I have a Clyde and Co telephone interview (instead of the VI) and would hugely appreciate any insights! Can offer insights to A&O AC in return 
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?
Have yet to apply W&C, and have yet to hear from Sidley. I don't expect a reply from the latter until Jan at the earliest, as they are busy sending out WVS/TC conversion offers this week and will be off for Christmas.
I got a Willkie VI today - I was wondering if anyone has advice please when completing a second VI for the same firm? I feel like there is more pressure on myself to pass it this year as I passed last year, but didn't get through the final stages... any words of wisdom on how to approach this situation would be greatly appreciated, thank you
What is the benefit of doing a TI as opposed to a VI? I have reasonable adjustments and have struggled with VI’s but always felt it may be unfair to request a TI or questions beforehand as ultimately you’re meeting the recruiters themselves and can build a small but somewhat personal rapport. Also what if I’m asking for too much too soon. I mainly pass applications that do not require a VI.
Does GR look down on those who request this adjustment? Is there discrepancy between those doing the VI and TI? How does this translate to meeting a client on a zoom call would adjustments made too or is it only for assessment purposes?
Does GR look down on those who request this adjustment? Is there discrepancy between those doing the VI and TI? How does this translate to meeting a client on a zoom call would adjustments made too or is it only for assessment purposes?
Hi, from what I know people choose to work part time when they don’t have classes
If you haven't done a Masters before, many firms will allow you to do the GDL/SQE with an additional dissertation so that it counts a Masters and you can then apply to SFE to access a Masters Loan of around £12,500. You would only be able to claim that once though.
Many take the postgraduate loan (if you’re eligible).
Trust fund from mummy and daddy
Work the year beforehand to save
Work part time but take time off when it’s exam season
if you’re a future trainee you can sometimes get a loan from the firm interest free and it’ll come out of your monthly pay check when you’re a trainee.
I struggled with this for SO LONG but I discovered the 'Wake Up to Money' podcast and it's so good. It discusses business news but without any jargon so it feels really comprehensible. It also covers so many different issues and sectors so it's great for building an understanding of different business areas
As many people have been asking me about PwC video interview insights and my timeline [Attached with pic] I wanted to share my experience. I didn’t do particularly well in the VIs and honestly can’t remember the questions in detail, as I fumbled a bit. What I do remember is that there were 2 minutes of preparation time and up to 5 minutes of speaking time,
Attachments
My uni tutor, who was also an ex-Big Law associate, recommended me reading 'The Lawyer': which some uni accounts have a subscription.
Does anyone know is DWF still offers a legal tech seat? I cant seem to find anything on whether they renewed it after the trial period in 2021.
thank you to everybody who replied to this!! Really helpful and reassuring stuff
I did the Hogan Lovells first stage test at the beginning of November and I have still not heard back. Is it definitely a PFO at this stage? - I can see some people got a message within an hour that they have passed the first stage which I still haven’t got.
I'm in the same situation - my thoughts are that yes it's probably a PFO - HL usually just takes forever to reject you if you fail their tests
Unless your performance is absolutely atrocious, in which case they’ll acc reject you within 48 hrs after taking the test (stage 2). 🫠
Honestly I applied Milbank and HSF for summer as we can pick freely (no wonder I got no update yet), but my MacFarlanes and Weil app is intended for Spring, but for Mac we can't choose the scheme like Willkie or Reed Smith. I wish I did it in reverse order, so I can get update for HSF and Milbank quicker lol rather than waiting all super longgg and felt like being reserved.
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