TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[rrr]

same ..! They view application forms after stage 1 and 2 are completed, is it worth still completing the stage 2 assessment, because will they automatically aftet they see i missed the request to use bullet points in the work experience section?

at the end of the day, you can't let limiting beliefs hold you back.

 

[cs3008]

Is there a list of firms that do not include video interviews as part of their application process? I am really not comfortable with VIs.

 

[hmevey]

Hi! does any one have any advice for macfarlanes stage 2 ?

 

[TheHamlet4]

Would it be too late if I apply to Macfarlanes on the 27th? I think they warned against applying on the deadline day at their webinar, but I have an interview tomorrow and am working at the same time.

 

[tldrba]

Would it be too late if I apply to Macfarlanes on the 27th? I think they warned against applying on the deadline day at their webinar, but I have an interview tomorrow and am working at the same time.

They are non-rolling, but the application form does not have any written questions. It is just personal info, academics and work experience. Stage 1 gets sent like the day after and you have 7 days to complete.

 

[tcla02]

@Abbie Whitlock Should we aim to quantify our achievements for the Macfarlanes work experience section since they ask for bullet points? like we would for the bullet points in a CV? thank u xxx

 

[thedonnabrief]

hihi

did freshfields change their wording on their dtc faq page??

this is what the dtc page says:

If a vacation scheme doesn’t fit your circumstances, you’re welcome to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the programme, and many of our trainees join us through the direct application route.​

their normal faq page says:

If you are in your penultimate year or beyond, you are eligible to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. There is no advantage in applying for a vacation scheme over a place on the Trainee Associate Programme and approximately half our trainee intakes come from direct Trainee Associate Programme applicants. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the Trainee Associate Programme.​

im not sure if this difference existed before but now they have sort of framed it as a vac scheme being the main route of recruitment in a way, and avoided publicising a definite intake percentage for either route ('many'). im not sure if this is worth emailing grad rec over but the discrepancy is throwing me off

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Should we aim to quantify our achievements for the Macfarlanes work experience section since they ask for bullet points? like we would for the bullet points in a CV? thank u xxx

Hey!

Yes, I think that is a good approach! I would treat the bullet points fairly similar to CV bullet points, particularly as the format lends itself well to highlighting what you actually did and any tangible outcomes.

However, I wouldn't feel that you have to quantify every single point. If there is a clear number/result (e.g. "increased attendance by 30%", "managed a team of 10", etc.), definitely include it as it makes the achievement more concrete and tangible. If there isn't a meaningful figure, I wouldn't force one in just for the sake of quantifying it.

I would prioritise action + impact/achievement + what you gained. For example:

1. Assisted with X, resulting in Y
2. Managed X people or £X budget, while achieving Y
3. Researched X and presented findings to Y, developing my ability to Z

So essentially, yes to the CV-style approach (broadly speaking), but it helps to focus on the substance rather than trying to make every bullet point contain a quantifiable number (as that isn't always possible).

I hope that assists!

 

[Novaa]

hihi

did freshfields change their wording on their dtc faq page??

this is what the dtc page says:

If a vacation scheme doesn’t fit your circumstances, you’re welcome to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the programme, and many of our trainees join us through the direct application route.​

their normal faq page says:

If you are in your penultimate year or beyond, you are eligible to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. There is no advantage in applying for a vacation scheme over a place on the Trainee Associate Programme and approximately half our trainee intakes come from direct Trainee Associate Programme applicants. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the Trainee Associate Programme.​

im not sure if this difference existed before but now they have sort of framed it as a vac scheme being the main route of recruitment in a way, and avoided publicising a definite intake percentage for either route ('many'). im not sure if this is worth emailing grad rec over but the discrepancy is throwing me off

I’m not sure I’d take it as them making the vac scheme the main route. The general FAQ is probably designed to cover as many questions as possible upfront, whereas the DTC page is more tailored. They’ve still said you’re welcome to apply directly and that “many” trainees come through that route, which is pretty reassuring.

Also, Freshfields has one of the larger trainee intakes, so “many” could still mean a lot. If they’ve said “approximately half” on one page and “many” on another, I’d assume it’s still a significant number of direct TC applicants, especially compared with a firm taking 15.

It will be okay!!