TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Jaysen]

After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided.

Ah, I'm so happy to read this. Well done you!

Would love to have you in our future trainee group.

 

[username10341034]

Hi all,

Has anyone heard back from Macfarlanes post AC?

Can't remember when the Macs recruitment team said we'd hear back by. Was it mid this week call if successful and EOW email if unsuccessful?

For the winter vacation scheme?

 

[Jaysen]

New application cycle, let's go! Hoping we all get TCs this year round!

Best of luck everyone

 

[LawInTheNorth]

I apologise if this has been answered previously, but for A&O Shearman vac schemes (more specifically the Winter one) can I confirm that graduates are not eligible for this?

 

[rrr]

hope this is not a silly question... when a firm has a rolling deadline do you have to wait till the closing date before they actually reveal who will move on from the initial stage (but on a first-come-first-served basis) OR does it mean if you applied really early and are successful you can move through the stages early too.

apologies if that's confusing

 

[thedonnabrief]

hope this is not a silly question... when a firm has a rolling deadline do you have to wait till the closing date before they actually reveal who will move on from the initial stage (but on a first-come-first-served basis) OR does it mean if you applied really early and are successful you can move through the stages early too.

apologies if that's confusing

usually, it means the latter. they would usually have rolling assessment center dates and such, so you can secure a vac scheme/tc before the deadline or very shortly after it closes.

 

[rrr]

usually, it means the latter. they would usually have rolling assessment center dates and such, so you can secure a vac scheme/tc before the deadline or very shortly after it closes.

thank you

 

[username10341034]

Just saw someone on LinkedIn who was offered three TCs all from magic circle firms. How is it possible I don’t know what I am missing if people can get three offers in one cycle

 

[user55998384]

has anyone recieved any response post stage 1 for macfarlanes winter vac?

 

[lily30]

Hello,

I’m applying for UK TCs as an international candidate and am worried about my grades. I’m ranked 29/130 at a top Indian university; apart from one subject, all my grades are above 60, which I believe would translate to a strong 2:1. I also have decent legal work experience and mitigating circumstances that affected my academics.

I’d really appreciate advice on:

1. How can I identify firms that require very strong academics/Firsts beyond simply stating a 2:1 requirement?
2. Should I mention my mitigating circumstances i even f there is a specific section for them but space is available in the application/cover letter as well? What if there is no space?
3. As an international applicant, should I explain why I want to work in the UK rather than India in my cover letter, or is this unnecessary?

Thanks

 

[anon78365222111]

has anyone recieved any response post stage 1 for macfarlanes winter vac?

Just got one now, does this mean they also check my application and approve of that alongside my first test and have passed me?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone have any advice for Macfarlanes Stage 2 online test? I am terrible at video interviews but really want to pass!

 

[phoenix11_]

Does anyone know what yo expect from the second Macfarlanes online assessment?

 

[username10341034]

Does anyone know what yo expect from the second Macfarlanes online assessment?

pls can I ask when you completed the first test?

 

[OS23]

Hi everyone I wanted do have some advice on how to answer questions like 'describe a commercial news story that interests you. How could it impact our clients?'.

I am unsure whether I should talk about a general commercial trend and how it could affect the firm's clients, or if I can take a commercial news concerning a specific company and discuss how a similar situation of that of such company would affect the firm's clients and the ways the firm could help them in this regard.

Thanks for your help )

 

[lucky gal]

Hey does anyone have any tips on what to expect from Macfarlanes' Job Simulation?

 

[sagekensuke]

pls can I ask when you completed the first test?

Not the OP but I did the test on Tuesday night and got the invite just now, but tbf that was the 7th day after it was sent so it may be based on that

 

[yellowbirds008]

has anyone recieved any response post stage 1 for macfarlanes winter vac?

Just recieved stage 2!

 

[phoenix11_]

pls can I ask when you completed the first test?

approx a week ago

 

[anon78365222111]

pls can I ask when you completed the first test?

Around just over a week ago