TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[alphabravocharlie]

Hopefully grad Rec feeling energised tomorrow, my dead inbox killing me, I reckon emails start flowing on the 7th

 

[radssss]

Manifesting good news for everyone from tomorrow!!🤞🏻

 

[LaDiva]

If a firm says it's applications close on the 5th of January, can we assume this means at 23:59 5th January and not 00:00?

Well, I hope its the former, I want to apply for Birketts on their deadline tomorrow!

 

[Lord Sumption]

If a firm says it's applications close on the 5th of January, can we assume this means at 23:59 5th January and not 00:00?

Sorry if I sound stupid, but what is the difference? Like do you mean 5th Jan at midday or like the 12 O'Clock - the evening one that comes after 11pm time lol?

 

[Novaa]

Sorry if I sound stupid, but what is the difference? Like do you mean 5th Jan at midday or like the 12 O'Clock - the evening one that comes after 11pm time lol?

I think they mean, one minute after 4th Jan (00:00am) and the last minute of the 5th Jan (23:59pm)

I’m going to be so shy if I just jumped in and misunderstood LOOL

 

[M85672]

This might sound silly, but hypothetically if you received a vac scheme offer and you were then unable to complete the scheme because of some sort of clash - whether personal or professional - would you be able to ask a firm if you can just straight up sit the TC interview instead?

 

[radssss]

This might sound silly, but hypothetically if you received a vac scheme offer and you were then unable to complete the scheme because of some sort of clash - whether personal or professional - would you be able to ask a firm if you can just straight up sit the TC interview instead?

They might change your scheme dates (example-spring to summer or summer to spring) or ask you to find a replacement yourself whom you can swap with (tcla really helps here and usually works) Otherwise, you may be able to shift to a direct tc route and take any additional assessments required if the firm allows this(they may refuse as well). I also believe the reason should be valid (such as term dates and scheme dates clash or medical emergency) so that you are not disadvantaged .

 

[AMullin]

Hill Dickinson VI done, got 6,6,7,7 on the Amberjack with mid for verbal and numerical reasoning - who knows if that's good enough.

Was planning on doing NRF VI tonight as well but too drained after all that - gonna be rushing before the deadline in the morning! 😂

 

[yuhhhh]

Hill Dickinson VI done, got 6,6,7,7 on the Amberjack with mid for verbal and numerical reasoning - who knows if that's good enough.

Was planning on doing NRF VI tonight as well but too drained after all that - gonna be rushing before the deadline in the morning! 😂

What’s that buddy?

 

[rjh2001]

Hey @rjh2001 it’s a good start to focus on their strong sectors and suggest a new office in an emerging market – to be honest, it’s probably how I would approach the answer too, and I agree it is best to focus on one sector/office location here. As for the explanation as to how their office locations support their work and client relationships, you’re right that the reasons you provided are general but they are true and most likely the key reasons many firms actually do this to begin with (other than tax efficiency).

However, even with general points I think you can still shape your answer to become more specific to PMC, I would focus on where it is their office locations are – Piraeus and Antibes are very specific cities, that other firms who have a shipping focus may not have a presence in. What is it about these locations that made it a prime spot for PMC? Leverage that sort of analysis to think about how this is benefitting their workstreams and client relations.

Hi Afraz,

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

Rory.

 

[legallybrunnette]

This is more than helpful, thank you so much!

I have 4 days to do research I guess hahah

Did you manage to find anything on the TCLA Directory or "Law Firm profiles" in the Dashboard because I can't seem to be able to find TCLA resources on Milbank.

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone know when bakers will start giving online assessments for summer vs?

 

[legallybrunnette]

Does anyone have any good research resources for Milbank? I haven't found much on their website, absent on TCLA directory, absent on law firm profiles in the dashboard, and no year in reports/ reviews published by them. Thank you in advance!

 

[radssss]

Did not know a top firm like hill Dickinson does not sponsor visas ://

 

[radssss]

anyone know when bakers will start giving online assessments for summer vs?

Have they not given any out yet? Sorry I’m confused because I applied on deadline day!

 

[TS.Law]

Hi everyone, I had an issue with my assessment yesterday and am now losing sleep over it.

The assessment was timed, and on the very first question, the software moved on to the next one before I clicked “Submit.” After that, during the third and fourth questions, I noticed that the time counter was skipping 3–4 seconds at a time. At this point, I was about to have a heart attack, honestly.

I reported the issue via the Help Centre link, but then came the worst. They acknowledged the issue and explained that this can occur when using Safari (which was my case) or an outdated version of another browser. They concluded the email by saying: “We are sorry for the problem you have encountered and appreciate your patience in this matter.”

I am not sure whether I should contact them again or reach out to the firm, or whether it is better to stay quiet and wait for the final result.

@Abbie Whitlock @Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu, any advice, please?

 

[TS.Law]

Does anyone have any good research resources for Milbank? I haven't found much on their website, absent on TCLA directory, absent on law firm profiles in the dashboard, and no year in reports/ reviews published by them. Thank you in advance!

have a look at https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/law-firms/milbank, Legal500, Chambers, and Chambers Students

 

[BealMcAlly]

Did you manage to find anything on the TCLA Directory or "Law Firm profiles" in the Dashboard because I can't seem to be able to find TCLA resources on Milbank.

Edit: oh sorry you meant general information. Like another person said I used non-billable (I love the way they write quite simply), legal cheek, chambers student (some firms don't have a profile), legal500, sometimes RollOnFriday.


Are you a premium member?

Past successful applications are under 'Premium Database'

 

[BatmanBeyond]

Did anyone else just submit an absolute stinker of an application for Paul Hastings, I did the why Paul Hastings okayish, but the other one on why scheme was an absolute stinker. Just didn't have enough time I could not get my self to do it after doing Akin (((((

 

[helenaskelton]

For those who have applied to Birketts before, I was wondering at what stage the firm usually contacts your academic and employment referees? Will they inform you before contacting them? This is the first time I've seen a referee section on an app form, so have no idea how firms typically use this information. Any insights would be very appreciated!

Did the VS at Birketts last year. Just put an academic and work exp referee. Don’t think they check!