TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[applicant3000]

I just completed the Cleary WGT.. Should I receive confirmation of its completion?

You don't get a confirmation. Hope this helps

 

[ellamai0]

Not that anybody asked, but I wanted to say that I've given up on this application cycle. Hopefully, by sharing my situation, I can provide some sort of comfort to others who are finding this experience difficult.

This time around, I submitted 10 applications. I'm still waiting for a response from Simmons; the rest have been PFOs. The furthest I progressed in any of them was getting to the second stage for Hogan Lovells.

I have a relatively strong academic background. However, I don't have much work/extracurricular experience and, therefore, I lack good examples for many competencies which firms seek. One consequence of this was that my answers for VI questions about problem solving and "overcoming challenges" were relatively weak. Additionally, I couldn't think of an answer to some application questions which, ultimately, meant that I chose not to apply to many firms I really wanted to (an example which immediately springs to mind is Cooley and their question about "a situation where you have demonstrated initiative").

As somebody who has already graduated, I've come to realise that my next step has to be self-funding the SQE. This isn't ideal. My family doesn't have a lot of money. And, in stark contrast to being a future trainee with an SQE grant (and a sponsored prep course), I've had to accept that I'll be working with some degree of finance-related detriment to my studies. Yet, I recognise how fortunate I am to have my family supporting me through this next step and I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this would be for somebody who isn't receiving any additional support.

At the moment, my ethos is (somewhat ironically) taking initiative. I graduated over a year ago now. I can't keep on applying to firms, hoping that they'll provide me with an opportunity to progress to the next stage of my life. I need to do that myself.

So, yeah, all the best to everybody still striving for a TC this cycle. And, particularly for those of you who are feeling dejected, don't let rejections (or the successes of others) undermine your sense of self-worth.

I’m sorry to hear this. I would say also take this time to get involved with some hobbies and work experience/volunteering (doesn’t need to be legal) in order to have a few examples. you also probably have more examples than you think; make use of group projects during university etc, i.e. taking the initiative to help a group member whilst they were struggling etc.

Wishing you all the best, and I hope it works out for you.

 

[radssss]

Put N/A and offer to give an additional academic reference.

'Personal' reference means friend or family (but it is frowned upon to give parents or immediate siblings)

Yes I agree put n/a but do not put in a personal reference because if they find out that might not give a very good impression. I’m sure a lot of people don’t have work experience and that’s okay, they still get offers so you’re not gonna be disadvantaged! @BobThebIlly
Also a lot of firms (most) don’t ask for reference till the offer stage, I’ve seen v few ask for this in the application form so you can always explain it to the firm later!

Also if this worries you maybe you could choose to volunteer for a month or two part time or do a part time job for a month or so - ofc I understand that’s your choice completely and you may not have the time

 

[Novaa]

I havent 😔 have you?

Nooo but I saw someone in the WhatsApp chat has. Thought I’d scope the scenery here but seems very quiet 🧐

 

[yasmars]

Is anyone still awaiting HSF for spring?

 

[Novaa]

omg already??? okk time to start assuming PFO haha

She applied on 2nd Dec then did her SJT/VI on 15th December. So I hope they’re just working their way through.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

She applied on 2nd Dec then did her SJT/VI on 15th December. So I hope they’re just working their way through.

fingers crossed for us both!

 

[user123987]

Anyone who applied on deadline heard back from AG?

 

[TCLAAAA]

For those asking WFW vi insight- they only have 20s prep time (brutal to me, I basically fumbled) and 2 mins answering time... 4 questions in total

 

[fbtrainee]

Baker Mckenzie! 🏆🏆

Is this an sjt for summer?

 

[trainee4u]

Why do some firms take on so many vacation scheme candidates but only take on less than 50% of scheme candidates?

It's almost like you're so close but not quite there.

50% seems too high to me. It's going to be easier to pick a good candidate over a week of doing actual work than just via a few interviews.

I guess there is diminishing returns, but I think 1 in 3 is more reasonable.

Plus I guess if you are paying 25% fees to recruitment consultants, then paying a few VI candidates £500 or £1000 is peanuts in comparison. (obviously costs to the firm in having to meet all these people.)

 

[AMullin]

For those asking WFW vi insight- they only have 20s prep time (brutal to me, I basically fumbled) and 2 mins answering time... 4 questions in total

It will take me that long to read the question 😂 😭

 

[ellamai0]

I mean what's the point of the vacation scheme if everyone gets the TC?

If everyone got the TC it would be a big waste of time and money to throw on the VS, since vac schemers really don't get much valuable training or work done on the scheme itself. The benefit of advertising to prospective candidates is marginal since there are so many candidates to choose from anyways.

MC firms have started to realise that and slowly reduced the conversion rates on vac schemes as a result.

I disagree with this. I think the conversion rates should be relatively high since they have thoroughly vetted candidates through a generally extensive recruitment process. All of that just for a week or two of work experience is not attractive and personally I would end up just applying for a direct TC.

I think the offer of a TC should be available to every candidate if they perform well, not based on a limited quota.

I had a peer who completed the Freshfields Vac scheme last year, received great feedback and no negatives, but she didn’t receive the TC because of their target quota.

I think firms like A&O Shearman have the right idea.

 

[ellamai0]

Is anyone still awaiting HSF for spring?

Yes painfully 🥲

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone heard from White & Case (Spring VS) post cappfinity?

 

[TCLAAAA]

It will take me that long to read the question 😂 😭

And they are not short as "tell me a time..." They are actually long questions

 

[cocochanellaw]

Please PM me if you've done a Baker McKenzie AC before! I would extremely appreciate any advice this wonderful community can give!

 

[BobThebIlly]

I disagree with this. I think the conversion rates should be relatively high since they have thoroughly vetted candidates through a generally extensive recruitment process. All of that just for a week or two of work experience is not attractive and personally I would end up just applying for a direct TC.

I think the offer of a TC should be available to every candidate if they perform well, not based on a limited quota.

I had a peer who completed the Freshfields Vac scheme last year, received great feedback and no negatives, but she didn’t receive the TC because of their target quota.

I think firms like A&O Shearman have the right idea.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what 'target quota' were they looking for??? I also heard this from a friend who got a TC at FF last year and shared the same sentiments