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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Bread

Legendary Member
Jan 30, 2024
315
610
i really wish jessica were back sometimes. i think i need a reality check. i'm a very well-educated person with legal and non-legal work experience but i graduated from the gdl last year. am I too old to be applying for vac schemes? i just have a hard time understanding what i'm doing wrong, when seemingly loads of second/third year students are doing everything right. How big of a factor is age?
 

nbjani

Valued Member
Nov 23, 2023
102
216
Ima need everybody to do an AC dance for tomorrow (inbox still silent 😅🫣)

Awkward Dance GIF by MOODMAN
Stan Twitter GIF
 

Jennifer2003

Legendary Member
Sep 17, 2025
153
284
I’m a penultimate year non-law student so I don’t have much choice this year. But for next year, how do you lot choose firms to target?
I'm a STEM student and chose firms that rank highly in life sciences/IP of that area, but that also have a lot of range so that I can try out different practice areas that aren't associated with my degree at all. However, I knew I definitely wanted a sector focused firm, and with one of those being life sciences. Sorry if that's not helpful! Also, you can normally apply to a bunch of first year schemes (I didn't realise until this year - I'm a final year non-law - but definitely look at first year schemes and open days so you don't have to cram loads into your first semester of final year)
 
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Reactions: Donna Paulsen

Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
425
1,553
i really wish jessica were back sometimes. i think i need a reality check. i'm a very well-educated person with legal and non-legal work experience but i graduated from the gdl last year. am I too old to be applying for vac schemes? i just have a hard time understanding what i'm doing wrong, when seemingly loads of second/third year students are doing everything right. How big of a factor is age?
I’ve been getting in my head about this, especially because I had more successes whilst at university with these cycles.

It’s weird because I know people older than me who have managed to get TCs. But I’m convincing myself that I’m “aging” out, which isn’t the case… I feel like I need to take a step back and reevaluate my approach. But I feel like I don’t have the time to… sigh 💔
 

KuriTH

Star Member
  • Nov 17, 2024
    38
    61
    Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:
    1. Does NRF offer DTC?
    2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
    3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
    4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
    5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
    6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?
    I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!


    great username btw
     

    ACHat8r

    Star Member
    Jan 30, 2025
    49
    136

    KuriTH

    Star Member
  • Nov 17, 2024
    38
    61
    Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:
    1. Does NRF offer DTC?
    2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
    3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
    4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
    5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
    6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?
    I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!

    actually this is a good post to read:

     
    • Like
    Reactions: SubpoenaColada

    EfficientBag123

    Legendary Member
  • Aug 23, 2024
    248
    310
    I'm a STEM student and chose firms that rank highly in life sciences/IP of that area, but that also have a lot of range so that I can try out different practice areas that aren't associated with my degree at all. However, I knew I definitely wanted a sector focused firm, and with one of those being life sciences. Sorry if that's not helpful! Also, you can normally apply to a bunch of first year schemes (I didn't realise until this year - I'm a final year non-law - but definitely look at first year schemes and open days so you don't have to cram loads into your first semester of final year)
    I started going to loads last year and I’m settling down on the idea of training at a firm with a particularly strong corporate transactional focus. But I feel as though this is too general as a lot of firms have this some it’s a money maker. What are other important things to consider?
     

    Afraz Akhtar

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    194
    462
    What's a good phrase to use when you don't know the answer to something in an AC? @Afraz Akhtar
    @FutureTraineeMaybe this is actually more common than people think, it's definitely happened to me a few times, AC or standard job interview. I think the way to navigate this is to first ask for some time to consider the question, don't be afraid of taking a few seconds to gather your thoughts. If it's definitely something you don't know or can't even think of, then let them know you hadn't considered it before but you're still willing to give it a try and attempt the answer.

    I think they'll admire your honesty and actually may try guiding your answer for you as you stumble.

    All in all, they want to see your thought process. You're may come to the wrong conclusion, but who knows how impressed they could be with the thought process you used to get there.
     

    ACHat8r

    Star Member
    Jan 30, 2025
    49
    136
    now that im done writing apps lets give an update:

    PFOs:
    A&O WVS post AC
    HSFK spring post SJT (passed benchmark)
    BCLP spring (post SJT)
    Latham summer (post stage 2 VI)
    Pinsent Masons (post SJT/VI) summer

    AC:
    PW spring

    2nd stages:
    NRF VI summer
    W&C SJT summer

    Waiting:
    Akin (probs PFO cos I applied after Christmas)
    Sidley
    Covington
    TS
    SH

    gotta leave this cycle with something
     

    veek30

    Standard Member
    Dec 17, 2025
    5
    0
    for folks doing travers smith apps: does anyone remember if Tara Davidson was at the recent online Travers legal cheek event?? I've got her name down and def remember speaking to a member of the grad recruitment team but literally cannot remember if it was her or someone else who just told us that she was the recruitment manager lol.
     

    Hopeful applicant

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 18, 2025
    62
    88
    • Love
    Reactions: SubpoenaColada

    Afuturetrainee

    Legendary Member
    Mar 11, 2025
    178
    246
    now that im done writing apps lets give an update:

    PFOs:
    A&O WVS post AC
    HSFK spring post SJT (passed benchmark)
    BCLP spring (post SJT)
    Latham summer (post stage 2 VI)
    Pinsent Masons (post SJT/VI) summer

    AC:
    PW spring

    2nd stages:
    NRF VI summer
    W&C SJT summer

    Waiting:
    Akin (probs PFO cos I applied after Christmas)
    Sidley
    Covington
    TS
    SH

    gotta leave this cycle with something
    Isn’t W&C SJT automatic for everybody ? I’d say the VI is the second stage. Has anyone who applied for summer gotten VI at W&C please ?
     

    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    439
    667
    I’ve been getting in my head about this, especially because I had more successes whilst at university with these cycles.

    It’s weird because I know people older than me who have managed to get TCs. But I’m convincing myself that I’m “aging” out, which isn’t the case… I feel like I need to take a step back and reevaluate my approach. But I feel like I don’t have the time to… sigh 💔
    You are definitely not. If I was to secure a TC this cycle I’d be 41 by the time I’m qualified.
     

    Gottagetthroughthis101

    Legendary Member
  • May 28, 2025
    197
    427
    I feel sorry for the Grad Rec who will be reviewing my video interview for Reed Smith because this was horrific performance. Mental note of a PFO now because I like this firm so much that I'd rather anticipate the rejection. On that note, which firms dont do an VI as part of their process? I actually hate them so much.
    dead wink martindale GIF
     

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