TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

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.

Honestly? Maybe a 2-3 if 1 is CHILL AF.
Just brush up on your application and the firm's USPs, what they look for in their lawyers/trainees.

Best of luck!

It's a short burst. Basically done in 3 minutes total.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

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?

I am currently doing the PGDL at ULaw, having graduated with a non-law degree last summer. There is a lot of reading and content but imo, it's not difficult to understand the content. You just need to sit down and read read read and make notes. I reckon if you are a hard-working student who went to a decent uni and did a fairly tough course, you will be fine with the PGDL. The student's I know that struggle don't attend the classes. BTW I have not got any grades back so I could have absolutely failed everything LOL

 

[Novaa]

Mood rn:

NO OTHER CHOICE MENTIONED!! 😍😍

Hope it went well though!!

 

[floral.tcla]

NO OTHER CHOICE MENTIONED!! 😍😍

Hope it went well though!!

Hehe

Ah thank you!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Mood rn:

 

[WillKitchen]

Glad this is working for you, aw they sound so nice!! Aren’t there formal recruiting processes at least at the large city firms? You can have referrals but surely you still sit the same processes?

Yes, that's right.

Its a bit of a shame: You've managed to establish a great rapport with several members of staff, who talk enthusiastically about the contribution you could make to the firm, identify casework you'd be perfect for, and the firm initiatives that you could support, and the clients who be really glad to have you on their team...

...and then you fail the Watson Glaser test.

Smaller firms are more likely to have flexible recruitment policies, of course, but I like the idea of working at bigger, global firms. They replicate that culture of innovation and international collaboration that I love about university roles.

 

[Novaa]

I’m 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...

If I’m being 100% honest, mainly so I can say the following in the future:

Obviously, there are practice areas which I’m really interested in. But before I built that interest, money drove me there

 

[manifestingthetc]

Has anyone completed an AC on cappfinity before? I am not really sure what to expect

 

[toughcookie]

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?

I did my PGDL while working full-time. I easily spent 6 to 10 hours a week, depending on the topics covered. The sheer volume of information, prep required, and post-learning tasks are all pretty time-consuming. It was challenging, but I personally enjoyed having the routine, meeting other students. My course was in-person and we had great tutors, which really helped the experience too, I’d probably feel differently if it were fully online. I got distinction in the end, so it's doable!

 

[radssss]

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

I second this🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Moms side of the family are all doctors and dads side of the family are all engineers/investment bankers - I’m too bad at science and don’t like math🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Doctor ❌ engineer ❌ lawyer ✅,

But jokes part, having worked in this profession I’m so glad I picked it and cannot see myself doing anything else now!

 

[GKT]

Capsticks PFO

 

[floral.tcla]

 

[Donuttime]

Has anyone completed an AC on cappfinity before? I am not really sure what to expect

on cappfinnity, as in you do the assessment centre online?

 

[floral.tcla]

I second this🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Moms side of the family are all doctors and dads side of the family are all engineers/investment bankers - I’m too bad at science and don’t like math🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Doctor ❌ engineer ❌ lawyer ✅,

But jokes part, having worked in this profession I’m so glad I picked it and cannot see myself doing anything else now!

Oooo that variety sounds so interesting! Yes for sure!! Ahhh I can’t wait to start

 

[Jessica Pearson]

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

Hi, I received an email from them a few days ago that they'll start getting back to people from the second week of Feb.

 

[floral.tcla]

speaking of practice areas how would you go about developing your interests especially if they changed? Just by keeping up with trends and researching? I’ve been quite ambivalent about litigation and other contentious areas but have an interest in corproate and litigation as my non-law degree matches onto both quite nicely

 

[Legalfreak212]

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

Oh only 2?? That’s so chill wth

 

[Jessica Pearson]

DAC Beachcroft VI (DTC). For reference I applied on the 18th Dec and received the invite this morning. If anyone has any insights please help. I seemed to have flopped all the VI's I've done so far so if there's anyone that can help me out, I'll really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[givemeajob]

Mayer Brown AC invite! I applied and did the online assessment on the 27th of October

 

[Legalfreak212]

Mayer Brown AC invite! I applied and did the online assessment on the 27th of October

Hey did the invite just come through?