TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[susie897]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

 

[Novaa]

I wonder how many apps Ropes will have gotten this year. During one of their webinars this year, I rem grad rec said last year it was 1,750 for 80 AC slots, 30 VSs and 15 TCs. I reckon it’ll be around 2,000 this year which is acc insane! 🤯​

*SIGHS LOUDER THAN EVERYONE ELSE*

I would so love to be part of that final 0.75%… *CLEARS THROAT* OH ROPES THAT WOULD SO MAKE MY YEAR!!

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone still waiting on macfarlanes summer vac scheme? havent heard back since doing online assessments

 

[ash_22]

no bc why does 90 seconds go so quick! feel like their questions were way too detailed for 90 seconds. how are you gonna give me a 3 part question with such little time to answer

Yeah I got cut off on like 3 answers genuinely a nightmare. Hoping it works out any way!!! especially since everyone seems to have found it diabolically short

 

[AS24]

Squire VI!

 

[Academic Weapon]

Eversheds Vac Scheme!! War is over 🫣

 

[aspiringtrainee1]

Eversheds Vac Scheme!! War is over 🫣

congrats!!! 🥳

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hey,

Can anyone let me know how long it took for Dla piper telephone interview to get back to you saying you passed it?

I saw that 99% people were told on the same day.

I also got asked if I can attend the AC at the end of the month, if I’d be on holiday or not and I confirmed I’m able so it was a bit odd..

Thanks!!

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Petition to add a "thank you so so so much" reaction - "like" sometimes simply does not do it.

 

[TortillaTC]

Has anyone heard anything from these firms who applied on or around these dates:

Sidley Spring or Summer post app (applied on or around the deadline so 8/9 Jan).
Orrick Summer post app (applied on deadline)
Freshfields DTC (post stage 2 sat in Dec/Jan).
Covington Summer post app (applied on deadline 16 Jan, seen ACs end of Jan but no PFOs).

I’m also waiting on Ropes and Travers but I think they don’t get back to us until end of Feb… 😀​

Applied to Orrick+Sidley on the same days as you and haven’t heard anything.

 

[Fauxfilm_]

Just did the CRS VI.

Definitely wasn’t as tough as I had expected and also do think general preparation is so so key as the questions aren’t there to catch you out.

If you’ve done your research and prepared well, you will be fine!

Think I did well on all but 1 questions so not holding my breath but enjoyable experience for my first VI

 

[ttso]

For the Simmons^2 PFO, did everyone else get an email saying that it is because they are at capacity for the scheme that they are unable to progress the application to the next stage?

Mine said that and also that they encourage me to apply again when applications open in autumn, but I presume that's just a standard format email?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

OMG MET THE BENCHMARK FOR DLA PIPER VI AFTER I WAS STRESSING ALL DAY

waiting for ac email now

 

[jj238]

Anyone still waiting on a Bakers AC invite or rejection? I know some people have received an AC invite. I haven't received a rejection (yet). Anyone else in the same boat? Or anyone been rejected yet?

 

[Novaa]

I love the influx of good news I’m seeing!!

Oh TCLA LLP! 😍

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite, that is fantastic news!! 🥳

I would try not to worry - this is a relatively common issue, and firms are generally very understanding as long as you let them know promptly (which you have done!). I had a similar issue when I was invited to the Reed Smith AC last cycle as I couldn't attend any of the original dates, and was able to move to a later one with no issue - as long as you are polite and flexible, it shouldn't count against you at all.

Hopefully they should come back to you with a new date soon - you have done everything right here, so try not to panic

Best of luck with the AC!

 

[tc2026]

Hi does anyone have any last min Latham & Watkins advice please - literally anything that would be useful even confidence tips! I would really really appreciate it

 

[pepsicola96]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

It will depend on how many ACs they have? For one bigger firm I managed to move an AC twice lol, because work and uni commitments moved around, and the firm was so understanding they just moved me to a later AC of my choice.

Another firm I unfortunately had to give up an AC completely, but this was a regional office, they were only running two ACs on back to back days, and I was unable to make either. The firm was apologetic but said these were the only available dates and encouraged me to reapply next year if I am unsuccessful elsewhere this year.

In all likelihood, there will be other dates, so I wouldn't worry too much at the moment!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any tips on how to answer what knowledge/skills do I want to develop if I get asked in an interview? @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I would say that you should try to strike a balance between being honest and showing that you understand what the trainee role actually involves.

Therefore, it might make sense to frame it around three areas:
1. Technical legal skills: e.g. developing a stronger understanding of core practice areas, drafting, research, etc.
2. Commercial awareness: showing that you want to better understand clients' industries, their commercial objectives, and how legal advice fits into wider business decisions that clients make.
3. Professional skills: softer skills like communication, managing competing deadlines, adapting your working style with different people, etc.

It can also help to tie the knowledge / skills back to the firm, which shows that you are thinking long-term and making your answer tailored to this specific firm.

I hope that assists!

 

[AryanAgg]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?