TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[x_law2004]

anyone heard from pinsent masons or gowling?

 

[CuriousTrainee]

Is it not worth applying then or are these TIs just for London?

I would assume that this is just for London since the deadline was 21st of November. So for regional, would definitely say it's still worth applying

 

[CuriousTrainee]

anyone heard from pinsent masons or gowling?

I thought gowling don't let us know until 12th of Dec? That was in the email after doing the Arctic Shores test.

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi! Does anyone have any insights on Simmons VI / assessment? I am happy to provide insights on other firms like Mayer Brown, Bird & Bird, FF, and A&O AC!

 

[johnsmith]

for the other experiences section can we then just list other experiences in bullet points or pick maybe 2 of those other experiences and have bullet points/prose for each?

I think generally the advise is prose for nearly all firms but sorry I don’t actually remember their personal feelings on this

 

[Bbhu19]

Hi

Hi! Does anyone have any insights on Simmons VI / assessment? I am happy to provide insights on other firms like Mayer Brown, Bird & Bird, FF, and A&O AC!

pm

 

[ali-k]

hello, can anyone help on this... is it a good idea to include a future vac scheme in the "work experience" section for other law firms? if it would benefit me of course i would want to include it but i am unsure if it just comes off as arrogant and gives a bad impression

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock Accidentally listed my attendance at Skadden's October Open Day as a November Open Day. Although there was also a November Open Day (which I attended) but the October Open Day was selective/competitive. So it's not necessarily false info, just sort of omitting the info(?). Should I email Grad Rec regarding this (or add it as part of 'Additional Information' on All Hires)?

 

[bebbe]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi, I am midway through the application season, and I realise a lot of my progressed applications are being hindered/rejected because of my VIs. Do you have any tips on how to improve on this and how much time should one be prepping for a VI given that most VIs have a deadline of 5 days?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Anyone heard positively from the following?

Willkie Farr & Gallagher - post-Video Interview

Weil, Gotshal & Manges - post SJT

Clifford Chance - Post-WG (direct TC app)

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hi!

You don't need to pick a story that Trowers & Hamlins has directly worked on - it can be a deal they were involved in, but it is more likely to be a broader commercial development that connects their sectors or strategic strengths. The key is showing you understand the news, why it matters in the commercial world, and how it creates opportunities or challenges for a firm like Trowers & Hamlins.

A simply structure that I would follow is:

• Briefly summarise the news story: I'd keep this concise - what happened, who is involved, and why it matters.
• Explain the commercial impact: discuss the consequences for businesses and clients - this could be regulation, investment, growth, risks, market shifts / trends, etc.
• Link it specifically to Trowers & Hamlins: this is where you show that you have tailored your answer to the firm! You could connect it to: their practice area strengths (e.g. real estate, energy, etc.), the opportunities for advisory work arising from the development, and how the story relates to trends the firm is active in (housing, regeneration, etc.).

For example, if the story is about government housing policy or investment in infrastructure, you could discuss how it aligns with Trowers' strong public sector and real estate practice and what kind of client needs might emerge (that they could assist with).

You are essentially showing that you understand what is happening commercially, why this matters, and why Trowers & Hamlins is well suited to advise on those issues.

I hope that helps!

Thanks! This is really helpful

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody have advice on whether to apply for BCLP spring/summer?
I kept on editing my answers and now idk if I'm too late for spring

 

[RJ Ruban]

CMS VI any advice or anything I should look out for?

 

[ttlaw12344]

CMS VI any advice or anything I should look out for?

congratulations, when did u do WG and when did u find out about the VI if you dont mind me asking

 

[johnsmith]

Does anybody have advice on whether to apply for BCLP spring/summer?
I kept on editing my answers and now idk if I'm too late for spring

I only heard back end of last week that I'd moved to interview stage so think you're still well within tolerance levels for applying!

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone undertaken their Clyde & Co VI yet? Just interested to know if it's quick fire or whether it has unlimited prep time.

 

[p2bv]

CMS VI any advice or anything I should look out for?

congrats! What office did you apply for

 

[lolololol]

is latham stage 2 automatic?

 

[Lawlawland]

is latham stage 2 automatic?

If you pass the stage 1, it is automatic.

 

[RJ Ruban]

congrats! What office did you apply for

Thank you! I applied for London