TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hanz123]

Somebody else replied that they are still looking through apps (I hope it's the case as I'm in the same boat 🤞).

My inbox is so dry that I'm about to start doing an AC dance on the train...

same here my inbox has been so dry too, hopefully we get something positive

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Is this for spring or summer vac scheme? Thanks

Summer, submitted 8th January, did test 9th Jan, feedback report 11th jan, rejected 16th Jan (exactly 1 week from test). It could be that I did bad on the test and automatic rejection for that?

 

[Winter]

Did anyone else post-Bakers SJT get resent their feedback report this morning? I’m not sure if this was an error, and they meant to send VI (optimistically speaking😅)

 

[Chak]

Did anyone else post-Bakers SJT get resent their feedback report this morning? I’m not sure if this was an error, and they meant to send VI (optimistically speaking😅)

I have had and a couple of people mentioned that had the same too. Not sure what that means

 

[Jennifer2003]

Hey guys I have a first stage interview in person in London, I had a look and train tickets are over £100 to get me there on time (one way as well...) is it reasonable to ask for travel reimbursement? It wasn't mentioned in my email but I do feel like its unusual to have a first stage 45 minute interview in person

Hey, congrats on the interview! I would say it is definitely worth reaching out to ask for financial assistance, most firms are able to help out as they don't want financial burden to be a barrier for you. Definitely reasonable!

 

[fTS3002]

Does anyone know if DAC Beachcroft primarily recruits trainees through their DTC route? Because I can see their apps for VS opens in Feb and it says 'Have the chance to complete an assessment day to secure a future role at DACB.' which essentially doesn't only mean TC right?

 

[Marble_Moth]

Hey guys, does anyone have any experience in role play related to a written exercise at an AC? Any tips would be greatly appreciated as it does seem quite unique

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hey, congrats on the interview! I would say it is definitely worth reaching out to ask for financial assistance, most firms are able to help out as they don't want financial burden to be a barrier for you. Definitely reasonable!

Just a note to everybody as well, getting a travel card if you're eligible (e.g. 18-25 travel card) will save you a lot of money in the long run (£35 I think, and gives you 1/3 off - so in this particuar example savings on 1 trip would 'pay for itself.).

Also often trainline will have split saves if you book in advance. The cost of ticket is of course ludicrous right now, but can save a lot by this. Also check for bus travel (train may be necessary to get there on time, but a bus back could save an expensive return journey).

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you’re well! I was wondering if you have any tips for presentations (no slides, just speaking). The one I have to do involves a business case and how the firm can add value. If you have any tips on structure, key discussion points to mention or anything else, that would be amazing!! Thank you❤️

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Does anyone know if DAC Beachcroft primarily recruits trainees through their DTC route? Because I can see their apps for VS opens in Feb and it says 'Have the chance to complete an assessment day to secure a future role at DACB.' which essentially doesn't only mean TC right?

From what I've seen they recruit fully from their TC. This is probably changing this year since the vac scheme opens in Feb but with the vac scheme they did in September, I was told that you'd still have to apply for their TC.

That being said, can anyone help me out with "why DACB?" I had applied for the TC on a whim and luckily got through to the VI, but as I'm looking at their top practice areas (in London), I'm not sure it's what I want to do. I had applied for the Bristol office for their vac scheme because their real estate team is bigger. But they only sponsor in the London office so I need to plan an answer to why I applied to that office in particular as well.

 

[soph107048]

Baker McKenzie PFO post app for Summer. Actually peeved about this one because I have an internal contact in the firm and had two internships with them in a different country's office 🙄

was this post SJT or just post initial app?

 

[soph107048]

second?
I had no strategy whatsoever in my first cycle. I started applying in feb or so, made it to an AC for DTC but obvio didn’t get it.
Hopefully, this is the cycle I get my offer. Also, an international student so my clock is ticking

heyy if u dont mind me asking, what do u felt went wrong at the AC stage? im doing my first AC soon and felt like I navigated the process pretty well so far, but wanted to see whether you have any insights as to things u wish u had known before going in

 

[jamsparkle]

just got 95th percentile in the clifford chance wg... maybe if i'd done that well on the linklaters one (I got 59th LOL) I would've heard back by now (for spring)

also haven't heard anything from V&E (applied mid december) - I think I'm #cooked?

 

[jamsparkle]

Hey guys I have a first stage interview in person in London, I had a look and train tickets are over £100 to get me there on time (one way as well...) is it reasonable to ask for travel reimbursement? It wasn't mentioned in my email but I do feel like its unusual to have a first stage 45 minute interview in person

I always ask firms to book me a hotel if I have to go to London for an open day/ac/whatever (as long as it's selective) - most of the time they say yes and reimbursment of travel costs is pretty much always done without question

 

[Rads]

Any news of P,W for Summer? Have people gotten PFOs for Summer also?

 

[User2640]

From what I've seen they recruit fully from their TC. This is probably changing this year since the vac scheme opens in Feb but with the vac scheme they did in September, I was told that you'd still have to apply for their TC.

That being said, can anyone help me out with "why DACB?" I had applied for the TC on a whim and luckily got through to the VI, but as I'm looking at their top practice areas (in London), I'm not sure it's what I want to do. I had applied for the Bristol office for their vac scheme because their real estate team is bigger. But they only sponsor in the London office so I need to plan an answer to why I applied to that office in particular as well.

May I ask when did you apply?

 

[TCGrad1642]

If we have nothing from mishcon spring shall we assume a pfo then

 

[radssss]

I’ve applied for Paul Weiss summer on 21 December and have not heard anything back

Has anyone got an ac for summer or has anyone who applied on or after 21 Dec got a pfo?

 

[user3567]

Should i be concerned if i haven’t heard back from linklaters yet about the summer vacation scheme???

 

[soph107048]

Should i be concerned if i haven’t heard back from linklaters yet about the summer vacation scheme???

I haven't either, but lots of ppl got ACs and some even got offers already so likely PFO :/