TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Me with firms located in the Liverpool Street area

don’t get me started on hl … tell me why I was walking around in circles until I realised you needed to climb up the tiny dungeon looking staircase to reach the bridge and *then* turn right… totally not speaking from experience

This lowkey reminds me of when it took me 45 mins to find the entrance to Akin’s office for the AS open day… tell me why I kept going in circles doing laps around the building looking like a lost, clueless puppy trying to find its owner… it really is way too difficult navigating London as a northerner cos the struggles were real…

To make things worse, I was wondering all around the Spitalfields market (underneath the building), trying to discover some secret door or entrance, only to realise I’d been walking right past the *glaringly obvious* main entrance at the front of the building… defo not speaking from experience here though… I did make it on time in the end. ​

 

[tc2026]

For the love of Latham, please just put me out of my misery

how long have u been waiting for?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

This lowkey reminds me of when it took me 45 mins to find the entrance to Akin’s office for the AS open day… tell me why I kept going in circles doing laps around the building looking like a lost, clueless puppy trying to find its owner… it really is way too difficult navigating London as a northerner cos the struggles were real…

To make things worse, I was wondering all around the Spitalfields market (underneath the building), trying to discover some secret door or entrance, only to realise I’d been walking right past the *glaringly obvious* main entrance at the front of the building… defo not speaking from experience here though… I did make it on time in the end. ​

me when google maps brings me past mountains, blockades, and side trails to get to a firm just for me to realise that I could've walked straight down the street and arrived 30 minutes earlier and with one less blister on my foot...

 

[floraaaaaa]

I have not seen anything for CRS DTC I am assuming they are focusing on VS at the moment could be wrong though.
H&L I have seen one person get a first stage interview in January. As they are rolling it might depend on when you applied

Yeah I did apply quite late for H&L I think, thanks for ur response tho !! will keep fingers crossed and best of luck to you too.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Did my Reed Smith AC about a whole three weeks ago and no news Never heard of a firm making candidates wait this long post-AC

Same boat as you, exactly 3 weeks today

 

[AS24]

@Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock does tcla offer the opportunity to book a slot for a written exercise assessment?

 

[adf43256]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

Has anyone had the same experience with Addleshaw Goddard? - I did the WG wayyy back in October and I haven’t heard back about the VI or anything, just complete silence? I don’t think I even got a confirmation email after the WG.

Not too sure what’s going on and if I’ve just been ghosted lmao, bc it seems like everyone has progressed with the firm atp?

 

[summersun]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

I have not finsihed the SQE yet but plan on applying to flex legal in May to try and find soemthing before a permanent contract. Not sure how well this is going to work though..

 

[roo4]

Has anyone had the same experience with Addleshaw Goddard? - I did the WG wayyy back in October and I haven’t heard back about the VI or anything, just complete silence? I don’t think I even got a confirmation email after the WG.

Not too sure what’s going on and if I’ve just been ghosted lmao, bc it seems like everyone has progressed with the firm atp?

yes exact same for me!

 

[ABC234]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

I just completed the SQE and got my first vac scheme

It’s not a matter of if it happens-its when it happens

as long as you keep trying every cycle it’ll happen! That’s what I’ve been telling myself

 

[Jennifer2003]

Reed Smith pfo post ac it’s my first outcome post ac, waiting on the outcome of my bird and bird one, and I don’t think I realised how hard it would hit until it happened!

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone know anything about when Ashurst will respond post ac?

The last AC I think is today, so I don't know if we can expect a response tomorrow/early next week or if it's a longer wait post the final AC dates

 

[Legalfreak212]

Reed Smith pfo post ac it’s my first outcome post ac, waiting on the outcome of my bird and bird one, and I don’t think I realised how hard it would hit until it happened!

Same, just got my pfo. I feel like shit lol

 

[an03]

Does anyone know anything about when Ashurst will respond post ac?

The last AC I think is today, so I don't know if we can expect a response tomorrow/early next week or if it's a longer wait post the final AC dates

Last yr i got a response after 2 weeks

 

[Jennifer2003]

Same, just got my pfo. I feel like shit lol

Me in the middle of my shift trying not to sob in front of customers lmao

 

[Legalfreak212]

Me in the middle of my shift trying not to sob in front of customers lmao

I’m praying you get the Bird and Bird one, this sucks

 

[summersun]

Guys spoke too soon… REED SMITH VS!!!

Congratulations !!!!

 

[lawstudent2]

Last yr i got a response after 2 weeks

Ok thank you

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Hey guys has anyone heard from the following who applied on or around deadline?

Orrick (VS Summer)
Gibson Dunn post online assessment
Hugh James (VS Summer)
Addleshaw Goddard (London)post online assessment (VS Summer)
Marriot Harrison post online assessment (VS Summer)
Akin (VS Spring)
Ropes & Gray (VS Summer)
Russel Cooke (VS Summer)
K&L Gates (VS Summer)