TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Just received a rejection from a firm - onwards and upwards I suppose.

 

[Ancika]

Hey, does anyone have any tips for the Blake Morgan TI? Thank you

Did you receive an email saying that you have an interview ? If so, when? I was told that HR is discussing my application this week with a partner and will come back the week of the 11th.

 

[Lizardlaw]

Can anyone please share how long after Burges Salmon AC they heard back with outcomes?

I had the AC on the 27th of April and I heard back with an offer today! But they give you until the 8th to accept before they move on to the reserve list.

 

[Partcore22]

Anyone heard from Anthony Collins for vac scheme?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Did you receive an email saying that you have an interview ? If so, when? I was told that HR is discussing my application this week with a partner and will come back the week of the 11th.

I got an email about a month or so ago. I applied for the DTC so might be a different timeline

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

does anyone have insights into covington & burling vac scheme - might be my last chance lol

 

[lucky2]

Thank you! Progressed to stage 2. Phew. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! I haven’t heard anything back after stage 1 so don’t know what stage 2 will include. Sorry

 

[Jaysen]

Haven't been on here for a good minute but I return as a Future Trainee, received a TC after my first vac scheme woooo

Haven’t been on here in a while but I’m happy to share that I’ve received a TC offer from a US firm on my 3rd cycle!

Looking forward to my future trainee badge!

So proud of you both!

 

[Mr(future) Lawyer]

Has anyone been part of the summer Exeter scheme with Ashfords LLP?

It’s technically going to be my first vacation scheme, and of course I want to prepare for it the best way. There’s still plenty of time, but I wanted to ask for tips and whether the firm is worth it long term. I genuinely like the firm and I’m interested in it, but as law students we tend to apply for every opportunity. Especially coming from Manchester, I’m trying to think realistically about long term goals. Of course any TC is valuable, but still.

Also, what should I expect overall?

And one more thing, I’d ideally relocate to Exeter for the week. Any good hotel recommendations? Do they usually pay for attending the scheme? I know they cover accommodation. And just generally, how can I make the most of it?

 

[AGB2060]

Congratulations !!! That's amazing !!!!!

So proud of you both!

Thank you all!!!

 

[helenaskelton]

Hey guys I have a slight conundrum! I am interviewing for several paralegal jobs as I can’t be sure I’m going to convert my VS. I got an offer but I had to tell them I was going to take 2 weeks off in June (practically when I started) and so they said it’s not going to work. I now have another final stage Interview for one tomorrow, but I’m unsure whether I’m going to be able to do the VS and the job. I think the person is leaving in June so I’d need to do a handover before then etc. could I just ask for annual leave for a medical procedure or something? I can’t miss the VS, I worked so hard for it, and I have no idea what to do - but I know it’s not a great look to be starting a job and immediately taking annual leave.

 

[johnsmith]

Is it weird to get silence from a firm after accepting a TC?

I accepted a TC with a firm about 3 weeks ago, following a vacation scheme. The offer letter said after returning the contract we'd immediately be sent details for onboarding etc, I haven't had anything at all though. I emailed early careers on Monday about a different matter and haven't had a reply all week.

I'm sure I'm overthinking, and they're probably just busy, but I feel like I should've heard something from them?

Yes, totally normal. They often have other vac schemes they are preparing for, trainees development they are managing, and also your TC is so far in the future that the contact levels can be quite low. I wouldn't worry, though, your TC is in the bag!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

@Jaysen is the future trainee badge new? Can I have one too

 

[Jaysen]

@Jaysen is the future trainee badge new? Can I have one too

Yes! Could you DM me a screenshot of your offer letter?

 

[TheHamlet4]

Not a VS, but I had just an interview for Citizens Advice. I thought it might be beneficial for my apps as I don’t have a legal experience but I was wondering what you guys think about it

 

[hazza04]

Hey, does anyone have any tips for the Blake Morgan TI? Thank you

Hi, when is your interview? Mine is on Friday.

 

[mrebeccafr]

CRS chelt SVS offer after being on reserve list! Just wondering if anyone has heard back from BJ post AC? need to give CRS confirmation by Friday eee

 

[summersun]

CRS chelt SVS offer after being on reserve list! Just wondering if anyone has heard back from BJ post AC as need to give them confirmation by Friday eee

congrats that's amazing !!!

 

[legal world]

Hi! Has anyone gotten any updates regarding Stephenson Harwood's Dubai VS?

 

[Jaysen]

Hi, do people know whether it is possible to extend a TC offer? I've been fortunate to be offered one by a US firm. I have 2 other VS that I'm interested in doing for the experience. It would also help confirm that this TC firm is the one I truly want to be at.

How do I go about doing this? Do I ask to extend the deadline? If they don't permit this, what are my options?

Yes, and I'd arrange a call with graduate recruitment.

In particular, some US firms give offers with short time frames ('exploding offers'). This is partly because they don't want strong candidates to accept offers from other firms.

But it's also okay to push back on this and be clear about why it's important to you to extend the deadline. It just depends on how willing the firm is to do this.