TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Miles Edgeworth]

I was going to apply yesterday, but ended up not applying and submitting an application for Harbottle and Lewis instead. My reason was that on legalcheek the work-life balance was a Cand social life also C - for commercial law. When work-life balance is an A/A* , then usually that is already pretty tough working hours, so C must mean basically killing yourself with work without any sleep .

Obviously, take legal cheek with a grain of salt, it's not going to be accurate.

No cause that is literally my reasoning behind my firm rankings. Lawyers already expect WLB to not be the best so a firm that averages 6 or 7pm finishing is given A/A* so how bad do you have to be less than that

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I applied for spring, early March is too late for me as an international :'(

Hiya
I'm an international too
Can I ask why you think March is too late?

 

[hanz123]

When did you apply?

mid December

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

I applied for spring, early March is too late for me as an international :'(

Okay I'm exposing myself for idiocy here but how do you guys know you applied for Spring or Summer for Sidley Austin? I technically applied for both (it says Spring and Summer). Did I accidentally miss an email where you submitted a preference? Is it more that because it's rolling, if you submitted by a certain time, you will get a particular slot?

Sincerely, a really confused Sidley Austin Applicant

 

[alphabravocharlie]

How many telephone interviews do sidley give out

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

mid December

sorry one more - to which location/VS?

 

[cooked5678]

Just heard from Sidley for Summer! I'm assuming the telephone interview is with HR and if successful there will be an in-person commercial based AC. Anyone got insight on this?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

More like your last sentence is the true reasoning/answer. I applied in 06/10 so I was meant for spring, but it's quite interchangeable

Okay I'm exposing myself for idiocy here but how do you guys know you applied for Spring or Summer for Sidley Austin? I technically applied for both (it says Spring and Summer). Did I accidentally miss an email where you submitted a preference? Is it more that because it's rolling, if you submitted by a certain time, you will get a particular slot?

Sincerely, a really confused Sidley Austin Applicant

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Hiya
I'm an international too
Can I ask why you think March is too late?

Visa process is taking 3 weeks for applicants outside the UK and 6 weeks inside the UK, unless you're willing to pay for extra fees, it can be speed up. It's the only one firm left that sponsor visa for international which I applied, but haven't sent the outcome

 

[cooked5678]

Okay I'm exposing myself for idiocy here but how do you guys know you applied for Spring or Summer for Sidley Austin? I technically applied for both (it says Spring and Summer). Did I accidentally miss an email where you submitted a preference? Is it more that because it's rolling, if you submitted by a certain time, you will get a particular slot?

Sincerely, a really confused Sidley Austin Applicant

I actually can't fully remember what I applied for either looool. It think Summer but I submitted v early (29th Sept).

 

[Bbhu19]

Thank you!!! She did say on the phone but the line was really unclear - its for Links!

Ok then you should expect the email by the next working day or two, if it’s been longer than that a follow up email shouldn’t hurt, just bundle it with any other questions about the scheme you may have.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Visa process is taking 3 weeks for applicants outside the UK and 6 weeks inside the UK, unless you're willing to pay for extra fees, it can be speed up. It's the only one firm left that sponsor visa for international which I applied, but haven't sent the outcome

Ah I see!
I hope everything works out

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

HFW PFO

 

[User2640]

HFW PFO

Same, very heart broken

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

Just heard from Sidley for Summer! I'm assuming the telephone interview is with HR and if successful there will be an in-person commercial based AC. Anyone got insight on this?

Congrats! When did you apply if you dont mind answering?

 

[msclm]

Just heard from Sidley for Summer! I'm assuming the telephone interview is with HR and if successful there will be an in-person commercial based AC. Anyone got insight on this?

Hi! Yes the telephone interview is with one of the heads of grad recruitment (both are super super nice). If successful, it’s an in person interview with a partner on the trainee recruitment team. Then, if successful, offer!

 

[adfs456]

Thank you!!! She did say on the phone but the line was really unclear - its for Links!

Same boat for links! I did AC on Wednesday and received call on Thursday.

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Anyone know how long akin take to get back to ppl post telephone interview?

 

[Isobel.liddle]

anyone heard from mishcon spring??

I was going to ask the same thing as I haven’t heard anything

 

[Applicant7874652]

Just heard from Sidley for Summer! I'm assuming the telephone interview is with HR and if successful there will be an in-person commercial based AC. Anyone got insight on this?

TI with HR, about 20 mins long.
PI in the office with a partner, mine lasted about 1 hr 10 mins. First half is motivation and competency, second half is article discussion