TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[trainee4u]

Hi I don't think it is automatic. Also I wonder if the WE is not just part of the AC but needs to be done before? because they mention the WE as being part of the final stage

I got one too.

I'm sightly suspicious that it's automatic - did anyone who did the VI NOT get a WG?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

I believe someone has answered this so I apologise in advance but does anyone know if Hogan Lovells read your app before sending job sim? My app was for DTC which I did ages ago and I'm ngl I just looked back at it - to say the least it was not strong🫠

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I believe someone has answered this so I apologise in advance but does anyone know if Hogan Lovells read you app before sending job sim? My app was for DTC which I did ages ago and I'm ngl I just looked back at it - to say the least it was not strong🫠

no they don't

 

[aspiringtcholder]

I got one too.

I'm sightly suspicious that it's automatic - did anyone who did the VI NOT get a WG?

Me😔😔

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

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?

depends on the firm but i had this at a firm in my last cycle but it was a negotiation task between two groups of 3, my group had a girl who was talkiing a lot and the other group had a guy doing the exact same. i accc got super annoyed during the task and just spoke very little because i really felt the associates in the room should have said something but they never did ( i was told they would be observing and ask a few questions here and there but they will speak if they think someone is dominating). Because they didnt say anything i thought theyd think the two loud ones done well so was very put off.

In the end i got my feedback and i could acc see they picked up on those people being annoying (sorry not sorry they annoyed me hella lol), they actually age me great feedback on the task. said i spoke when needed and ensured i added useful contributions. That and a few other comments made me feel like they realised the other two people were doing the opposite. I also know those two did not get an offer so that should say enough!!!!

 

[ACHat8r]

I feel you cos I lowkey thought I’d cooked with my cover letter for Travers Smith. Went to their insight evening in London, AS Aspire masterclass series, AS RG VDLF, legal cheek law fair booth, etc.

So that PFO hit but with this process, I’ve learned that it only ever takes one yes. The right firm for us will make us a VS/TC offer! Wishing the best for everyone with firms left to hear from this cycle! ​

litch attended all those events too. Only have 5 more firms to hear from. All I can ask for is both prayers and luck atp

 

[TCLAuser2002]

depends on the firm but i had this at a firm in my last cycle but it was a negotiation task between two groups of 3, my group had a girl who was talkiing a lot and the other group had a guy doing the exact same. i accc got super annoyed during the task and just spoke very little because i really felt the associates in the room should have said something but they never did ( i was told they would be observing and ask a few questions here and there but they will speak if they think someone is dominating). Because they didnt say anything i thought theyd think the two loud ones done well so was very put off.

In the end i got my feedback and i could acc see they picked up on those people being annoying (sorry not sorry they annoyed me hella lol), they actually age me great feedback on the task. said i spoke when needed and ensured i added useful contributions. That and a few other comments made me feel like they realised the other two people were doing the opposite. I also know those two did not get an offer so that should say enough!!!!

is this NRF?

 

[Cece176]

Bristows sent another holding email re. reviewing my VI...

 

[SamiyaJ]

Used the 🏆emoji a billion times today on here and I’m loving it! Happy Friday 🥳

 

[summersun]

So their process is app -> VI -> WG -> WE -> AC -> VS -> TC? I thought W&C was the only one to have 100 hoops to jump through lmao. Firms are asking for too much these days ngl. ​

I don't think the VS is part of the TC process but not fully sure.

 

[Cece176]

DAC B Critical Thinking test came through!

 

[aspiringtcholder]

Having such a depressing day I haven’t heard back from MH or DACB😭😭😭😭😭

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Also got the DACB test

 

[Pardisj]

So their process is app -> VI -> WG -> WE -> AC -> VS -> TC? I thought W&C was the only one to have 100 hoops to jump through lmao. Firms are asking for too much these days ngl. ​

Wait is the Critical thinking test the Watson Glaser? If so how do you know?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hi!

Not a dumb question at all!

I don't think it is a waste of time - whilst most city firms hire predominantly from VS, there is still plenty of spaces in the direct route for a lot of firms! For direct TCs, firms will often look for clear motivation and evidence that shows why you are interested in the firm you are applying for (and law generally), as well as strong performance in assessments throughout the process.

If you have got strong grades and good experience, you definitely have a chance, particularly if you refine your applications and are specific about why that firm. I was in my final year of uni when I applied for Reed Smith's DTC, and I know many in my cohort were too!

I'd definitely be strategic and only apply via the DTC route for firms that you are genuinely interested in, but it is worth it!

