TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DennyCrane]

Didn't think I'd find another Boston Legal fan on here

Its the only legal programme worth watching!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice about the following:

I am an international student originally from Amsterdam, where I studied law and gained experience in several legal roles. I recently moved to London and I am currently applying for training contracts. In the meantime, I am keen to gain relevant UK based experience and I am interviewing for a few different types of roles, but they are quite different from each other, so I am unsure which would be the most helpful step.

The roles I am currently considering are:
• a paralegal position supporting real estate and private client lawyers at a boutique firm, which are both areas I am very interested in
• an operational assistant role at a company active in the Lloyd’s insurance market
• a risk and advisory analyst role involving discussions with barristers

let me know your thoughts x

Hey!

It sounds like you are in a strong position already, given the fact that you have legal experience! In terms of choosing between the roles, I'd try to focus on what is likely to help your future applications the most and fit well with your story so far.

The paralegal role is probably the most directly relevant for training contracts, particularly if you are interested in the practice areas that you'd be working in. It gives you hands-on legal experience, exposure to working with fee-earners, and clear evidence of commitment to a legal career - this can be really useful for TC applications (+ I know that my paralegal experience was invaluable for my applications).

The Lloyds insurance operational role could also be valuable if you are interested in commercial law more broadly. It would give you strong sector insight and commercial awareness, especially into how the insurance market operates - this could be handy if you are thinking of applying for firms that work in that sector. You just might need to work a little bit harder to link it back to your interest and long-term motivation for private practice in TC applications.

The risk and advisory analyst role also sounds interesting, particularly because of the exposure to barristers and advisory work. It could help you demonstrate an understanding of disputes and risk, if that is an area you are particularly interested in, but it is slightly less direct than a paralegal role.

Overall, if your priority is maximising your chances of gaining a TC, I would say that the paralegal role is the most straightforward option. The others aren't bad options at all, but they might require a clearer narrative when explaining why they are relevant and why you are interested in commercial law. I will always encourage people to gain any office exposure they can when applying for TCs, as I think it is something that is so invaluable in the process - ultimately, I'd just ensure that you know how you could talk about the experience convincingly in applications and interviews!

Best of luck

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Has anyone else on this thread reported on SH success or just one phone call?

 

[DennyCrane]

Has anyone heard back from Browne Jacobson Nottingham?

 

[DennyCrane]

Linklaters PFO - I'd forgotten I was still waiting TBH

 

[CharlieandLola]

Does anyone know of any people who got a Kennedys DTC? I know of one person on here, but just wondering if other offers have gone out for the London office

 

[jojo23]

Has anyone else on this thread reported on SH success or just one phone call?

Have you come across anyone with an offer on LinkedIn yet?

 

[akcyp123]

Does anyone know the conversion rate to TC for SH from the vac scheme?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Does anyone know the conversion rate to TC for SH from the vac scheme?

Did you hear back from them?

 

[akcyp123]

Did you hear back from them?

yes heard back last wednesday around 6pm

 

[CharlieandLola]

yes heard back last wednesday around 6pm

Congratulations!!!! Was this for spring or summer?

 

[akcyp123]

Congratulations!!!! Was this for spring or summer?

Thanks, i chose the june one, but when they called they offered me the spring too (chose to stay on the june one).

 

[helpfultea]

Hi! Did anyone else apply to the Spotify Legal Summer internship and has anyone heard back yet?

 

[trainee4u]

Faegre VS offer!

Me too - just wondering about this?

The scheme will start at 10 am on the Monday and finish around lunchtime on the Friday. We will reimburse you your reasonable travel expenses.

Is it unpaid!?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi guys.

Maybe this is a silly question but are the written exercises in AC, written on computer or do you have to write them by hand on paper.

Thanks all!

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hi guys.

Maybe this is a silly question but are the written exercises in AC, written on computer or do you have to write them by hand on paper.

Thanks all!

I’ve only ever had ones written on the computer!

 

[Applicant7874652]

Anyone heard back from Ropes post AC - asking for a friend x

 

[helenaskelton]

Me too - just wondering about this?

The scheme will start at 10 am on the Monday and finish around lunchtime on the Friday. We will reimburse you your reasonable travel expenses.

Is it unpaid!?

Surely not loool wth

 

[MET21]

Hi guys.

Maybe this is a silly question but are the written exercises in AC, written on computer or do you have to write them by hand on paper.

Thanks all!

I've had exercises by hand and on computer.

 

[alanshore]

HL Launch Pad PFO. Not looking good.