TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shaky_Pete]

Hey!

Yes - that is the way that I would approach it! The graduate recruitment team will be looking for signs that law is a deliberate choice that you have made, rather than simply falling into it. A strong approach could be to briefly explain what attracted you to current career, what you have enjoyed and done well in, and then draw out the transferable skills that apply to law.

You could then lightly contrast that with law - acknowledge that while you have enjoyed your current career path, commercial law ultimately appeals more because of the nature of the work, the pace, or the type of impact (or whatever it may be for you!). I'd aim to keep it concise and positive overall, as your answer should reinforce your motivation for law (rather than necessarily talk negatively about your current career).

I hope that helps!

Thanks Abbie!

 

[t2025]

How long after the BM VI did people hear back for Spring? Tyia

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey, I just wanted to let anyone know for Reed Smith vac scheme that when I completed their AC I got rejected less than a week after doing it. So if you haven't heard back, it means you most likely reached the benchmark and thats something thats something to be proud of even if you don't get it in the end

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I completed it on Monday!

you definitely smashed it, congrats!

 

[Fauxfilm_]

can someone please make me follow my own advice (‘if it’s meant for you it won’t pass you by’) because I had an AC today and just feel so ickkkyyy after it ahhh. I barely had time to complete the written exercise (only used half the word count) and I just felt like I was rambling the whole time. Anyone else felt this way and still made it through? And I like the firm so much, makes it feel worse🥲

I had my Trowers written exercise today and completely bottled it…

First AC, first written exercise!! Not feeling the greatest at all.. not sure how the group exercise and interview can save that performance!!! Is it even worth going🥲😭

 

[Zimpakos]

Anyone got a Mishcon Spring PFO judging by the fact some got ACs a week ago I’m accepting it’s a lost cause 🤷‍♂️

please forgive for my momentary loss of optimism, wishing all of you the very best of luck.

Please enjoy this dog video:

 

[Fauxfilm_]

I have my first VI next week for CRS.

From what I know, these are usually a mix of competency, motivational and commercial. What commercial questions are generally asked in these interviews?

 

[lawyersum]

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way after the AC - it is completely normal, and I think very few people leave an AC feeling genuinely happy with how they performed.

Most people walk out focusing on what they thing went wrong, rather than what they did well. Try to reflect on the other exercises too, and be proud of yourself for getting through the AC in the first place - that alone is an achievement!

If it helps, I felt completely demotivated after my Reed Smith AC because I ran out of time on one of the written exercises and didn't get to finish my answer, yet I still went on to receive an offer. You've likely done better than you think, and it can be hard to judge your performance accurately when you're coming down from the adrenaline of the day.

I would try to be kind to yourself and let it sit - the post-AC spiral is very real (and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that!), but it is rarely an accurate reflection of how you came across. Fingers crossed for you!!

Might be counter-intuitive, but what helped me process all the rejs last year (and probably this year) was to actually just give urself the time to feel like s***.
What I used to do, and still inadvertantly do sometimes, is just try to charge it and move on. But i've realised that's not fair to the version of myself that really put alot of effort into all the different stages: the written apps, sjts, VIs, 1st and second stage interviews - all while becoming more and more attached to the firm. Again, this may not work for everyone, but personally I'd give urself some time to actually let urself feel like s*** as a way to burn / exhaust all the negative stuff outta ur mind - so you can then focus on the more positive & detached stuff like "whatever will be, will be".

thank you both for this advice - will definitely be following it tonight. fingers crossed nevertheless for a positive outcome

 

[helenaskelton]

Odd one but has anyone heard from Katten?

 

[lawcool]

so i may have to cancel an ac next week to attend another one which 100% cant be moved. the first firm hasnt yet replied if they can reschedule my ac. has anyone else been in this situation as my guilt is off the charts

 

[helenaskelton]

so i may have to cancel an ac next week to attend another one which 100% cant be moved. the first firm hasnt yet replied if they can reschedule my ac. has anyone else been in this situation as my guilt is off the charts

Yes literally in it now. See if there’s a grad rec number you can call. It helps speed things up. Otherwise email again and say your ‘other commitment’ has unfortunately given you a deadline to rearrange.

