TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[DaemonBlackFyre]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask, when writing about your work experiences, if you have done multiple things of significance within the role, how do you fit this in within the wider structure of your answer i.e the skills you gained and how they are transferable to a career in Law.

Thanks.

 

[Dlakhs]

A*AC and vacation schemes: should I resit an A-level?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on how my A-level grades might affect my chances of getting vacation schemes at top UK/US commercial law firms.

I achieved:

• Maths: A*
• Economics: A
• Physics: C

I have no mitigating circumstances for the C.

I’m planning to study Economics at the University of Southampton, and my current plan is to pursue a law conversion afterwards. My long-term goal is commercial law, particularly top UK/US firms in London.

I’ve noticed that some firms have explicit A-level requirements, often AAB or equivalent, while others don't seem to have a published A-level requirement. I’m particularly concerned about firms that use A-level grades as an eligibility filter for vacation schemes.

My question is: How much would the C actually affect my applications? If I achieve a First at Southampton and then do well in my law conversion, would firms still care significantly about the A-level C?

I also have the option of resitting Physics. However, this would obviously involve another year and there is no guarantee I would improve the grade substantially.

Would you recommend that I resit Physics specifically to improve my prospects for commercial law vacation schemes, or would you just move on and focus on getting a First and strong legal work experience?

I’d particularly appreciate answers from current trainees, solicitors, or people who have been through vacation-scheme recruitment at City/US firms.

Thanks!

 

[anon78365222111]

How would I answer a question that asks, what sector do you see the most growth for our firm in the next 12 months and why/how? Thank you!

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey!

I definitely wouldn't turn down a good job purely out of fear that it will hurt your TC applications (as it is unlikely to!). If anything, a legal recruiting role could give you some useful insight into the legal profession, law firms and the recruitment processes, and you will also be developing transferable skills that you can talk about in applications or interviews.

I would also be wary of holding out indefinitely for a paralegal role when the market is so competitive right now. If the recruiting job is at your ideal location, pays well, and gives you the flexibility to continue applying, it sounds like a pretty good option! You could always keep applying for paralegal roles alongside it if something comes up.

Ultimately, firms care much more about what you have actually done and what you have learned from it than whether your job title is "paralegal". I'd just make sure you continue getting some legal exposure where possible (e.g. open days, insight events, etc.) and use your recruiting experience to demonstrate relevant skills and commercial awareness.

Generally, having a job while reapplying is probably preferable to sitting around waiting for the ideal paralegal role. I would take the job if you like it and let the TC applications remain the priority alongside it

Thank you so much for responding, that is very helpful!

 

[Winter]

Anyone in AS Aspire can you inbox me?

 

[e.jy336]

For anyone who's had interviews at firms specialising in PE, how technical are some of the questions? Wondering how in-depth they expect your knowledge of PE deals/structure to be

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone know how to research McDermott Will & Schulte (or have applied in the past)? I can't find anything about them online besides their website and a bit in chambers

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask, when writing about your work experiences, if you have done multiple things of significance within the role, how do you fit this in within the wider structure of your answer i.e the skills you gained and how they are transferable to a career in Law.

Thanks.

Hey!

I think the key thing is to avoid trying to give equal weight to everything you did. I would focus on the 1-2 most significant/relevant things you did within the role, briefly explain what you did and the skills you developed, and then link those skills to how they would be relevant to a career in law.

You could also group similar tasks together rather than discussing each one separately, if that makes your entry more cohesive. For example, if several tasks demonstrate attention to detail or communication, you can mention them together and then use the remaining space to explain what you learnt from them and how that would transfer to working as a lawyer.

Ultimately, I would prioritise explaining: what you did (including a few specific examples, like you mentioned) -> what you learnt/gained -> why that is relevant to law

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How would I answer a question that asks, what sector do you see the most growth for our firm in the next 12 months and why/how? Thank you!

Hey!

I would approach this by first identifying a sector where the firm already has a strong practice, rather than simply picking an industry that you think will grow generally. Then, I'd look at the firm's recent work, clients and any strategic announcements to identify where there could be opportunities for further growth.

For the "why/how" part, I would focus on 2-3 specific factors driving growth in that sector (e.g. regulatory changes, investment trends, technological developments, or increased client demand) and then explain how these could translate into opportunities for the firm (e.g. what work does this generate, what departments might get involved, is there a gap in the current market, etc.).

I would also make sure you bring it back to the particular firm - for example, why is this firm well placed to benefit from that growth? This could be its existing expertise, client base, international network, or recent investment in the sector.

Therefore, rather than just saying "I think energy will grow because of the transition to renewables", you could explain why the sector is likely to see increased activity, what legal work that will generate, and why the firm is particularly well positioned to capture that work

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For anyone who's had interviews at firms specialising in PE, how technical are some of the questions? Wondering how in-depth they expect your knowledge of PE deals/structure to be

Hi!

I did a final-stage interview at a US firm specialising in PE, so whilst I can obviously only speak from my own experience, I'd say having a solid understanding of the basic stages of a PE deal and the overall structure is probably enough.

I found that they didn't necessarily just ask me random technical questions on PE. Instead, if I mentioned a commercial or PE term in one of my answers, they expected me to be able to explain what it meant and, importantly, why it was relevant in that particular context. For example, I mentioned indemnities and warranties, and was asked to explain what they meant and why a client would want them.

So I would focus on understanding the fundamentals rather than trying to memorise every technical detail. Other people might have different experiences that they can share, but I'd say as long as you can confidently explain the key concepts you mention and demonstrate that you understand how they fit into a PE transaction, I'm sure you'll be able to tackle whatever questions they throw at you!

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I hope you’ve been well and enjoy your summer!

I recently applied for the AS Commercial Awareness Competition 2026, as they extended entry to graduates this year (on this note: this is the first time as far as I know, so everyone who finished their studies and want to apply, go ahead!

Edit: you must be based in the UK on a valid visa still)

Not sure if you’ve ever participated, but I’d really appreciate some advice on how to best prepare. I did the first online test round back in 2024 and I remember how difficult I found it. You have to ace almost every question to progress and I could barely finish in time. I also remember that the test was very terminology-heavy and specific to finance/banking, PE and M&A, which I was not expecting based on the prep article they sent out. I knew the answer for some basic questions like “whats an IPO”, but I still struggled with the majority of questions, and felt totally unprepared.

What do you think would be the best way of preparing? I already read commercial news and follow TCLA materials, but the competition seems to have extremely high expectations, so I’d like to spend the next month mastering my knowledge.

Thanks in advance!

Xx

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Hope you had a great weekend!

I’m in the middle of preparing for VS applications and had a few questions.

1. I attended an online event last year which was hosted by Ashurst. I gained some valuable insight and would like to include it in this years application. Given the merger with Perkins Coie, how would I go about mentioning such information?

2. A firm I want to apply to has a winter VS which has a deadline before I start my new role. Would you suggest holding off on applying for the winter VS and rather wait until I start my new role and apply for the spring VS instead? I’m eager to include the experience but also I could just explain my experience during the AC (should I get it).

Thanks in advance