TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

My bclp application defo got lost in the post… right ?

They are still doing the spring AC’s so depending on what you applied for I wouldn’t worry!

 

[johnsmith]

Hi everyone!

Just a random question- how does everyone view “work-life balance” once you get a TC? And yes I’m saying “once” cos we’re all going to get there!!!

Do you care about it? Do you think it depends on age? Are you picking firms based on their work-life culture? By age I mean someone in their early 20s/fresh out of uni vs 30s for example. But of course it depends on personal circumstances/responsibilities too

It’s something I have thought about a lot. I don’t think it is really based on age. It’s about the firm you join, whether they work across timezones and the general culture. Trainees seem to work hard but associates and up work just as hard hard but have more flexibility and earn more.

The way I have rationalised it is as long as your earning enough to live where your firm is as a trainee and then on qualifying you a) have a high chance of being retained b) get paid enough that working harder doesn’t end up at a level where being a qualified professional makes sense then it’s all good.

Whether it works for you personally is up to you. I’m married and my wife is supportive as it will help facilitate our family in future.

If you have no real commitments then just go for it if you want it and then judge where you’re at after qualifying. There is never a shortage of legal jobs in the UK as not enough people qualify and stay in the job, especially in specialist areas.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody know if the camera is on during the Willkie WE? Or can I just take it my pjs

 

[lelezb1]

Does anybody know if the camera is on during the Willkie WE? Or can I just take it my pjs

same question

 

[Deleted member 43346]

CRS VI - my first one in a few weeks, with a 2 day turnaround. Hope I'm not too rusty!

If you click on the actual link it says you have 5 days to do it don’t worry!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Are bullet points okay in a Written exercise?
I always use them for advantages and disadvantages so it is easier to read and more concise - but I'm not too sure now
@Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Does anybody know if the camera is on during the Willkie WE? Or can I just take it my pjs

Camera is not on. Did mine on Thursday and can confirm.

 

[lelezb1]

Camera is not on. Did mine on Thursday and can confirm.

Thank you!!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Camera is not on. Did mine on Thursday and can confirm.

Thank you!!

 

[pepsicola96]

has anyone heard from bird and bird post AC yet?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Thank you!!

ur my favorite user on here cos of the pfp

 

[lelezb1]

ur my favorite user on here cos of the pfp

i should get the iconic award for being so perfect

 

[floral.tcla]

Has anyone heard from DLA Leeds post AC?

 

[LawAspirer]

Same, I also emailed Rachel and she said hold on, we still consider applicants based outside of the UK. I'm tired waiting, I need to move on with Orrick, its direct competitor and offer TC route lol

Did you hear back from ORRICK?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Did you hear back from ORRICK?

Nope, but consider to apply and submit next week as I am tired of waiting after holding emails from a lot of firms.

 

[Applicant3728299643]

HSF Kramer Summer AC invite, would appreciate any insights!

Congrats! May I ask when you applied? - I’ve not received either a rejection or AC invite from them thus far, so idk what’s going on

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Is it OK to refer to my notes (ie switching tabs) while preparing for a VI (before I hit "record") on Cappfinity? Does the firm log this/have issue with this?

@Abbie Whitlock (sorry will also go ahead and tag some people who i think might have a response?) @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner @Jessica Pearson - Managing Director

 

[M123]

Has anyone heard from DLA Leeds post AC?

Hey, congrats on the AC, I hope it went well! Can I ask when you heard back post-app for the TI please?

 

[JoiBoy]

Congrats! May I ask when you applied? - I’ve not received either a rejection or AC invite from them thus far, so idk what’s going on

Thanks! I applied and completed the test the start of December. I did receive my invite quite late yesterday so it is likely you should hear back next week.

 

[floral.tcla]

Hey, congrats on the AC, I hope it went well! Can I ask when you heard back post-app for the TI please?

Hi, thanks! I applied on the deadline and received TI on 6 Jan. Good luck!