from what I remember.

Stage 2: Video Interview

Stage 3: AC

 

[user55998384]

They are very rolling - Victim of The Great Roll of 2025/2026 🫩

All jokes aside, yeah, they’re a firm I’d definitely advise getting your application in earlier for. They will likely make you wait between stages, but it’s better to wait than be phased out.

I didn’t get past Stage 1 last time, but I think it’s:

Stage 1: Online Assessment (Cappfinity – SJT & WG) - the WG was challenging from what I remember.

Stage 2: Video Interview

Stage 3: AC

their wg was disgusting it was the only app i did that got rejected first stage

 

[Novaa]

their wg was disgusting it was the only app i did that got rejected first stage

PLSSS I GOT PFO’D THE DAY AFTER I SUBMITTED IT IN A MASS WAVE

Like I would’ve rather been told I couldn’t access the test anymore than have to go through it 🫩

 

[hlaw123]

for the macfarlanes winter vac scheme, the work experience section says to use bullet points. should it be written using first person so consistently writing 'i supported on xyz.... i assisted' or is it better to just go in with the verb so each bullet would sound like - 'support on a range of.... assist on.... managed....' - any advice appreciated!

 

[jddfoasmxsmox]

Hi, I'm going into my penultimate year non-law this Oct and looking to apply for vac schemes, but would like to confirm when a theoretical TC would start.
I was under the impression that doing a conversion course + SQE1/SQE2 would be 2 years total, taking me to a 2030 start date assuming I grad in 2028.
However looking at Fieldfisher they appear to be recruiting for a 2029 start despite taking penultimate year non-law undergrads.
Would anyone be able to clarify the actual timeline thanks!

 

[user55998384]

for the macfarlanes winter vac scheme, the work experience section says to use bullet points. should it be written using first person so consistently writing 'i supported on xyz.... i assisted' or is it better to just go in with the verb so each bullet would sound like - 'support on a range of.... assist on.... managed....' - any advice appreciated!

hey where does it say to write in bullet points?

 

[trainingcontracttbd]

Does anyone know if university society roles should be put under extracurriculars (under a skills question) or under work experience? Thank you.

 

[Novaa]

Is there anything I can be doing as a “career changer” (3 years Project Management experience) to maximise my profile for applications?

I was very active with opportunities during my LLB, but I’ve struggled to do the same since working full-time. I’m currently relying on my uni experience (leadership roles, mentoring schemes, vac schemes etc.) and a couple of open days alongside my PM experience. Is that enough, or could the decline in variety of experiences since university make it look like I’ve given up on law?

 

[174Tess9y3]

for the macfarlanes winter vac scheme, the work experience section says to use bullet points. should it be written using first person so consistently writing 'i supported on xyz.... i assisted' or is it better to just go in with the verb so each bullet would sound like - 'support on a range of.... assist on.... managed....' - any advice appreciated!

Did not see that and applied with normal paragraphs guess that’ll go in the rejection list already

@Abbie Whitlock would you agree?

 

[ash_22]

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about the gap in itself (easier said than done, I know!). As a recent graduate with a First from a RG university who passed the application stage multiple times, you have already demonstrated that your academics and application profile are strong enough to get through the initial stages.

I would focus less on trying to "fill" the gap and more on making sure you can clearly explain what you have been doing and, importantly, what you have taken from it. Your research assistant role is absolutely valid work experience, so I would make sure you are getting as much substance from it as possible - e.g. the research you have undertaken, how you have contributed, any challenges you have dealt with and the skills you have developed.

I'd also look back at last cycle and try to identify where your applications were falling down. If you were consistently reaching VIs but not progressing further, that could be a sign that your written applications are broadly working and that your biggest opportunity is improving your video interview technique, rather than needing to accumulate lots more work experience.

For this cycle, I would perhaps prioritise:
1. Reviewing your previous applications and identifying common weaknesses or feedback
2. Refining how you talk about your existing experience rather than worrying about having lots of different roles
3. Continuing to develop commercially and legally, so that you have strong material to draw on in applications and interviews
4. Preparing properly for VIs (as they are a very unique assessment style!), particularly as this was a stage you reached repeatedly last cycle

Plenty of successful candidates need a few cycles to secure a TC - you aren't behind, and I can't imagine graduate recruitment teams will look unfavourably at a smaller gap in your CV if you can explain what you have been doing during that time. The fact that you were already getting VIs is a really positive starting point, and it is now about working out what will get you from that stage to the next one.

Wishing you the best of luck this cycle!

Thank you so much for your very thorough response. Great advice re revisiting apps! Will defo take the steps you’ve suggested.