TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Chak]

Guys, do you have any advise on how to improve your Amberjack scores? I know it has been discussed here extensively, but I would really appreciate your advise. I have tried different strategies to develop my skills and I have succeeded a little bit - by going to like 6666 max. I feel like I understand the meaning behind each question but still cannot score higher than this. Do people encounter same issue and does anyone have any advise to it?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

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 feel you! In a similar position

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Literally me, if you know the context for the Ted rain dance scene

Make it happen.

 

[shadowboxer909]

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?

The average age on qualification is 30.

My logic is, if they're willing to interview you, you're not too old. I graduated 3 years ago and I've still had interviews with a US firm and a regional firm so they're clearly open to it. The law receives lots of career changers as well - also, lots of people take gaps in their career (particularly women who go on maternity leave) so it won't be as hard to catch up.

Entry trends

Demographic information about entrants to the solicitors' profession.

www.lawsociety.org.uk

 

[avocadob]

Has anyone received Rpc ac invites?

 

[radssss]

Dear Withers, while I’m very grateful for the SJT invite, but 1:30am isn’t the time

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Does anyone know what time Osborne Clarke, CRS and Cov are actually due tomorrow?

Cov is due on friday

 

[lololololol]

Does Forsters send their VIs in batches or is it safe to assume i got pfo’d if I didn’t receive it yesterday

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

It's a bit worse if you are an intl student because you don't really have the time or resources to keep going

 

[AMullin]

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’m 36 and applying for vac schemes

I’ve got so much respect for people that absolutely smash it at Uni and then get through the process first time round but that isn’t the path for everyone. Run your own race and if this is really what you want to do, then just focus on doing something every day to make you a slightly stronger candidate. If you seem to be getting stuck at the same stage then focus all of your attention on that particular stage until you get past it, then rinse and repeat for the next stage. Just keep going

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Ive heard that Baker releases AC invites in different batches!!! So hopefully not all is lost.
Also on the online platform has anyone written AC next to their application (in the application stage bit on the right)? Just wondering if it means anything (trying to hold on hope lol)

Someone here said ‘AC’ in the status column likely means application complete

 

[lololololol]

Any updates for HSFK summer vac scheme ?

 

[yasmars]

Someone here said ‘AC’ in the status column likely means application complete

There’s a status column?

 

[BealMcAlly]

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?

As a 31 year old, no, you're not too old for vac schemes... don't forget the average age of qualification is 30. You are nice and early in your journey lol

 

[TS.Law]

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?

Hi - as a career changer, I also find myself worried about age sometimes. However, this year I went to Aspiring Solicitors and networked with people who were successful in this same journey a couple of years ago, and are now working in big law. I would say that, by getting their support is very encouraging and I have gained plenty of insight not just about my applications but also my career, the martket etc . If you and anybody reading this want to have a chat about changing career to law, please, feel free to DM. We are all on this together. Cheers

 

[helenaskelton]

Do I assume PFO from GD? Had their first stage interview last week. But haven’t heard back and know people have VS offers already.

 

[uraijom]

does anyone know the baker benchmark / have a rough idea about what it is? / for those with a spring vi what did you get on the pillars? just did it and it didnt go too well....

 

[anon78365222111]

Someone here said ‘AC’ in the status column likely means application complete

That was me I was just speculating btw

 

[marisachr]

DLA Vac Scheme offer!!!