TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[randomrhino]

Anyone heard from Haynes Boone yet?

Interviews are supposed to be on the 21st so we'll probably hear back early next week.

 

[M85672]

Is Baker Mckenzies DTC test meant to be automatic? I applied over a week ago and haven't heard a peep

 

[8law]

I am so confused - I wrote off DACB because I saw people already getting ACs and WEs but I just received an invite for a video interview for London VS and I applied in Feb?

I think thats for DTC!! pretty sure for vacation scheme its just VI and a test

 

[lucky2]

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite!!

I completely get why you are worried about how it might look, but I don't think asking to be considered for the direct TC would come across badly as long as you approach it in the right way. Firms are generally very conscious that candidates apply to lots of different firms and that VS dates can clash, and I'd say it is a pretty common situation. It is quite common to hear people ask to be moved to the DTC application process, and whilst it'll be firm dependant, I've definitely heard about people that have had some luck with it!

I would just ensure that you frame it positively and show that you remain genuinely interested in the firm. For example, you could explain that they are one of your top choices, and you'd really value the opportunity to be assessed for their training contract, but unfortunately you already have a VS that you have committed to and the dates overlap. Following that, you can ask whether it would be possible to be considered for the direct TC route instead.

If anything, I'd say it shows you are being proactive rather than just declining the opportunity altogether. At the end of the day, you don't know unless you ask, so you might as well double check whether it is a possibility!

I totally get that it might seem like a long shot if they recruit mainly from the vacation scheme, but there's absolutely no reason why you can't be a part of the DTC offer holders, and most firms will offer at least a few TCs through the direct route. When I applied to Reed Smith through their direct training contract process last year, I genuinely had very little hope that it would result in an offer - just goes to show that you never know!

I definitely wouldn't let the fear of "looking bad" stop you from asking - this is a very reasonable request (that I'm sure they get quite often!), and you are clearly a strong candidate if you have secured another VS already. I hope you are able to sort something with the firm, and best of luck with your upcoming VS!

Thank you so much Abbie! That’s reassuring to hear

 

[arjunsunill]

Has someone heard back from SH post-VI for the Dubai VS?

 

[Prudentia]

Is Baker Mckenzies DTC test meant to be automatic? I applied over a week ago and haven't heard a peep

I don't think it is. There website says you'll get invited to the online test if you meet their criteria in your application.

 

[johnsmith]

I was asked an interesting question during a law firm interview recently, and I'd be curious to know how other people might approach it...

The question was along the lines of: "If you were asked to support a client that worked in an ethically controversial, but legal, business, would you say yes?" There was nothing more specific than this, and so we had an opportunity to talk it through in front of the interviewers.

Obviously, the right and sensible answer to this, for pretty much everyone, I guess, would be: "It depends". It depends on what the client does. Their business could be anything from family planning to online betting apps, advertising CBD to manufacturing nuclear missiles. Some businesses are much more "ethically controversial" than others, and people will draw the line in different places based on their own beliefs and values. So it depends on (1) the character of the client's business, (2) how we personally feel about that specific activity, and (3) - for bonus points! - how it might affect the reputation of our law firm, relations to other clients, etc.

Now, saying the above is a pretty good answer to give in an interview, I think. But the interviewers wanted more than "It depends"; they pushed for a "yes" or "no", and - given the lack of any further information in order to make an informed decision - I went for "no".

How would you have responded to this question?

I see the logic in asking it, and the choice of answer is probably less important than the thinking out loud that comes before it. But do law firms look for people who play safe (and say "no" when faced with insufficient info), or display a willingness to support clients from any legally valid business (and say "yes").

I think I answered a similar one - I felt they wanted to hear that professional ethics are obviously paramount to practice as a solicitor (to the point unpaid parking tickets is an integrity issue) but also that a law firm is a commercial business so ultimately it’s whether you can see past your own subjective opinion on whether it’s ethical and be more objective about whether it would be the right choice for the firm based on its other clients/the opportunity the new client presents for the wider firm. Reputation is everything whether yours personally or the firms!

Interesting question though!

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I sent you a DM - hope that's okay?

 

[abc124]

Is the Macfarlanes VI in stage 2 SJT or more general?

