Not sure ....
It used to be that training contracts were fixed term and unbreakable. But I think they have changed that since the advent of SQE. Probably worth reading the actual wording of one.....
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Not sure ....
It used to be that training contracts were fixed term and unbreakable. But I think they have changed that since the advent of SQE. Probably worth reading the actual wording of one.....
Hey guys, just looking for some insight. So I knew I wanted to do VS this cycle, but wasn’t aware how soon applications closed (that’s on me tbf just had no one from uni tell me ahaha) so it means that I’ve only done 5 applications for VS this cycle. There’s not any more London firms (where I want to work) that interest me. Is it worth also doing so DTC applications as some that I’m interested in close later? So far I’ve had a rejection from Willkie after application (wasn’t my best application tbh) and waiting to hear back after SJT from MDR. Waiting for answers from the rest of my apps.
To second this, which firms give TCs via the DTC route to people that haven’t done any vac schemes? There’s a list of firms that recruit a significant proportion of their trainees via DTC but I assume most of those candidates will have done vac schemes at other firms.
Also, I have interviewed for DTC with top firms before but I was still outside the UK and DTC was my only option - now that I’m in the UK with a visa which makes me eligible for vac schemes, maybe applying for DTC is a bad idea since firms will think I couldn’t land a vac scheme (which is true so far in this cycle lmao..)
(I personally have some legal experience under my belt though non-UK so not sure if it’ll count.)
Ooh interesting!!
That’s an amazing change 😍 I know back in the day it used to be quite awkward with some firms.
Law firms back in the day when they made VS and TC offers to prospective candidates:
VS
Law firms today when they make VS and TC offers to prospective candidates (nice change):
Crap, I unironically used that a couple of times (I read the phrase a couple months back in an article and liked it, now I'm guessing it was an AI article.)... just my luck! My fault for not using better writing though.
hmm, it's not necessarily a good thing.
the point is that an a training contract was always formally an apprenticeship at common law, an agreement to be trained over 2 years. (this is not the same as a statutory apprenticeship.) That meant you couldn't be fired unless there was a repudiatory breach., and could sue for compensation if cancelled. OTOH there's no protection till 2 years for normal employees.
(note that ERA 2025 reduces unfair dismissal qualification from 1/1/2027 to six months.)
Now that there is no longer a formal requirement to do a training contract, but instead you can stitch together 4 items of QWE I'm not sure if the common law provisions still apply.
hey if anyone did the w&c first year insight scheme last year i would be really grateful to know what the process is - it says on the website that after the application you have to do an "immersiveskills-based assessment" - i would be really grateful to know what this entails and whether there is a VI 
but how would u put headings for the app question? felt that it was pretty straightforward so dont really see how headings would fit in
As people have said this will depend on the terms of the contract you sign for the Spring TC, or if the Spring firm will extend your offer deadline and the Summer Scheme doesn't prohibit this.
However if we want to be very real here, there are also zero consequences if you were to do this anyway, even if you are not allowed. Not saying that you should, but saying A LOT of people do every year. I believe the SRA used to have a stipulation that they frowned upon this, though they removed it a few years ago. On my scheme last year I knew of two people who had already secured TCs.
It only gets tricky if there's a financial commitment from the firm you've accepted a TC with, or if the Summer Scheme publicises their scheme. By this I mean, if the Spring firm has already paid for you to start to the GDL or SQE or whatever by the time you're doing the Summer Scheme, you may be financially tied and may have to reimburse them should you withdraw from their TC (though this is not likely in June or July). Also should they discover you are on another scheme (through linkedin/instagram etc), that they forbid you from going on, they can rescind your offer. Then if you don't convert the summer scheme you are left without a TC.
Ultimately, it is up to you. Some people still frown upon it, say it's ethically dubious. Some people say it's a competitive market and that firms restricting candidates like this would be unfair. Use your own judgement.
Just but ranting but I just HATE Video Interviews !!!!!! Even when I have prepared for it and time myself multiple times I just end up being cut off and not answering the question fullly ... well now expecting a PFO .. You are never timed to the second in real life so why does it need to be like that for video interviews...
That's why I love the ones that offer multiple retakes.
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