TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

hi i have a vs lined up but i am not 100% sure if i would want to train there. would it be a good idea for me to accept the tc offer if i am successful at the vs, then apply for winter vac schemes, and accept a tc at another firm if i was successful at their vs. would it also be a good idea for me to not tell them that i plan to apply to other firms? i have had this in the back of my mind as i've been motivating myself to do really well this academic year so i can apply to other firms w a stronger academic profile, but i'm concerned that i would be violating the contract by applying for other firms after accepting the offer. i also don't want to share the firm that i have a vs at for privacy reasons

I’d say do the VS but go in with an open mind cos you might end up deciding that the firm is in fact somewhere you’d want to train. It’s just a lot harder to know that at this stage (pre VS).

Even if the VS firm isn’t somewhere you’re keen on, there’s no guarantee you’d succeed with 2026 WVS apps, meaning you’d then be forced to do the TC at the initial VS firm anyway.

I’d advise in that situation, do their TC and think of potentially moving on as an NQ. I feel like trainee experience is relatively similar across firms but as an NQ, that’s where it differs a bit.

I can see both sides cos you’d obvs want to train at a firm you’re happy at, that does the work you find interesting, good quality training, etc but it’s so competitive to even reach the VS stage.

But all of this depends on (a) whether you convert the VS in the first place, (b) what terms are in the contracts of the TC offer and any WVS offers and (c) any financial implications.

Just out of curiosity, without disclosing the firm name or specific details, are there any particular reasons why the VS firm is somewhere you aren’t sure you’d want to train at vs other firms?​

 

[cookedlawstudent]

I’d say do the VS but go in with an open mind cos you might end up deciding that the firm is in fact somewhere you’d want to train. It’s just a lot harder to know that at this stage (pre VS).

Even if the VS firm isn’t somewhere you’re keen on, there’s no guarantee you’d succeed with 2026 WVS apps, meaning you’d then be forced to do the TC at the initial VS firm anyway.

I’d advise in that situation, do their TC and think of potentially moving on as an NQ. I feel like trainee experience is relatively similar across firms but as an NQ, that’s where it differs a bit.

I can see both sides cos you’d obvs want to train at a firm you’re happy at, that does the work you find interesting, good quality training, etc but it’s so competitive to even reach the VS stage.

But all of this depends on (a) whether you convert the VS in the first place, (b) what terms are in the contracts of the TC offer and any WVS offers and (c) any financial implications.

Just out of curiosity, without disclosing the firm name or specific details, are there any particular reasons why the VS firm is somewhere you aren’t sure you’d want to train at vs other firms?​

thank you for the advice. and there is no real reason, the firm is great. it's just that there are firms out there that are stronger in the areas i am particularly interested in, but i missed out on applying to them this year.

 

[Mikeross750]

Was anyone successful in securing Fieldfisher DTC?

 

[studysquirrel]

I can't tell you about Taylor Wessing but my friend is at CMS and loves it. Taylor Wessing has a stronger reputation but is more uncertain, I guess it all comes down to how much you love each firm respectively in terms of work (sorry, I know thats not super helpful)

Hey! Thanks a lot. In what sense would you say TW has a stronger reputation?

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey if you dont mind me asking how long after the AC, did you recieve the offer call from CMS?

I do not have a TC from CMS, I was responding to the person's post who has one

 

[V2002]

Hey if you dont mind me asking how long after the AC, did you recieve the offer call from CMS?

Hi, I have a direct TC at CMS lined up, but I got offered an assessment centre for a vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing. Any input on the cultures at the firms, and generally, if you'd recommend still doing the AC?

 

[bbbb]

What office is this?

London

 

[EMB]

For the London office?

reading

 

[Diana54]

If anyone has previously done the Cooley AC please, please message me!

 

[tcla02]

applied on the deadline for sidley and radio silence from them😭😭😭 what is going on

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

applied on the deadline for sidley and radio silence from them😭😭😭 what is going on

Honestly same boat here it’s been 45 days since I applied (on deadline 9 Jan) and it’s been absolute radio silence. I’ve seen TIs, ACs and PFOs post app and TI and I’m just sat like a melon…​

 

[Jude Dunne]

Yes, got AC invite a few days ago

Awh fairs fairs. I'm assuming that means I didnt get it. Thank you for letting me know! Id much rather know than be wondering lol.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Hey! Thanks a lot. In what sense would you say TW has a stronger reputation?

'stronger reputation' is so subjective lmao. I would take it with a pinch of salt. I'd actually argue CMS has a stronger reputation, which just reaffirms my initial point.

 

[ddalki]

Hi, hope everyone's getting good news! Any last-minute tips for the HSF AC would be really, really appreciated!

 

[ilikelaw]

does anyone have any tips on how to approach ac prep 😓 especially when the firm hasn't disclosed whats in the ac yet

edit: also any tips on building technical knowledge? i feel like i have general ideas but im not at all confident on a lot of technical things

 

[panon]

has anyone heard from Foot Anstey / Ropes / Spotify (legal intern)?

 

[8law]

does anyone have any tips on how to approach ac prep 😓 especially when the firm hasn't disclosed whats in the ac yet

what firm , someone who has done an AC previously with the same firm may be able to give you tips and tell you what is on the AC

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

does anyone have any tips on how to approach ac prep 😓 especially when the firm hasn't disclosed whats in the ac yet

I'll post this from advice I have already given before:

As someone who is going through their first cycles and just did their first ACs, my advice is to know the firm and know yourself.
Find insight into the firm's AC process as every firm is different but some things are consistent. One is that this is not a combative process. Technically you are competing with each other to get a place BUT the firm wants to know if you would be a good person to work with.
Also know what kind of firm you are going to. Is it a collegiate firm, if so don't be afraid to be more personable and make appropriate jokes. Is it more straight-laced, if so practise your responses so they flow naturally but you cover everything you want to.
Know all the commercial issues going on but ensure you know anything that you could mention in an interview back to front and inside out. Go on the firm's websites - what are their recent news, awards and deals. How does the firm describe themselves and what are they looking for.
Look through your application and research to make sure you are not caught off guard if they ask you about something.
Be normal and polite, professional yet not uptight. Align yourself with how the interviewers are (if you have an interview). If you have a presentation or group work, listen to other people and build on what they say. Don't try to catch them out but if you disagree, validate their response but provide an alternate perspective.
Don't talk just to talk. Only say something if it is relevant and useful.
Also if you have an interview, grab some water so you can take a sip if you need a moment to think.
Keep smiling and breathe. Good luck!

P.S. if you tell me which firm you have an AC for, I might be able to send you insights.