TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

How would people go about answering:

1. Tell us everything you know about the firm

Hey!

This is a really interesting question, and it sounds really open-ended which can seem quite overwhelming. However, I don't think the firm is looking for you to list everything, and I'd say it is more about how well you understand the firm and whether you can prioritise what matters.

A good way to approach this question is to be selective and structured with what you include. Rather than trying to cover everything, I would focus on a few key areas that genuinely differentiate the firm in the market. For example, you might touch on its core practice areas, standout deals or clients, international presence (if relevant), and anything distinctive about its culture or strategy. Additionally, I would avoid just naming these things, and make sure that you briefly show that you understand why they matter for the firm.

It also helps to make it feel like a cohesive and well-rounded answer, rather than a list. I would think of it as telling a short story about the firm - for example, what it does, what it is known for, and what sets it apart from its competitors. Finally, where you can, I would link points that you make back to why they are interesting or relevant as this shows that you aren't just repeating research from the firm's website, but that you are actually engaging with it.

Best of luck with the application!

 

[randomrhino]

Haynes Boone submitted One hour to spare before the deadline

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Haynes Boone submitted One hour to spare before the deadline

This reminds me of Sidley I lowkey applied 45 mins before the deadline... It was me against the clock!!

Whoever said Sidley reads every app even if it was sent on the deadline was telling the truth frfr!​

 

[M_]

Good evening, if anyone has any advice about Dentons' Video Interview, please pm me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have insight with Baker McKenzie, Kennedys, CMS, Clifford Chance, White & Case, Charles Russell Speechlys, Mishcon de Reya and other firms too!

Thank you!

 

[JLaw56]

I was just wondering, has anyone applied for a Winter Vacation Scheme at Vinson & Elkins and secured a place? I’m not entirely sure, but I think they only run a Winter VS when they still have TC vacancies?

 

[helenaskelton]

Guys is funding the PGDL yourself worth it? What are your thoughts?

 

[jessyjimmiejupiter]

Hi everyone — I’m due to attend Burges Salmon’s upcoming spring vacation scheme and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity and hopefully convert it into a training contract.

If anyone who completed the 2025 winter vacation scheme would be open to sharing any advice or insights, I’d be hugely grateful. Please do message me if you’re happy to chat — thank you so much.

 

[W5690]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown or Arnold & Porter for the DTC?

@Ijustwanttobealawyer No for Arnold & Porter (I did not apply to Mayer Brown). You?

 

[W5690]

If anyone has successfully progressed past the application stage for Arnold & Porter, please can you send me a message?

@TCchaser Hi! Have you heard from them? As far as I am concerned, I have not.

 

[W5690]

Arnold and porter PFO post interview. My last one for this cycle. Oh well at least I've managed to get one vac scheme. Hopefully I can convert it

@axk323 Hi! How long did you wait before hearing from them since the submission of your application? Thank you.

 

[W5690]

guys the Arnold & Porter app is not for the weak. x4 300 word questions and one 250 word question ahh...

@lawyersum Hi! Have you heard from Arnold & Porter? As far as I am concerned, I have not.

 

[elizabethkate]

Guys is funding the PGDL yourself worth it? What are your thoughts?

depends on a lot. i worked a bit before (non law) and felt myself getting older. to me, it made sense to do it myself because otherwise it was another year without accomplishing much. and it meant i could apply for paralegal roles much easier (im a paralegal now and would NOT have been without my pgdl) so it was worth it to me but if your a fresh grad and feel like you have time to apply for TCs then there’s no rush

 

[CupOfTea17]

Guys is funding the PGDL yourself worth it? What are your thoughts?

Hey!
So I am currently doing the PGDL rn, and I started it straight after I finished my undergrad.
It obviously depends on each individual's financial situation, but I will say, doing the PGDL has made my applications this cycle 10000% better. I only got one (first stage) interview last cycle (I maybe applied for 7 firms). Whereas this year I applied for maybe 15 firms, and for most of them I progressed past the first round. I have now had 3 last round interviews / AC's, and secured 1 VS (still waiting to here back from the others!). I genuinely believe I wouldn't have been able to do it if I hadn't improved my knowledge of the law, been surrounded by my classmates who obviously were all applying aswell, and also the careers support from my University. Similarly, I got access to so much work experience through the PGDL, through clinics or other volunteering opportunities. I'm not sure I would have been able to do / apply for these without the PGDL. This really depends on the provider though so worth shopping around and seeing what is available. So in that sense the PGDL was worth funding for me.
Obviously if you managed to get a paralegal job then you would get a lot of similar exposure, but from what I have heard the paralegal job market is a mess right now.
I'm not sure if you are about to graduate or not, but another thing which maybe you find reassuring is that most of the people I did the ACs with were paralegals / career changers (the firms are large national firms), which made me realise that not everyone is securing a TC in their second year of University. So don't feel so rushed to secure a TC - I know I was panicked about this.
Lastly, you can work during the PGDL. Don't get me wrong, it is a lot of work, but it is absolutely possible to do 2/3 days a week. If you are planning on working during the PGDL I would recommend getting ahead on reading before you start just to help ease the load at the beginning because it can be a big learning curve.

