TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

i have accepted a TC at a firm, but have now been offered a VS at a different one - does anyone know if there are any rules against taking the VS? would really appreciate any advice as google is conflicting!

Well done! I'd usually start by thinking about which firm you prefer.

Some applicants will accept a TC offer and go on to do vacation schemes at other law firms. Understandably, it doesn't get discussed much, but this has happened for years, and it's always best to do what is right for you.

There is a (relatively low) risk that the law firm who has given you the training contract finds out.

If you prefer the firm that has given you the training contract or you don't want to risk anything, I'd be upfront with them and explain why you'd like to do the vacation scheme. I'd just be aware that they could also tell you not to do it.

 

[lawyersum]

if you've got a cooley ac, pm me and maybe we can brainstorm prep together !

 

[Dogecoin GC]

You ask for information about you.

You’re the subject of the request.

Hence it’s a subject access request.

That invitees feedback from interviews etc.

 

[marisachr]

For anyone who has done the Goodwin AC or is aware - is the interview going to be competency/motivational or commercial? They haven't specified but my intuition says motivational/competency as its done by the Early Careers Team.

 

[shadowkiller]

Addleshaw AC insights anyone? Willing to trade for other law firms

 

[Eudora]

Addleshaw AC insights anyone? Willing to trade for other law firms

Congrats! Was this received today?

 

[SueD]

Do you think AG will offer any more ACs? My friend had one for the Easter VC last week. I have applied for summer VC and haven’t heard anything post VI.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

how timely are the feedback calls from grad rec usually? mine was 11:30 but i live in a no service zone so i have to stand in the rain until they call haha

 

[lucyindia]

Hey sorry if this has been asked heaps but I’m having trouble locating the post/thread that I know definitely exists somewhere re: firms that genuinely recruit from direct TCs. Does that ring any bells for anyone?

Hi, the tread is from last year but can help : https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

 

[👩🏼💼]

Does anyone have insight into the Osborne Clarke virtual assessment centre? Apparently it’s now a commercial interview which is not the same as previous years’ structure!

 

[kukubird]

Proskauer PFO

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Do you think it is okay to copy a paragraph of my answer from an old application and paste it into my application for the same firm? The majority of my answers are new but this section was actually the only good part so i'd like to keep it.

Hey!

As others have mentioned, I'd say that this is generally okay if you aren't copy pasting the entirety of your old application - one short snippet should be completely fine, as long as you have refreshed other parts of your application! It is highly unlikely that the graduate recruitment team will look at past applications to see if they're the same (simply because they don't have the time to do it for each applicant!). Best of luck with the application!

 

[Eudora]

Do you think AG will offer any more ACs? My friend had one for the Easter VC last week. I have applied for summer VC and haven’t heard anything post VI.

Same here. I completed my VI on 17 Jan and haven’t heard anything since. AG has quite a large intake across its VCs, so I’d be surprised if this was the only AC batch, but who knows.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Question for all:
How much do firms consider your original application form once you are past the Assessment Centre phase? In making a final decision, do they consider your AC and app form in conjunction or at that point is it mainly down to the AC performance?

Hey!

It's likely that this'll differ between firms - I know of some firms that look at your entire application (i.e. written app, test scores, and AC performance) before making a final decision of VS/TC. However, I have heard of some other firms that judge solely based on your performance at the AC. You could send the graduate recruitment team an email, as they might be happy to confirm this for you - ultimately, if you make it to the AC stage, you've performed strongly throughout anyway!

 

[qwerty!]

just looking at the email i got from linklaters in december which says "We invite successful applicants on a rolling basis throughout January and February" ... could this mean that they invite people to ACs throughout feb as well? holding onto hope here 😭 😭

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

just looking at the email i got from linklaters in december which says "We invite successful applicants on a rolling basis throughout January and February" ... could this mean that they invite people to ACs throughout feb as well? holding onto hope here 😭 😭

They do!!! Don’t lose hope!🥳

 

[hmevey]

Same here. I completed my VI on 17 Jan and haven’t heard anything since. AG has quite a large intake across its VCs, so I’d be surprised if this was the only AC batch, but who knows.

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

 

[Eudora]

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

I applied on 17 Dec. Fingers crossed there are still more VIs/ACs to come.

 

[desk70]

Hi, does anyone have any update on:

- Squire Patton Boggs
- Travers Smith
- Hogan Lovells post-VI
- Baker McKenzie post-VI
- Clyde & Co post-VI
- Taylor Wessing post-AC

Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When discussing commercial trends affecting law firm clients, can I discuss increased compliance requirements following legislative/regulatory changes?

Hey!

Yes, definitely - increased compliance requirements following legislative or regulatory change are a well-established commercial trend.

I would just make sure that you focus on why it matters to clients (e.g. cost, risk, operational impact) rather than only describing the change itself, and explain how the firm helps clients manage or adapt to those changes. If you can link it to the firm's practice areas or sector expertise, that is even better!