TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

My god that Bristows VI was so quick I got whiplash 😅🫠

*** please don't ask me to give insights.

 

[M_m]

My god that Bristows VI was so quick I got whiplash 😅🫠

*** please don't ask me to give insights.

Not asking for insights at all 😂, but on a scale of 1-10 how scared should I be? I’m losing my mind because it’s my dream firm.

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Is it safe to assume Morgan Lewis rejection ? Last year I applied on the deadline and heardback for a TI by 08/07/25 for their dtc. Given they have already sent TIs a day after the deadline ?

 

[Chak]

Hi! Have you heard back from Trowers & Hamlins post app?

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has some insight into what the assessment centre and written exercise is like with Trowers & Hamlins, and just any general advice for written exercises!

 

[tedkiss]

Not asking for insights at all 😂, but on a scale of 1-10 how scared should I be? I’m losing my mind because it’s my dream firm.

wasn't hard, it really goes by quickly though. I honestly found it ok especially if you know your motivations, don't overthink it too much it's just 2 questions

 

[Z48]

Is it safe to assume Morgan Lewis rejection ? Last year I applied on the deadline and heardback for a TI by 08/07/25 for their dtc. given they have already sent TIs a day after the deadline ?

Last year invites were staggered so I think you still have a chance

 

[Chak]

Guys, do you also have an addiction of checking your email unnecessarily? If yes, how do you deal with it?

 

[PinkZebra67]

Guys, do you also have an addiction of checking your email unnecessarily? If yes, how do you deal with it?

wondering the same question - unfortunately I’m the same with this forum now too🤣🤣

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I just got a notif from candid so I thought it’s gna be an app update but it’s Stephenson Harwood with a reminder to submit their VS app which I just cba to do anymore lmao.​

 

[nordicnomad]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

 

[elizabethkate]

My god that Bristows VI was so quick I got whiplash 😅🫠

*** please don't ask me to give insights.

was horrible hahaha i’d prepped so much and suddenly it was over

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

money, stability, career trajectory, and genuinely the work

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Good morning people. Let's keep hoping for some good news today.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to see some commercial news:

Commercial Discussion 2026

Hello everyone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss some commercial issues - how they affect law firms and clients especially. Feel free to drop anything that has caught your eye in the news and let's discuss!

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

 

[floral.tcla]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

Too bad at science to be a doctor but still need to follow family rules xox

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

Absolutely in shambles Weil rejection, I even did their careers dinner, open day, mentorship with my uni, allocated mentor was also a trainee at Weil. I did everything I could for the VI, the test was great, I practiced for days, tried various answers, used the tcla vi practice tool till I exhausted most relevant questions. I did all this in Nov, so I don't even get why they took so long. Sometimes no news is just no news, it usually never tends to be good news. I was really hoping they could give me some feedback because it feels very frustrating, because I spend so much time and effort on them it feels like I lost the app I was really really hopeful about deep inside. I cannot help but worry and feel very low.

I would really appreciate some advice at this point.

All of this is extremely valid and I feel the exact same way. It's like why even try and put effort in attending the events and courses these firms put on if they'll chose someone who has done absolutely no engagement anyway.

I'd say keep your head up and keep it up high! Over the next two weeks you will see people posting they have Weil VS it is best to just go on about your day and focus on your applications, don't let it get to you. It seems as though the entire TCLA population applied to Weil so they couldn't take every good applicant unfortunately.

On to the next

 

[floral.tcla]

Mood rn:

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

For anyone who has completed the PGDL? How hard was it? How many hours a week did you spend on it?

I've heard some people say it was hands down the most difficult thing they've ever done, and heard others say they kinda coasted through it, just wondering what to expect. The providers say to expect to spend 40 hours a week on it, but they would say that. Like I've had modules at uni which were meant to take me 10 hours a week, but could easily spend 1 or 2 and get a first. Other modules I'm spending double the expected time and struggling for a 2:1.

How is the GDL, in terms of contact hours, and further study/revision?

Honestly, I found it a lot easier than undergrad. What helped me was actually going to all my classes and engaging so that I could ask questions if I needed. Take advantage of all the resources provided and make sure that you do any mocks so that you can go through feedback.

 

[James Wakefield]

Ok no offer yet but the grad recruitment partner accepted a LinkedIn request.

Maybe they’re just nice 🤷‍♂️

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...