Sorry that was a lot of info (I am currently procrastinating revising lol) but if you want any more info about the PGDL, PM me and I'd be happy to answer any questions ))

 

[elizabethkate]

Hey!
So I am currently doing the PGDL rn, and I started it straight after I finished my undergrad.
It obviously depends on each individual's financial situation, but I will say, doing the PGDL has made my applications this cycle 10000% better. I only got one (first stage) interview last cycle (I maybe applied for 7 firms). Whereas this year I applied for maybe 15 firms, and for most of them I progressed past the first round. I have now had 3 last round interviews / AC's, and secured 1 VS (still waiting to here back from the others!). I genuinely believe I wouldn't have been able to do it if I hadn't improved my knowledge of the law, been surrounded by my classmates who obviously were all applying aswell, and also the careers support from my University. Similarly, I got access to so much work experience through the PGDL, through clinics or other volunteering opportunities. I'm not sure I would have been able to do / apply for these without the PGDL. This really depends on the provider though so worth shopping around and seeing what is available. So in that sense the PGDL was worth funding for me.
Obviously if you managed to get a paralegal job then you would get a lot of similar exposure, but from what I have heard the paralegal job market is a mess right now.
I'm not sure if you are about to graduate or not, but another thing which maybe you find reassuring is that most of the people I did the ACs with were paralegals / career changers (the firms are large national firms), which made me realise that not everyone is securing a TC in their second year of University. So don't feel so rushed to secure a TC - I know I was panicked about this.
Lastly, you can work during the PGDL. Don't get me wrong, it is a lot of work, but it is absolutely possible to do 2/3 days a week. If you are planning on working during the PGDL I would recommend getting ahead on reading before you start just to help ease the load at the beginning because it can be a big learning curve.

Sorry that was a lot of info (I am currently procrastinating revising lol) but if you want any more info about the PGDL, PM me and I'd be happy to answer any questions ))

Agree with this. My applications were so much better. I got through to 10x more than I did when I first started applying. Just more legal knowledge and confidence.

I worked alongside mine (20-35) hours a week and it was hard and isolating but doable if you know how to pass the tests. And a lot less pressure than having a TC funding it.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

@Ijustwanttobealawyer No for Arnold & Porter (I did not apply to Mayer Brown). You?

@TCchaser Hi! Have you heard from them? As far as I am concerned, I have not.

@axk323 Hi! How long did you wait before hearing from them since the submission of your application? Thank you.

@lawyersum Hi! Have you heard from Arnold & Porter? As far as I am concerned, I have not.

 

[helenaskelton]

Agree with this. My applications were so much better. I got through to 10x more than I did when I first started applying. Just more legal knowledge and confidence.

I worked alongside mine (20-35) hours a week and it was hard and isolating but doable if you know how to pass the tests. And a lot less pressure than having a TC funding it.

Thank you all who responded!! Majorly helpful to an indecisive gal

 

[iCookieMad]

Anyone heard from SPB post AC? I applied for London specifically but would be interested if anyone's heard from any office.

 

[randomrhino]

Any new bets on when we’ll hear from SH now that we’re over one month post-VI? Or maybe SH is lost at sea

 

[DennyCrane]

Guys is funding the PGDL yourself worth it? What are your thoughts?

I have been warned by lots of senior lawyers not to start the PGDL until you've secured a training contract unless you are extremely confident that you will secure one. It's a lot of money to spend if you don't have training lined up. If you have the money to spare though then it's just personal choice how you spend it I guess.

 

[elizabethkate]

I have been warned by lots of senior lawyers not to start the PGDL until you've secured a training contract unless you are extremely confident that you will secure one. It's a lot of money to spend if you don't have training lined up. If you have the money to spare though then it's just personal choice how you spend it I guess.

i’d recommend doing the masters (sqe1 one) so you get the loan, that makes it easier and there’s a few scholarships available but it’s defo a big choice not made lightly.