TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[wqueens8]

For anyone who is living / has lived in London, can I ask generally how much money is needed to get by for a year while studying the SQE?

One of my new years resolutions is to be more financially responsible, and another is to get a TC. I'm also choosing this year to be extremely optimistic and manifest that I do get a TC, which case I will be finishing my degree this year, then GDL year then SQE year.

Where possible I will study in my uni city, or home city. But several of the firms I am in the running for require the SQE to be studied in London, offering grants of 12-18k. Hence my question here. If this is the case I would have say 15k from the firm and I could get the masters loan too if needed for another 12k, putting me at around 27k tax free. How much more would you need to live an alright life in London? I imagine I will finish out this academic year with nothing, but through the GDL I'll keep working and will (hopefully) have a grant, so would probably have a fair bit of money left over, but that gives rise to more questions of whether I can afford to stay in my uni city and rent, having maybe 5k left over, or if i need to move home and save and could potentially have 10-15k left over.

Obviously all hypothetical and getting ahead of myself, but I believe in speaking things into existence haha, and to be fair I really do need to be getting my finances in order now if i have any hope of affording the SQE year should I get a TC.

 

[Bread]

For anyone who is living / has lived in London, can I ask generally how much money is needed to get by for a year while studying the SQE?

One of my new years resolutions is to be more financially responsible, and another is to get a TC. I'm also choosing this year to be extremely optimistic and manifest that I do get a TC, which case I will be finishing my degree this year, then GDL year then SQE year.

Where possible I will study in my uni city, or home city. But several of the firms I am in the running for require the SQE to be studied in London, offering grants of 12-18k. Hence my question here. If this is the case I would have say 15k from the firm and I could get the masters loan too if needed for another 12k, putting me at around 27k tax free. How much more would you need to live an alright life in London? I imagine I will finish out this academic year with nothing, but through the GDL I'll keep working and will (hopefully) have a grant, so would probably have a fair bit of money left over, but that gives rise to more questions of whether I can afford to stay in my uni city and rent, having maybe 5k left over, or if i need to move home and save and could potentially have 10-15k left over.

Obviously all hypothetical and getting ahead of myself, but I believe in speaking things into existence haha, and to be fair I really do need to be getting my finances in order now if i have any hope of affording the SQE year should I get a TC.

Hey there, some things to consider. As a reference, the London Living Wage (voluntary minimum wage offered by companies in London) currently sits at around £29k.
Also, do bear in mind that not all GDL/SQE courses are eligible for a masters loan. If you did get a TC, i think it would be unlikely that you would also get a masters loan, bc the firm would pay for your tuition. If instead you didn't get TC sponsorship, you'd likely be able to get a loan, but you would also have to pay for the course yourself.
Imo, the most desirable outcome is obtaining firm sponsorship for the GDL, do it at home (not spending the living grant), do the SQE in London sponsored by the firm, and pool the combined living grants for your second year.

 

[Mrcerec]

Mysterious firm... Seems interesting though! Thinking of spending a couple of hours on the app just in case

Katten is certainly worth applying to. I know someone who got a TC from there - very good firm.

 

[llblawstudent]

Katten is certainly worth applying to. I know someone who got a TC from there - very good firm.

Shame there’s so little to go off when researching it

 

[Mrcerec]

Shame there’s so little to go off when researching it

Well it was the same for him - still got the TC.

 

[hopefuliguess]

hi, can anyone guide me if its still worth it to apply at Dechert? the app is on rolling basis and deadline is Dec 31. thank you!

 

[Jennifer2003]

is baker mckenzie rolling? does anybody know if it's like they give out ACs rolling, or will they act similarly to reed smith and still view all apps before the deadline?

 

[kn]

any insight into the simmons VI would be much appreciated!!

 

[johnsmith]

any insight into the simmons VI would be much appreciated!!

Unlimited prep time so you won’t need any insights as you can plan your answers before you record them

 

[mg42guy32]

DLA London AC! Any insights and tips would be incredibly helpful!

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Does anyone know if Debevoise recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Does anyone know if Debevoise recruit on a rolling basis?

Pretty sure they’re non-rolling. The vac scheme deadline is 01/01/2026. Does anybody know what the dates are for the schemes? Idk if I’m looking in the wrong places but I can’t seem to find the vac scheme dates anywhere lmao.​

 

[EfficientBag123]

is baker mckenzie rolling? does anybody know if it's like they give out ACs rolling, or will they act similarly to reed smith and still view all apps before the deadline?

Everyone will hear soon for Bakers as their ACs take place on 9th and 14th for spring vac scheme.

 

[Lord Sumption]

DLA London AC! Any insights and tips would be incredibly helpful!

On Boxing Day wow! Congrats

 

[BealMcAlly]

how did i get a 1 on creative force for MB....... i got a 7 yesterday for weil

That's so bonkers.

These tests drive me up the wall.

 

[angdps]

Does anyone know how many questions are on the Baker VI

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Pretty sure they’re non-rolling. The vac scheme deadline is 01/01/2026. Does anybody know what the dates are for the schemes? Idk if I’m looking in the wrong places but I can’t seem to find the vac scheme dates anywhere lmao.​

Yep, non-rolling. Exact dates are sent out alongside offers I believe. Last year the dates were:
-First half of April
-Second half of June
-First half of July
Two weeks each

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

That's so bonkers.

These tests drive me up the wall.

Firms: hey we’ve simplified our app process and so now we’re only gna ask for work experiences and academics, i.e., no more long written questions.

Me: ayy that’s light work let me get started on my app cos this should be a breeze. Surely there won’t be a catch or any hidden plot twists right?…

Also firms: yeah, about that… we have introduced 1385959000 different test stages using a mix of SJT, WG, SPAG tests, VI and maths q’s instead…

Me:

 

[A little silly]

It is untimed. Why didn't you take more time on the maths? I actually thought it was basic.

Right, my bad i wasn’t clear enough. I’m not slow at math, I’m just bad at it so its not a time issuei did take 4 and half hours so you best believe I may have looked DISTRESSED in their recording (if they ever check) but atleast I showed some solid resilience lollll, good luck though glad you did well xx

 

[ADhillon01]

Right, my bad i wasn’t clear enough. I’m not slow at math, I’m just bad at it so its not a time issuei did take 4 and half hours so you best believe I may have looked DISTRESSED in their recording (if they ever check) but atleast I showed some solid resilience lollll, good luck though glad you did well xx

I just turn off my camera in the non-recorded elements of tests to avoid this. Some of these budget and stats questions, I am oddly changing seat position every minute checking my working out - I do not need them seeing that haha