TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WillKitchen]

I know! I heard he was lurking at LCN live, gutted I missed him. By any chance, were you in the RPC workshop?

I was - it was a useful session! Hope you enjoyed it, too.

I previously taught a few bits and pieces of defamation law to journalism students at the University of Chichester, so that is one area I could build upon in the future. I have an RPC assessment to complete this week. We'll see what happens!

 

[umkcl]

Hello guys, better to apply for Hogan Lovells DTC than their summer scheme at this stage?

Hi, I'm not sure what you mean by "at this stage", but if you fear that you're getting close to the deadlines, do not let that be a factor.
When choosing between a VS and a DTC, it really depends on your situation: are you a 1st/2nd/3rd year uni student or a post-graduate? Do you need a visa?

I remember being advised by careers counsellors not to rule out the VS route, because a vacation scheme genuinely helps you understand the firm better and prepares you for many of the assessment centre questions. Even if you don’t receive an offer at the end, you still gain a VS on your CV, and the application itself takes roughly the same amount of effort as a direct TC application.

When I was choosing between the HL vacation scheme and applying directly for a TC, I felt quite pressured because I wouldn’t have been able to return to the UK solely to complete a VS. Given that, I decided to apply for the TC instead. In my case, that ended up working well, particularly as I already had legal experience outside the UK.

Don’t pick based purely on perceived chances of success. Choose the route that genuinely fits your situation and where you think you’ll perform best.

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi guys, does anyone know if Kirkland VI is only sent to those who have passed the application stage? Thank you!

 

[Sian]

Anyone else here able to get top-notch work experiences outside all these vac schemes? I managed to basically get in everywhere else like in house in bigtech/fintechs etc but I haven't been able to get a single vac scheme... wondering if that's something that's maybe off putting to law firms?

Absolutely- it’s not just about having a “fancy” or legal-brand name on your experience. What really matters is what you learned and the skills you developed. For example, I volunteered at a local family court and some of my law-student friends legal advice centres as a law student, which gave us insight into client interaction, case handling, and research skills. I’ve also worked in retail, which helped me build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Top firms look for evidence that you can think critically, work with others, and adapt, so focus on highlighting the transferable skills and learning from all your experiences, rather than worrying about the brand name.

 

[spongebob]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent Masons Manchester post VI or DLA Piper Manchester post passing TI?

Nope for DLA

 

[umkcl]

Does anyone find it hard not to fixate on numbers when applying to a Vacation Scheme/Direct TC? Feeling quite hopeless when I am 1 of 3000 applicants competing for 20 odd spots.

I completely understand that feeling, but try not to let it get to you. It’s worth remembering that a large number of applications come from people who are still figuring things out. Many applicants have little or no legal experience, don’t fully understand what a VS or TC involves, or don’t yet know how to prepare properly; I know this because that was me in my first application.

Many will be applying with non-qualifying degrees, without meeting academic requirements, or from outside the UK, and a significant proportion will be unprepared. While the volume of applications can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t mean that all of them are competitive, Which significantly reduces the number of applicants you’re realistically up against.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Adding on to this does Debevoise accept applications from third year law students?

Not sure if anyone's responded yet but yes they do!

 

[cf26]

Anyone know how many questions in total for DLA's TI?

 

[e_turbo2]

Welcome new forum members 👀 - can we at least get some lovely introductions, if poss, so we can better direct our queries?

 

[Saloman_Dormeus]

lowkey nervous for my feedback call haha like what do I even say other than "ohh I see, thank you" 🤣

Totally normal to feel that way — honestly, feedback calls are usually much less scary than they feel beforehand 😅 You don’t need to be super eloquent or have loads to say. It’s completely fine to mostly listen and take notes.

If it helps, you can have a couple of simple questions ready, like:
. “Is there one area you think I could most improve for future applications?”
. “Was it more about my written answers or my interview performance?”

Even just thanking them and engaging a little shows professionalism. Remember, it’s not an interrogation, it’s meant to help you, and the fact you’ve been offered feedback at all is a positive sign. You’ve got this!

 

[elle woods]

Totally normal to feel that way — honestly, feedback calls are usually much less scary than they feel beforehand 😅 You don’t need to be super eloquent or have loads to say. It’s completely fine to mostly listen and take notes.

If it helps, you can have a couple of simple questions ready, like:
. “Is there one area you think I could most improve for future applications?”
. “Was it more about my written answers or my interview performance?”

