TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Henrik]

Is it accepted to round up grades, i.e. if I got a 69.5 can I round this to a 70?

Typically yes. What does your university transcript say? 69.5 or 70?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does the HSF Kramer online test include a VI?

 

[TortillaTC]

Has Cooley said if they’re rolling for the Meet Cooley events? They opened last week

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz ,


Hope you’re well! I would appreciate your advice on the following:

For the question “Drawing on your experience outside of the legal profession, what inspired your interest in commercial law?” - Should I not talk about any legal internships, etc? Or have I misunderstood

Thanks!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

hi @Antoni Trochimowicz : Please include details of events, webinars and virtual work experience that you have taken part in that have helped you increase your understanding of a career in law: < -- does this q refer to open/insight days (assyming thats what it meant by events)?

Hi, yes it would include insight events like open days !

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

with questions like tell us about open days you have attended, obvs you can only mention like3/4 but then should i still put them all in the work exp section

Hi, this is very dependent on how you want to write your work experience section. You may include a list of all the firms, or simply pick the most related ones and then give a general number as to the total events you attended.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

@Jaysen @Antoni Trochimowicz I’ve just stumbled across the AI application review on the new workspace (sounds very cool btw). But it says “Evaluation is currently unavailable. Please try again later” and “Answer has changed since last evaluation” when I click evaluate answer.

I’ve tried logging in and out, and still the same message. Not sure if this is a known issue or if I’m just unlucky?

Hi! Yes this is a known issue and is currently trying to be solved, apologies!!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

hi @Antoni Trochimowicz for this q: Why would you like to attend this insight afternoon, and what is one specific thing about Paul, Weiss that you're hoping to find out more about? (300 words)
- am i meant to write this 50/50 or for the one specific thing just make that one sentence?
i have structured it roughly 50/50 and have structured the second half in terms of what i want to find out more about, what i know already, why this appeals to me + then linking why this would be beneifical

I don't think there is one set right answer but 50/50-ish or 60/40 sounds about right. The way you have it structured sounds more than logical, doing a great job !

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hey @Antoni Trochimowicz Quick one on structuring my application form

My application only lets me put 4 entries in the main work experience section, so I've been using the "Other work experience" box (1000 words, no real guidance given) to cover everything else like my current job (only started about 3 months ago so not much to say yet), a couple of older jobs, plus 9 insight days/programmes/mentoring schemes.

I've given each one a short paragraph rather than just listing them, so the box ends up pretty full.

Two things I'm second guessing myself on:

1. Does 9+ items start looking like padding to someone reading loads of these, or does it come across as thorough?
2. For the 4 main entries are firms after your strongest stories, or more of a recent spread? I went with strongest (my newest job didn't make the cut since I haven't got a proper story there yet) but wanted to check that's the right call!

Appreciate any thoughts

1. I believe I always included 9 or so work experiences in my 250 word (each) work experience section so that's more than fine in my opinion.

2. I think you picked right in my opinion. To caveat this though, if the experiences are all quite old old then maybe try include something newer. However, generally, picking the strongest is the right call

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hey, @Antoni Trochimowicz and welcome!

I have a question regarding grades. I have a non-law master’s pass at LSE, and high 2:1 borderline 1st from the best uni in my country. I’m worried that my pass might ruin my apps, although I have mitigating circumstances (which led to a medical leave of absence during undergrad and recurred during master’s).

Do you think firms would be receptive to my situation if explained properly in application forms? Barring US firms with stringent academic criteria.

I'm really sorry you had to go through that!

I think firms would be more than receptive to your situation, I don't see really any issues in your academic history, it all seems very impressive. Also, as a general point, I wouldn't say it's the US firms with the most stringent academic criteria but nevertheless you're fine !

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi I have two quick questions

Firstly, is the no work experience limited to legal work experience or does it apply to all forms of employment (retail assistant, door to door sales etc)

Secondly, how many talks and events should we discuss in the sexond question? Can we also talk about insight schemes?

1. It would include all work experience.

2. Hi sorry I tried finding the second question you mean but I couldn't quite find it. Could you send it here again, apologies!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Is it accepted to round up grades, i.e. if I got a 69.5 can I round this to a 70?

I would personally say it depends on what is your university policy. I rounded my 68.5 average up to a 69 because that's what the university technically would do. So, I'd recommend, if you can't find it in a handbook or something along those lines, to email the undergrad team or your personal tutor

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz ,


Hope you’re well! I would appreciate your advice on the following:

For the question “Drawing on your experience outside of the legal profession, what inspired your interest in commercial law?” - Should I not talk about any legal internships, etc? Or have I misunderstood

Thanks!

Thank you and likewise! Maybe I've misunderstood it too haha but I think you're on the right track, albeit it's an interesting question I haven't seen before. I would try to focus on those experiences outside of law.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

How does the workspace actually refer to/ shortlist you for firms? I’m so confused how it works. Any tips would be much appreciated

Hi hope you're well! TCLA works with several partner firms. When users sign up, they are asked to complete their profile. If they are shortlisted for an open day or another opportunity, they may then be invited to complete additional tests.