 

[wrpark]

Hey guys, I applied to some small boutique law firms a while ago and some of them still haven't gotten back to me yet, would it be okay if I email them inquiring about my application status?

 

[user55998384]

if anyone did the w&c fys last year would be super grateful if you could dm me as i have a q

 

[singingcanary46]

Hey everyone, long-time watcher, but this is my first post here because I have a bit of a dilemma.

I was very fortunate to be offered a training contract offer from a good city firm a few weeks ago. They gave me a month to accept, which now expires in 1 week, as I've been sitting on it for a while. This is because I also have an upcoming vacation scheme which starts on Monday, for a firm I would significantly prefer to work for. I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to do the scheme, which is why I took so long. Now I definitely need to, as the firm has organised accommodation for me and I have booked travel, and I would really love to train there too.

The issue is, I don't think I'll find out about this second firm until at least early May. I have checked both contracts, and neither actually prohibits me from having already accepted a TC/doing another vac scheme. But I would still feel weird about reneging, and I don't know when they will commit to anything financially with enrolling on the GDL and whatnot.

In hindsight, I probably should have asked for an extension of the offer a while ago, but now that I haven't, I'm wondering if it's best to just accept and renege if I receive the other offer. They've been really bad at responding to emails in the past, so what if they don't get back to me with an extension by Friday, then I would have to accept, and they'd know exactly what I was doing anyway. If they reject the extension, would I then essentially be lying about doing the scheme? I'm leaning towards accept and renege, but that also feels wrong and I'm worried about any financial implications.

Really conflicted on what to do, and any advice would be really appreciated.

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Hey everyone, long-time watcher, but this is my first post here because I have a bit of a dilemma.

I was very fortunate to be offered a training contract offer from a good city firm a few weeks ago. They gave me a month to accept, which now expires in 1 week, as I've been sitting on it for a while. This is because I also have an upcoming vacation scheme which starts on Monday, for a firm I would significantly prefer to work for. I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to do the scheme, which is why I took so long. Now I definitely need to, as the firm has organised accommodation for me and I have booked travel, and I would really love to train there too.

The issue is, I don't think I'll find out about this second firm until at least early May. I have checked both contracts, and neither actually prohibits me from having already accepted a TC/doing another vac scheme. But I would still feel weird about reneging, and I don't know when they will commit to anything financially with enrolling on the GDL and whatnot.

In hindsight, I probably should have asked for an extension of the offer a while ago, but now that I haven't, I'm wondering if it's best to just accept and renege if I receive the other offer. They've been really bad at responding to emails in the past, so what if they don't get back to me with an extension by Friday, then I would have to accept, and they'd know exactly what I was doing anyway. If they reject the extension, would I then essentially be lying about doing the scheme? I'm leaning towards accept and renege, but that also feels wrong and I'm worried about any financial implications.

Really conflicted on what to do, and any advice would be really appreciated.

Can I recommend you call the city firm GR? If you're worried about them not getting back to your email by Friday, just call them on Monday and explain the situation and ask whether they would be willing to give you a months extension. The worst they can do is say no, which reverts you back to the same position/dilemma, but at least you have tried to exhaust the preferable avenue. You can also explain the situation as you have laid it out here, I'm sure the firm understands as they would've experienced candidates in similar positions before etc.

I don't think reneging is wrong per se, but it definitely is in the 'grey' area in my opinion. If you're willing to take the risk, then by all means (I know some people who have done so), but if you can do it in the proper manner, then that would be what I recommend.

Congratulations on the TC and VS though! Amazing stuff and a great dilemma to have (although perhaps it doesn't feel that way rn lol).

 

[MZJxLadha]

Anyone who applied to freeths legal grad job, when you reckon we will hear after doing the online test? Also thoughts on the online test feedback? Idk

 

[TC??!]

Hi all, can anyone share some insights into the First Stage Partner-HR interview with Withers as to what I should expect, please? This is my only shot of the year so any advice would be much appreciated!!

 

[alanshore]

Does anyone know what the purpose of a feedback report for Capptivate assessments is? Not like you can get a perfect score on them anyways.