 

[ridetolegal]

Hi

I have been offered a vacation scheme, but I am a paralegal undergoing full time work. does anybody know what I have do, as I would be getting paid from annual leave as well as the vac scheme - would this be some sort of bad conduct? any advice would be much appreciated.

thank you!

 

[lawcool]

Yes literally in it now. See if there’s a grad rec number you can call. It helps speed things up. Otherwise email again and say your ‘other commitment’ has unfortunately given you a deadline to rearrange.

Thank you so much!! I may call tomorrow if I haven't heard back by then.

 

[futuretrainee10123]

Tomorrow!! Wow good luck! I’m so nervous for mine!

 

[radssss]

Congratulations! What day is the AC scheduled for? Just want to know so I can prepare in advance.

Hi, did you get an invite too? Congratulations!!
Option between 3 dates - 12,19,26 Feb.

 

[helenaskelton]

Hi

I have been offered a vacation scheme, but I am a paralegal undergoing full time work. does anybody know what I have do, as I would be getting paid from annual leave as well as the vac scheme - would this be some sort of bad conduct? any advice would be much appreciated.

thank you!

No not at all. I’ve also taken annual leave to do a winter vac scheme. You simply take annual leave, tell your firm (both sides have to do a conflicts check but I doubt anything will come up) and then take the leave. If your firm are funny, put your foot down and risk it for a biscuit. I also have friends who have had to ask nicely but it always works out. You’ll probably be paid double and taxed more for that period. Make sure you call HMRC afterwards to change your tax code back (sometimes it doesn’t do it automatically) so that you’re not still on a high tax code for when you return to work. Congratulations and good luck! )

 

[lawcool]

So I haven’t been in this situation as they’ve usually been spaced out, but as an advocate for putting yourself first before a firm…

Don’t feel guilty, sorry they need to respect themselves and realise you are one person!

In fact, tell them you have a “academic” commitment that you’re unable to miss. If they’re willing for you to potentially “fail” an exam rather than shifting your AC, that tells you everything about them.

Hopefully they make something work !!!

Thank you :') This is the mindset I'm trying to keep. I'm just having to prioritise, and it's making me feel a little bit guilty as I know they're rare to come across (especially for me haha)

 

[ridetolegal]

No not at all. I’ve also taken annual leave to do a winter vac scheme. You simply take annual leave, tell your firm (both sides have to do a conflicts check but I doubt anything will come up) and then take the leave. If your firm are funny, put your foot down and risk it for a biscuit. I also have friends who have had to ask nicely but it always works out. You’ll probably be paid double and taxed more for that period. Make sure you call HMRC afterwards to change your tax code back (sometimes it doesn’t do it automatically) so that you’re not still on a high tax code for when you return to work. Congratulations and good luck! )

Thanks so much! do I have to tell my current firm? in all honesty, they will not want to hear this and would be very reluctant to give me the time off. they dont want progression for me at allll

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Anyone heard back for VI for CRS vacation scheme (London). I know a few people have on this thread - does anyone know if they send in batches? I applied on the 14th of January.

 

[helenaskelton]

Thanks so much! do I have to tell my current firm? in all honesty, they will not want to hear this and would be very reluctant to give me the time off. they dont want progression for me at allll

Hmm. It is your right to take annual leave. Is there any way they’d be working on a case that the firm offering your VS would be involved with? If not, it’s probably reasonable to take a ‘holiday’ - as long as you’re filling in all the HR checks for the VS firm. I would always try and be honest about it first though. They can grumble but realistically, there’s nothing they can do. They can’t fire you on the grounds that you want to do a placement at a firm unrelated to theirs. I will say though that (for US firms at least) they make you do hireright background checks before the vac scheme. Hireright will likely contact your firm anyway to make sure you actually work there. So probably worth telling! If not a US firm though, you’re probs fine.