TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Diana54]

anymore w&c vac scheme offers?

When did you do your interview if you don’t mind me asking? - did mine on the 13th and I haven’t heard back

 

[Diana54]

I believe it’s 80 people for the ACs (5 ACs total so probs 16 per AC), 30 VS spaces and 15 TCs.

So it’s like a 35-40% chance of converting AC to a VS, although it’s 8-9 hours long so it’s rough! ​

Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash it

 

[Diana54]

That Ropes test was insane! Has anyone attempted?

I haven’t. Do you mind sharing what it involves (if your don’t mind that is)

 

[trainee4u]

Non VS related question but: Do firms only really value the PGDL from ULaw or BPP. Only asking as there are some cheaper options out there (I suppose cheaper for a reason) but as someone potentially self-funding it would be good to know if there are any other options out there.

lots of firms do Barbri, but perhaps not the higher paying ones.
The SRA has a really crappy SQE course finder you could take a look at.
The PGDL is IMO of somewhat fading relevance - it depends if you're going to do SQE yourself
College of Legal Practice is cheapest option that's not an immigration scam, AFAIK (it's online, and a big provider in Aus)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash it

The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!

 

[abc124]

Has anyone heard from Freshfields after being waitlisted for their DTC AC? Also does anyone know of a similar case where someone was waitlisted and then later invited to an AC with a firm?

I wonder what's the latest plausible date we could potentially hear from them, it's not a vac scheme with a set date so there's technically no strict deadline lol

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Yeah College of Legal Practice is what I was looking at as it is significantly cheaper... I just wondered if it is 'looked down upon' by some firms. Main reason for considering is I am in my late-20s and a career changer so am kind of just looking to get the ball rolling now (if I don't secure a TC this cycle).

It’s not looked down upon. I know Reed Smith uses them as their SQE provider.

 

[sadboi]

Has anyone heard from Freshfields after being waitlisted for their DTC AC? Also does anyone know of a similar case where someone was waitlisted and then later invited to an AC with a firm?

They've opened up some March AC spots for DTC; just fyi!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yeah College of Legal Practice is what I was looking at as it is significantly cheaper... I just wondered if it is 'looked down upon' by some firms. Main reason for considering is I am in my late-20s and a career changer so am kind of just looking to get the ball rolling now (if I don't secure a TC this cycle).

I think sometimes it's best maybe not to overthink - some firms state specifically they welcome both law and non-law graduates even if you haven't done the PGDL, some specify that they look at grades only (sometimes only undergrad) and not the school you attended. And given someone above said Reed Smith uses it I'd not worry about which uni you go to. Perhaps more important question to think about is the quality of teaching.

 

[abc124]

They've opened up some March AC spots for DTC; just fyi!

Omg did you get an invite?

 

[nicoledm]

harbottle tc interview! i unfortunately cant do any of the dates bc of a vs lol

congrats ! is this first stage ?

 

[trainee4u]

I think sometimes it's best maybe not to overthink - some firms state specifically they welcome both law and non-law graduates even if you haven't done the PGDL, some specify that they look at grades only (sometimes only undergrad) and not the school you attended. And given someone above said Reed Smith uses it I'd not worry about which uni you go to. Perhaps more important question to think about is the quality of teaching.

I kinda feel like the teaching isn't even that important - like.... you can learn this stuff off of youtube and textbooks. I did PGDL (actually MA) at Ulaw and SQE on my own and mostly the PGDL was just a way to set fire to £15k.

 

[Apple]

The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!

It helps calm my nerves to remember that however difficult an AC is, it's just as hard for all the other people interviewing.

 

[yasmars]

The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!

What does the AC consist of?

 

[soph107048]

Does anyone have insights on the Jones Day AC? I can trade insights for Linklaters, HSF, Macfarlanes, Baker McKenzie, White & Case, and Goodwin ACs!

When is yours?

 

[soph107048]

Anyone received any further news from White & Case following yesterday’s round of offers?

Just trying to give myself hope that I might still get an offer despite the fact that it’s very likely to be pfo

Its deffo not over, myself and some others only did the WE a few days back so theres deffo gonna be another round

 

[soph107048]

is W&C still doing interviews (and until when)?

Presumably so. Did their WE a few days ago so there should be another round of interviews incoming

 

[soph107048]

I was given 1 days notice... it varies so much!

heyy how long did it take to hear back post WE?

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone know what DLA’s TI questions?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Does anyone have Mcdermott Written Exercise on Wednesday? or did it in the past!