Even just thanking them and engaging a little shows professionalism. Remember, it’s not an interrogation, it’s meant to help you, and the fact you’ve been offered feedback at all is a positive sign. You’ve got this!

thanks! I think I'm just nervous because it's not a feedback call for an unsuccessful application haha, I'm not too sure what to expect and want to leave a good impression

 

[Saloman_Dormeus]

Hey, just a quick one as I’m 99% sure what to do…

I’ve had a test invite from Kennedys and I just went back over my application and saw that for me WE section I didn’t just list my current job as 2013-Present, I also listed my previous job (Paralegal) as 2012-Present rather than 2012-2013. I’m thinking I should make their Early Careers Team aware of this in case they think I have all of that experience as a paralegal and that affected their decision to give me a test invite?

Hi Amullin,

I really wouldn’t worry about this. Firms are very used to applications having minor date overlaps or typos, especially where someone’s been in continuous employment. It’s extremely unlikely they’ve interpreted this as you having a decade+ of paralegal experience or that it played any part in the decision to give you a test invite.

That said, I’d probably suggest flagging it briefly for transparency, especially if it’s playing on your mind. A short, factual email is more than enough — e.g. “I’ve just noticed a date overlap in my work experience section and wanted to clarify that my paralegal role ran from 2012–2013.” Grad rec will understand it was an honest admin error.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Welcome new forum members 👀 - can we at least get some lovely introductions, if poss, so we can better direct our queries?

Hi everyone! I’m a graduate and I currently hold a TC at a UK firm. I’ve done a mix of vacation schemes across UK, US and boutique firms, so I’ve seen a few different processes and cultures.😄

I’m a non-RG graduate and definitely dealt with imposter syndrome, especially when going into US firms. I didn’t secure a TC during university or in my first application cycle (so if you’re a graduate and feeling stressed, you’re not alone). I also didn’t convert every scheme, so rejection is very familiar to me 😬

Happy to help where I can and share anything useful from my own experience.​

 

[ali-k]

thanks! I think I'm just nervous because it's not a feedback call for an unsuccessful application haha, I'm not too sure what to expect and want to leave a good impression

i think you should be excited! its nice hearing good things about yourself. pay attention to the things they said you could work on of course, but in my experience they are nothing to worry about and its definitely not an assessed call haha, youve already left a good impression by now !!

 

[lalalailovelife]

Hi all, quick check if anyone’s had something similar with Slaughters. I applied for the work experience scheme and my application portal now shows “withdrawn". They emailed me saying they don't sponsor visas but I literally don't require one cus I’m on a Student visa, don’t require sponsorship, and the scheme dates are outside my term dates. I wanted to ask whether this is usually just an automatic eligibility screen on the portal, or if it means the application is dead. I'm actually panicking. Lol.
Any insight appreciated.

 

[Novaa]

Sooo… does anyone have any tips on not being nervous and feeling like time is running out as a graduate LOL?! 😀

 

[Amgrad]

I've heard varying things - my friend apparently is "on hold" and then my other friend has already gotten an offer lol

And here i am, still not having applied HAHA

Made me wonder whether still worth applying to GD after open day rejection. It was virtual OD but yet I was rejected, two of my 8 ODs were rejected and it were all virtual!

Also wanna to say that I hate firms who put me on hold! It felt like you date someone or you're born second and after and not a heir to your parents, you've always being second for them as they preferred another one 😭😢😂

 

[alphabravocharlie]

How would you go about answering why transactional law and not investment banking?

 

[Saloman_Dormeus]

thanks! I think I'm just nervous because it's not a feedback call for an unsuccessful application haha, I'm not too sure what to expect and want to leave a good impression

Ahh that makes total sense. The fact it isn’t a standard post-rejection feedback call is a really good sign, not a bad one.

You don’t need to “perform” on the call. Treat it as a professional conversation rather than an assessment. Being engaged, reflective and appreciative will already leave a good impression. Listening carefully, asking one or two thoughtful questions and thanking them for their time is more than enough.

If it helps, you can frame things like “That’s really helpful to hear, I’ll definitely work on that going forward.” From my experience grad rec tend to love that kind of self-awareness.

Try not to overthink it. They wouldn’t be taking the time to speak to you if they didn’t see potential!

 

[Applicant3728299643]

Hi all! I received a call yesterday that I got Freshfields' Summer Vac Scheme, and I just wanted to ask if anyone had any insight into what the VS to TC conversion rates are like? I heard last year that they were quite low... apparently they've been oversubscribing spots for the last couple of years/business demand has been lower and that's why? I'm penultimate non-law, so I'd only start a TC in 2029, which I'm hoping hasn't had many spots taken yet. I'm just trying to work out whether it is worth still applying to a bunch of places in the hopes of perhaps getting a second vac scheme as a back up (but I admit, even getting a single one feels impossible lol.)