 

[Kenomy]

Hi people,
Wanted to advertise some opportunities that I unfortunately cannot access but you all might be interested in.

Sky Work Experience Placement and Training Contract | Aspiring Solicitors

Aspiring Solicitors is excited to be partnering again with Sky UK on a work experience placement. Sky is offering a fantastic opportunity for 12 candidates to attend a 5 day work experience programme with the potential for a training contract.

www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk

Sky Work Experience if you have an LPC or SQE 1 and can start a TC in September

And

A training contract commencing in September 2026 with Seddons GSC, a Top 200 UK law firm based in London’s West End.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

The right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship required)
At least one year of paralegal experience
Successfully completed the LPC or both SQE 1 and 2 by the application submission date
The deadline for applications is 5:30pm on Friday 6 March 2026. You must submit a CV and cover letter to [email protected] to be considered. Please use the subject: Application for training contract – Vantage.

Feel free to message me if you have additional questions

Thanks so much for this! wouldn't have seen it otherwise

 

[radssss]

Hey everyone,

Firstly, congrats to everyone who got offers/ made it to the next stage today, so happy for Yall

I just wanted to ask if anyone has done an m&a, pe case study and could send me a few sample case studies they have/ any case study they remember they might have done, what it was surrounding? Please please pm me! I am trying to prep for an ac (US law firm - very finance focused) so would be very grateful for any tips on how to approach it!

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[summersun]

I got one too.

I'm sightly suspicious that it's automatic - did anyone who did the VI NOT get a WG?

Could not find any information for the DTC as they removed the description but on the VS it seems to be selective so might be the case for DTC.. (choosing to think it is as I want to be happy about my VI progress 😅

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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.

Hi!

My top tip (based on my feedback post-VS) would be to be as engaged as possible throughout the scheme.

Ask lots of questions - not just about the task that you have been set, but about the wider deal, the client, and why certain decisions are being made. That shows curiosity in the work and how it fits into the wider picture, and demonstrates that you are genuinely interested. On my vacation scheme, I think I was worried that asking too many questions would look like I didn't know how to do the work - this isn't the case at all, and I'd just try to learn as much as you can through the tasks!

Additionally, I'd make an effort to speak to people in departments that you are interested in, even if you are not sitting with them. This doesn't necessarily have to be a partner or senior associate either - I was particularly interested in the Rail department at Stephenson Harwood, and I had a really lovely chat with a solicitor apprentice in the team who gave me great insights that I could speak about in my interview!

Try to have lunch or grab a coffee with your supervisor(s) at some point during the scheme too, if you can! Take the time to ask about their career path, why they chose the firm, and what they enjoy or find challenging. This builds rapport and shows that: (a) you'd be a good person to work with, and (b) that you are genuinely interested in learning about the firm and why people were drawn to it.

I would also:

• Be proactive about asking for work (without being pushy). If you finish something early, just let people know that you have capacity. Sometimes you can get work from people in the wider team, rather than just from your supervisor!
• Actively ask for feedback on the tasks that you complete, and make sure that you actually implement it throughout the week.
• Before asking your supervisor a question, make sure to have a go at looking for the answer using all available resources first! This way, if you can't find the answer, you can briefly outline the steps you took to find the answer when you ask your supervisor, and it shows that you have been proactive.
• Stay positive and professional at all times - a vacation scheme can be very tiring, but remember that you have to make the best impression in a short amount of time (so try to power through!).
• Support the other vac schemers rather than seeing them as competition - the graduate recruitment team will notice these things, and it won't reflect well if you are being overly competitive at all times.

Ultimately, lots of different factors go into conversion so it can be difficult to plan every step in advance. However, it comes down to: would people be happy to work with you for two years, and do you have a genuine interest in the firm and its work? If you are engaged, reliable, curious, and easy to work with, that helps put yourself in the best position to convert.

Best of luck!!

 

[kim wexler]

Hi!

Not a dumb question at all!

I don't think it is a waste of time - whilst most city firms hire predominantly from VS, there is still plenty of spaces in the direct route for a lot of firms! For direct TCs, firms will often look for clear motivation and evidence that shows why you are interested in the firm you are applying for (and law generally), as well as strong performance in assessments throughout the process.

If you have got strong grades and good experience, you definitely have a chance, particularly if you refine your applications and are specific about why that firm. I was in my final year of uni when I applied for Reed Smith's DTC, and I know many in my cohort were too!

I'd definitely be strategic and only apply via the DTC route for firms that you are genuinely interested in, but it is worth it!

Understood, thank you for your insightful advice as always Abbie 🙇