TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

for the ones who have heard from Sidley did any of you apply during Jan. And for Travers when did you applY

I saw a few people who posted about Sidley PFO post app that they applied either a few days before or on the deadline (between 6 and 9 Jan).

I sent my app on the day of the deadline and still nothing lmao. I sent Travers on the deadline and I haven’t heard anything back yet (VI or PFO).​

 

[johnsmith]

Hogan Lovells job sim, any insights? Especially on whether the prep time for the VI is unlimited? No matter how much I prep, I can't handle these timed VIs, I recently aborted a VI for a firm I really wanted...strange thing is, I'm fine for in-person/phone interviews, but the moment a prep timer is thrown in and I crumble

Unfortunately the have timed prep. I completed it ages ago so don’t remember but think you can experience it in their prep hub.

 

[kim wexler]

Hi guys, might seem like a dumb question but I wanted to ask if it’s even worth applying for training contracts at city firms (even if you can’t land vacation schemes) as a final year law student. Like I have good grades, good range of experience, but I don’t know if it’s a waste of time since my competition will probably be harder during the TC process than VS?

 

[adf43256]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen and just everyone generally. Ive been offered a VS and this is my first one. What can I expect and how can I maximise my chances of converting? Also if anyones got any stories of why they were not offered TCs following a VS in the past I'd appreciate hearing those too!

 

[Naskimovski]

Anyone have insights on Hogan Lovells Job Simulation? I can help with CMS, A&O, Baker Mckenzie, Latham, Weil VI, also been to Weil, Baker Mckenzie, Latham Open days

 

[whywhy88]

Has anyone heard positively from Sidley for summer? Have seen a few PFOs but wondering if anyone has actually progressed to TI yet. Ta!

 

[tc2026]

Hi! similar to a recent post - does anyone have top tips for conversion? or some things they wish they knew when they did their first VS? would really appreciate it.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Has anyone heard positively from Sidley for summer? Have seen a few PFOs but wondering if anyone has actually progressed to TI yet. Ta!

I think I saw one or two Sidley TIs for summer on the forum right at the start of Feb. But it’s been a lot of PFOs mainly so far or a few Spring TIs.​

 

[AmazonPelican29]

The SQE would be done in Sept 27 and would last a year before commencing the TC in 2028. I think the timeline would look like this:

July 2026: graduate from university
Sept 2027: start the SQE
Aug 2028: finish the SQE
September 2028: start the TC
September 2030: qualification

Some larger firms tend to have spaces for earlier intakes so you could start the SQE in Sept 2026 and the TC in Sept 2027, but it’s not guaranteed.

But if you’re a non-law student, you’d be doing the GDL from Sept 2026 to July 2027, before the SQE in Sept 2027 to Aug 2028. Then TC Sept 2028.​

Thank you!

 

[trainee1012]

I reached AC for the Freshfields direct TC this cycle but wasn’t successful. Does anyone know whether they allow reapplications in the next recruitment cycle after an AC rejection, or is it uncommon?

Hi! I wonder if you have any insights on how an AC for the DTC route differs from the VS route? And any advice you may have?

 

[panda1989]

does anyone know how to check if you applied for summer or spring with sidley (or if there even was an option)? I have checked the copy of my app and the cvmail portal and can't find anything

 

[panda1989]

does anyone know how to check if you applied for summer or spring with sidley (or if there even was an option)? I have checked the copy of my app and the cvmail portal and can't find anything

because im just going off of a vague distant memory of choosing summer lol

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Is Baker DTC rolling?

 

[Saul_specter]

Anyone know when slaughters started giving non law vs offers last year?

 

[flower1]

Does anyone know if Ropes & Gray provides London-Tokyo TC? It mentions it on Legal Cheek, but can't find it on their website

Thank you

 

[Partcore22]

No response from DWF since 18 Dec deadline. Has anyone been progressing with them? (VacSch)

Heard nothing, what office did you apply for

 

[Partcore22]

A friend of mine was progressed to VI last week

Do u know what office

 

[sadlawyer01]

had an AC at a US firm...during the group exercise, 3 ppl kept talking and dominating the conversation and i could barely get a word in...it was really hard to find opportunities to speak because i didn't want to interrupt, will i be marked down heavily cos of this?

 

[rynpin]

Anybody ever got Dechert PFOs?

Same question

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Do u know what office

Glasgow