TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ananya123]

Hi everyone!

With several firms preparing to open applications for their winter, spring, and summer vacation schemes, we are launching this dedicated thread for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to vacation scheme applications. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms. As ever, the strength of this forum lies in its thoughtfulness and collegiality. Please continue to share your insights and to engage constructively with each other.

Finally, last year’s thread can be found here: TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024–25. Later today, I will post a consolidated list of firms with their respective deadlines, to assist those planning their approach for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone the very best as the new cycle begins.

Ram

Hey Guys! I have a Slaughter and May AC in Jan and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to approach the "what other law firms have you applied to" question - so far I could only find two firms that are similar to slaughters in their international approach and m&a expertise. I am still not sure about mentioning HSF and Ashurst. Should I play it safe and go with just the first two? would that be too less? I was also wondering if anyone has experience with slaughter and may's written assessment. Any advice would be useful because I just want to know how I can prepare.

 

[user55998384]

Hi, I just got the Latham AC but have never done an AC before, does anyone have any tips on ACs or Latham?
They would be much appreciated! Thank you so much

congrats!! did you do the OD/ FYC/BA?

 

[floral.tcla]

@Jaysen such a cool Christmas snow animation Lmao.

I was first worried thinking my screen is being funny 😂

Second this, it’s so cheerful!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for the PwC virtual AC 🥹 This is my very first AC so any help or insight would be very appreciated!

when did you do your VI because I did it on the 4th of December and still did not hear back from them

 

[futuretraineeihope]

IDK whether to laugh or cry from Bakers' VI, last yr's forum comments were so right - those questions were so unorthodox 🤣🤣🤣
I am taking my christmas break early, good luck to whoever has it!!

PS. Defo defo look at the threads on the forum for advice!!!!

Well done for doing it! I’m doing it today! Where are the threads can I ask? i’m so nervous i need all the advice I can get

 

[Alfredo1234]

I have been offered a VS scheme at a firm that has both a spring and summer option. If all goes well and i get offered a TC (fingers crossed) would they offer me this in spring (the week ive opted for) or would they wait until the summer one has completed also?

 

[nicoledm]

Goodwin VI!

 

[EfficientBag123]

I have been offered a VS scheme at a firm that has both a spring and summer option. If all goes well and i get offered a TC (fingers crossed) would they offer me this in spring (the week ive opted for) or would they wait until the summer one has completed also?

Huge achievement, congratulations. Be proud of yourself. Which firm is this for?

 

[elle woods]

I have been offered a VS scheme at a firm that has both a spring and summer option. If all goes well and i get offered a TC (fingers crossed) would they offer me this in spring (the week ive opted for) or would they wait until the summer one has completed also?

I believe most firms give out offers a week or two after the scheme. So spring most likely!

 

[EfficientBag123]

i did a simmons ac over a month ago and radio silence lmao i managed to do another ac and the vac scheme itself in the time i’ve been waiting

Which office was this for?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Goodwin VI!

Can I ask when did you apply?

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

Goodwin VI, after the Bird & Bird rejection before even the WG I am so relieved I could cry (genuinely not joking) 😭

 

[wooliewoo]

Goodwin VI! Quite surprised since I assumed they'd be giving out VIs later!

 

[radssss]

Goodwin VI!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Ahhhh Goodwin VI! Is this automatic?

Lowkey very stressed idk how to prepare for Gowling’s VI and Goodwin’s AND revise for my January exams

 

[user55998384]

has anyone who did the latham OD heard back ?

 

[Chriss]

Goodwin VI!

heyy congrats is this for spring or summer?

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Goodwin VI! And still silence from Latham😂

 

[WeGotThis!]

Loving the Christmas vibe and animation! Really cute 🥰 🎉

 

[radssss]

heyy congrats is this for spring or summer?

Thank you! For spring - applied on deadline day