TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[trainee4u]

I think there is a lot to be said for handling this process with honesty, transparency, and integrity. These are core values for any solicitor, and it is worth starting to practice them now.
Personally, I would disclose to the firm that offered the TC that before entering into the contract, I intend to complete the vacation schemes I have already committed to. This shows you are looking to make a properly informed decision about your career. I would also let the vac scheme firms know about the unsigned offer to see if they view it as a conflict. Ultimately, seeing how each firm reacts is a great way to gauge their culture and figure out if you actually fit there.

I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.

 

[Vakil]

I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.

Shoot! I’m sorry to hear you were penalised for you transparency

 

[lividowl03]

I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.

Yeah I'm not even sure where I stand. But ultimately I'd never blame candidates for putting themselves first. Ultimately the detriment of you being honest to a firm is that they just hire one of the many other people banging at their doors for a TC and forget all about you. The detriment to the candidate is having no TC, and doing a whole other cycle that may or may not be successful.

I do see the argument some people make about 'taking a spot' from another student, but then I'm not sure how fair that is, unless it's a scheme where everyone on it can convert.

 

[maylawwww]

Could I please ask when you got the invite?

5:30 on weds 28th

 

[Donna Paulsen]

That's why I love the ones that offer multiple retakes.

I had a civil service video interview that had 2 minutes thinking time, and then a whole 6 minutes to record a 2 minute response - unlimited retakes. It was amazing!!

 

[jagath]

bit cheeky but would anyone be willing to review my SPARK application? would be v grateful

 

[Legalfreak212]

Any insights into how much commercial awareness you need to have for Reed smith AC???

 

[summersun]

I had a civil service video interview that had 2 minutes thinking time, and then a whole 6 minutes to record a 2 minute response - unlimited retakes. It was amazing!!

That would be such a nice way to do it !

 

[cb6056]

Is there an automatic test after Browne Jacobson app?

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

anyone who has received neither OA nor PFO from Bakers? Maybe I submitted too late. Should I assume pfo?

I still haven't heard back yet, if this is for Spring. I saw a few posts that they do it small batches and they said they do ACs from Jan-Feb so may still be getting assessed.

 

[Cece176]

Has anyone heard back from Katten?

 

[biglawslave]

Did anyone apply for the Simmons & Simmons Evolve Placement and have you heard back yet following the amberjack?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Has anyone heard back from Katten?

I heard that last year Katten started to get back to people at the end of February.

 

[Novaa]

Did anyone apply for the Simmons & Simmons Evolve Placement and have you heard back yet following the amberjack?

I haven’t applied but your DP is sending meee 😭😭🤣

 

[aria_d]

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

Hey! I did the scheme last year and back then it was just the application form but they have completely reworked the system this year, so I think it's the application form and a SJT. They explicitly stated that the VI is only for VS and DTC so I don't think they will have one for the first year scheme

 

[user55998384]

Hey! I did the scheme last year and back then it was just the application form but they have completely reworked the system this year, so I think it's the application form and a SJT. They explicitly stated that the VI is only for VS and DTC so I don't think they will have one for the first year scheme

thank u sm!! thats super helpful

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

@Abbie Whitlock This might be a super stupid question but I wanted to ask about how you approach talking about a deal to an interviewer. I have found a deal that I am super interested in ahead of my AC next week but it's a deal in another office and not the firm's London office. Is the expectation typically to speak about deals done in the office you're applying to? Thank you!!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

This was for spring, right? So summer invites still not sent yet

it’s spring yes

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Congrats! May I ask is this for Spring or Summer? Maybe it was mentioned but I couldn’t find it rn. Thanks!

Spring

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for interview questions, how long should you aim for answers to be? 2-3 mins?

Hey!

I'd say that for most interview answers, you should aim for around 1-2 minutes (i.e. straightforward ones). 2-3 minutes is fine for competency or "why firm / why law" questions, but only if you make sure that your answer is structured and isn't rambling.

Interviewers can always prompt you if they want to find out more!