TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rads]

Ooh good choice, if I'm allowed to say that. I would say my biggest tip for the TS application is to let your personality shine through. One of the greatest things about this firm is their genuine desire to know you as a person (I remember laughing my way through my first interview with the partner). They really value a personality, as their culture is one of their top strengths. Of course, you will still need to focus on that firm in particular and your strengths, but try to think outside the box - maybe your strengths came from a pretty unique/non legal job such as flipping pancakes - essentially, make yourself a little unique. Everybody has different experiences/skills/interests but we try to fit a mould of what we think looks good, whilst throwing away what makes us a memorable candidate. Good luck!

Hello! Would you have any insight into how many trainees does TS take through DTC v/s vac scheme? And what is the conversion rate like?

 

[JBM]

Cleary AC

 

[Trophy]

Cleary AC

Congrats is this for their summer scheme?

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Cleary AC

Congrats! When did you apply? I'm still waiting on the test 😂😂

 

[JBM]

Congrats is this for their summer scheme?

I have no clue i was pretty sure i applied for winter but seems i applied for summer

 

[Madison Pinewall]

I have no clue i was pretty sure i applied for winter but seems i applied for summer

they might have switched you over !

 

[Trophy]

I have no clue i was pretty sure i applied for winter but seems i applied for summer

Amazing. What is your application timeline if you mind saying? I’ve not applied to clearly but it’s on the list to do.

 

[JBM]

Congrats! When did you apply? I'm still waiting on the test 😂😂

18/10

 

[JBM]

they might have switched you over !

maybe. no clue.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

18/10

I think I have a while to wait then hahaha. 12/12 for me

 

[applicant3000]

Cleary AC! I applied and did the test late October

 

[charlieefinch]

Is anyone still waiting to hear from ES?

 

[ojharrison]

Hi everyone - I’m Olivia, and I wanted to introduce myself. I’ve been through the law firm application process myself (including vacation schemes and interviews), and I know how intense and isolating it can feel at times.

I have completed the PGDL, SQE1, SQE2 and SQE+ and have a training contract with Ashurst starting in March 2026.

I’ll be around on the forum over the next hour to help where I can. Looking forward to chatting with you all.

 

[ojharrison]

sorry if people have already asked this, but does anyone know what time Mishcon's application is due? like would it be safe to submit it any time before 23:59 tomorrow night? thank you so much, and sorry to ask!!

Hi - no need to apologise for asking! It’s always better to double-check deadlines than to miss them.

From what I can see on Mishcon’s website, their vacation scheme application deadline is indeed tomorrow, and firms typically mean 11:59pm (23:59) on that date unless they’ve specified a particular time. So yes, submitting anytime before 23:59 tomorrow (UK time) would generally be considered on time.

Obviously for peace of mind it may be better to:

• Submit a little earlier if you can - even if your application is ready, hitting “send” a few hours ahead of the literal deadline helps avoid any last-minute upload or server issues.
• Double-check the application portal - sometimes firms mention a specific time zone or cut-off time, and it’s worth confirming so you’re 100% confident. No doubt you've already had a look in the portal to check so if there's nothing specific there then it's safe to assume the 23:59 cut off!

Hope that helps and best of luck with your application! Feel free to post back if you want a quick review of your answers or structure before submitting😊

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Anyone who did the Weil test around Dec 6 receive any PFO or AC yet?

 

[Icantstopeatingfood]

Anyone who did the Weil test around Dec 6 receive any PFO or AC yet?

i submitted my test 07/12 and have heard nothing.

 

[UP_25]

Hi everyone, just wanted to quickly introduce myself - I'm Umair, a third year Politics student at Warwick and a Future Trainee at Hogan Lovells. I also did vacation schemes at Latham & Watkins and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. I'll be on hand to answer any questions over the next hour or so!

 

[ojharrison]

hey everyone, I wanted to just get some life advice regarding next steps of my life. it's a bit of a weird space to do it but I think it will definitely relate to a lot of people here. I'm a non-law finalist and right now it feels like its go time for applications whether that's law or masters. in my heart of hearts I want to do a masters, but there's always been a piece of me that loves law and wants to try it out but law is not only competitive and time-consuming but also not something you can dip your toes in since its often times vac scheme- tc offer-law school which is like a 3 year process.

I know I don't have enough time to balance masters and law but I also do not want to risk potentially having regrets in the future. I've thought about doing just masters applications but again it's so hard because it just so happens that my potential course is only offered at the best unis in the uk/u.s. I also really like law but sometimes I find myself questioning if the applications, pfo's and 10 stages is even worth it. In an ideal world, I would get my dream masters but also have a tc offer which I would defer for post masters but we unfortunately do not live in such paradise. It's been scarier knowing in this one holiday I have 5 masters apps, diss work, coursework and potentially more law apps too.

I feel like I'm getting nowhere asking myself what it is that I want so I wanted to ask here to see if others have been through this, if anyone has any guidance and advice?

Hi - non-law grad/future trainee here!

What you’re describing is far more common than it might feel right now, especially among non-law finalists, and it makes complete sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of decisions landing all at once.

I just wanted to share some perspective from my own experience. I only started applying to law when I was around 26/27, after working in a few different roles, and that taught me there really isn’t a “right” timeline. Coming to law later - or after doing something else first - is completely normal and increasingly common.

On the masters vs law question, it might help to step away from seeing this as an all-or-nothing decision. Both routes are valid, and neither puts you on the back foot. If you did decide to focus on a masters, that wouldn’t mean closing the door on law entirely. You can continue to stay engaged by attending law firm events, reading around commercial law and doing short online courses. That's something I did myself and I found that I had more clarity and confidence when it came to applications. Law firms also value candidates with varied academic and professional backgrounds, as they bring different perspectives and experiences to the table.

Equally, prioritising law applications now can make sense if you want to test whether the process and the reality of commercial law genuinely appeal to you.

Questioning whether the applications and multiple stages are “worth it” is very normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re unsuited to law - it usually just means you’re thinking carefully about your future. There isn’t a single correct answer here, but whichever route you take, you won’t be behind or starting from scratch.

Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. I'd be happy to help!

 

[FutureTrainee213]

Hello! Would you have any insight into how many trainees does TS take through DTC v/s vac scheme? And what is the conversion rate like?

Hey, I’m not sure what the split is between the two BUT regarding the conversion from VS to TC, we were told repeatedly that there were TC’s available for everybody (I was on a VS) and that we were not competing with each other, which made the scheme a lot more easier to manage.

It was honestly the thing that solidified my interest for the firm. They seem to adopt a very holistic approach to the entire process - reading all applications that come in, refraining from any screening methods - they really don’t try catching you out and want you to succeed. Even going as far as asking you to retake a particular assessment if they felt you didn’t perform your best during the VS - which to me, signalled a genuine interest in wanting candidates to succeed.

So, the conversion can be 20%, 30%, 100% - it really does depend on the quality of your cohort. But for you, this means minimal stress of competing with others, and more time to focus on your own performance. Which I think is such a bonus.

 

[lolololol]

Hi everyone, just wanted to quickly introduce myself - I'm Umair, a third year Politics student at Warwick and a Future Trainee at Hogan Lovells. I also did vacation schemes at Latham & Watkins and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. I'll be on hand to answer any questions over the next hour or so!

Hi, I have a politics background as well, I would love to know how you would suggest leveraging studying politics for a tc app! it’s something i struggle with, thanks in advance!