TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you, that's really helpful - does that mean a report takes the same format as a short note, but just with more information?

No problem!

Yes, broadly speaking that's right! A report usually follows the same underlying structure as a short note (e.g. issue, analysis, conclusion), but it goes into more depth, includes fuller reasoning and authority, and may cover any recommendations in more detail

 

[rrr]

they ask you some question and you just drag your cursor to the option that you agree the most with
it was like flash sjt tbf
it's not timed and the questions they ask are not thaaat deep so i just went with my gut

how long did it take?

 

[qwerty!]

My experience so far has been paying for my own accommodation. I know Paul comma Weiss specifically mention they organise it for you as part of the VS and it doesn't impact what you get paid.

Hey!

I can share the various experiences that I have had for vacation schemes, as it does differ depending on the firm (so I would ask the graduate recruitment team!).

• Stephenson Harwood: they arranged and paid for accommodation in a hotel for anyone that didn't live in London (myself included!) which was really handy!
• Farrer & Co: they contributed towards the cost of the accommodation, and offered suggestions for accommodation that previous vacation scheme students had used.
• Travers Smith: whilst they didn't contribute to the cost directly, they provided a list of previous accommodation that vacation scheme students had used. However, they did pay the most for the scheme itself, so it was around the same overall!

For the vacation schemes where I had to arrange it myself, I stayed in student accommodation that you can rent for a few weeks over the summer - I would really recommend as I found these really affordable and close enough to everything!

thank you both this is really helpful!

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason

 

[Legallylaw]

So I did the Mishcon SJT and got this on the 4 pillars, did I absolutely bomb it?

 

[LH4]

So I did the Mishcon SJT and got this on the 4 pillars, did I absolutely bomb it?View attachment 7841

I got basically the same numbers, just different categories if its any consolation hahaha. Im wondering if they are only using these scores to progress to the AC or if its still taken into account with the AI test answers/grades and work experience on the written app

 

[pepsicola96]

thank you both this is really helpful!

Definitely look at all options. I have a one week scheme coming up, and have booked a travelodge which only cost me £400 in central london for 6 nights sunday-saturday. This isn't a summer scheme so student accom and airbnbs are less available, but even if those that are I'd still rather a hotel. Don't have to worry about clean sheets, safety, sharing a bathroom or anything like that. Of course for a longer scheme you might prefer something more permanent with your own kitchen etc

For me the firm is providing £200 towards accom, in addition to £600 pay for the week which isn't bad at all. But yeah some firms don't cover anything. I had a 3 week scheme last year, payed just over £500 per week, with no additional support for accommodation. Pretty much everyone who didn't live in London ended up many hundreds out of pocket.

 

[msclm]

not sure if this is a silly question but does anyone have any idea about how accomodation works on vac schemes?

Hey! For my winter vac they didn’t specifically mention that they’d cover accommodation but I asked them if they’d have any recommendations and then they offered then and there to pay for my hotel! So definitely ask even if it’s not something they specifically promote

 

[legalbeast]

Is this for the Spring or Summer Scheme? Can't seem to see that anyone has heard back for AG Manchester in summer that's all. Hoping they are dealing with them in order. Can only hope.

I think they have one in spring one in summer but I’m not sure which one mine is even for lol I imagine spring placement scheme

 

[xMontmorency]

So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason

If anecdoatal evidence helps you, I went into an AC without taking the tag off my blazer. I got the VS.

You want to give a good impression, sure, but as long as the partner/associate is not an idiot they will judge you on what you say not what you look like.

 

[marialawcr]

Hey I got invited to AC in manchester today I did my VI on 22nd of December

 

[marialawcr]

hey i got an AC in manchester i did my VI on the 22nd of December

 

[deejaykay]

So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason

I would say you are absolutely fine, as long as it's not clearly Dorito dust collected over seven days of wearing the shirt without washing it! Just don't be self-conscious about it, like don't keep touching it or covering it up. Quite honestly, if you're going to travel on the tube, a microscopic little spot on the collar of your shirt is the least you can expect. I've worked in pretty corporate environments, and I absolutely hate it when people just kind of coast through their workwear choices (looking at you, guys who buy a five-pack of shirts and wear them until they are translucent). And I would never judge someone for a smudge that can and will happen by just being alive in a huge city. If you had yellow stains under your arms - yeah, that's bad, please make an effort and get it properly cleaned. But a smudge on the collar of your steamed shirt? Thank you for steaming, don't worry about the tiny spot.

 

[Fauxfilm_]

I got basically the same numbers, just different categories if its any consolation hahaha. Im wondering if they are only using these scores to progress to the AC or if its still taken into account with the AI test answers/grades and work experience on the written app

I got the same numbers in different categories too. Hope it’s just the numbers my AI chat was a shocker.. which is why I believe everybody was advanced to SJT

 

[Gr33ntea]

TLT pfo

Aw sorry to hear TLT hasn’t worked out for you. Can I please ask if you applied for the vac scheme or the beyond scheme?

Losing my mind here from not having any feedback yet!

 

[Dannie]

Good morning, praying for the best things for us all today!

 

[Legallylaw]

Amen Amen!

 

[legalbeast]

Anymore CMS TC offers yet

 

[Madison Pinewall]

What's the usual ETA after an AC. I did my cleary one yesterday and i'm already thinking about my email inbox

 

[174Tess9y3]

Anyone heard from Mofo?