 

[nicoledm]

Does anyone know what the purpose of a feedback report for Capptivate assessments is? Not like you can get a perfect score on them anyways.

I’ve always wondered this, like your lowest score could be 80% and your other scores 85%

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I applied to some small boutique law firms a while ago and some of them still haven't gotten back to me yet, would it be okay if I email them inquiring about my application status?

Hey!

Yes, I'd say it is completely fine to send a follow up! As long as you have given it a reasonable amount of time (usually 2-3 weeks, or slightly longer if they gave you a timeline originally), a polite email asking for an update would be appropriate. I don't think it would come across negatively as long as it is framed professionally (+ could even show that you remain interested).

I would keep it quite brief - just reiterate your interest in the firm, mention when you applied, and ask if they are able to provide any update on your application. I'd try to avoid overexplaining!

I hope you hear back soon!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey everyone, long-time watcher, but this is my first post here because I have a bit of a dilemma.

I was very fortunate to be offered a training contract offer from a good city firm a few weeks ago. They gave me a month to accept, which now expires in 1 week, as I've been sitting on it for a while. This is because I also have an upcoming vacation scheme which starts on Monday, for a firm I would significantly prefer to work for. I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to do the scheme, which is why I took so long. Now I definitely need to, as the firm has organised accommodation for me and I have booked travel, and I would really love to train there too.

The issue is, I don't think I'll find out about this second firm until at least early May. I have checked both contracts, and neither actually prohibits me from having already accepted a TC/doing another vac scheme. But I would still feel weird about reneging, and I don't know when they will commit to anything financially with enrolling on the GDL and whatnot.

In hindsight, I probably should have asked for an extension of the offer a while ago, but now that I haven't, I'm wondering if it's best to just accept and renege if I receive the other offer. They've been really bad at responding to emails in the past, so what if they don't get back to me with an extension by Friday, then I would have to accept, and they'd know exactly what I was doing anyway. If they reject the extension, would I then essentially be lying about doing the scheme? I'm leaning towards accept and renege, but that also feels wrong and I'm worried about any financial implications.

Really conflicted on what to do, and any advice would be really appreciated.

Hey!

Firstly, huge congratulations on the TC offer - that is amazing news!! I hope that you celebrate this achievement, even if the situation feels slightly stressful right now.

I would agree with @Bah Bah Pink Sheep and say that your first step should probably be to call the TC firm and ask if they are able to give you an extension until you hear back from the VS firm. Again, there's no guarantee whether they will, but at least you will know either way!

If not, the most practical way to approach it is likely to be to accept the training contract offer and then reassess your position after the vacation scheme. Letting a confirmed TC offer expire for the possibility of another one is a big risk - whilst I'm sure you have a good chance of being offered a TC after the VS (as you are clearly a strong candidate!), there are so many factors that go into those decisions that you never really know for sure.

I completely get why it feels uncomfortable to accept with the thought that you might renege later, but it helps to look at it from a commercial or long-term career perspective. Firms will make decisions in their own best interests all the time, and you are entitled to do the same with your career too. Of course, reneging isn't ideal, but it does happen and most firms will have experienced it before.

In terms of financial risk, I'd say it is usually minimal at this stage. Issues can arise once firms have started funding things like the GDL and SQE (i.e. clawback provisions), so I would definitely double-check your contract. However, if there is likely to be a bit of time between hearing back from the VS firm and starting the GDL, I'd say that you are unlikely to be exposed to anything significant (but definitely check with the firm / contract).

I would give the TC firm a call and see if they are able to extend the deadline, particularly if they are slow to responding to emails (trust me, I hate phone calls more than anyone, so I appreciate this might not be what you want to hear!). If not, I'd accept the TC offer and take part in the VS - you've earned your place there, and if you are really interested in the firm, you should absolutely make the most of the opportunity and aim for a TC offer. After the scheme, you can then make a decision on which firm is the best fit for you (+ the next steps).

Wishing you the best of luck with the scheme, and I hope you hear back from the TC firm soon!!

 

[jamsparkle]

Does anyone know what the purpose of a feedback report for Capptivate assessments is? Not like you can get a perfect score on them anyways.

so that when you ask grad rec for feedback they can point to those reports and act like the job is done lol