TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I had a final interview for a firm last Tuesday, and I’m sure they said they said I would hear end of that week, so Friday just gone. I still haven’t heard back, so I’m really concerned. I’m not sure if perhaps I misheard and they said end of next week. Has anyone received good news later than the stipulated deadline? Trying not to panic too much aha

Hey!

I completely get why you are feeling anxious, but I would try not to read too much into it yet. Firms miss their own timelines more often than you'd think (usually from things outside of graduate recruitments control), and delays can happen for loads of reasons unrelated to the outcome.

Whilst I personally haven't, I've definitely seen people receive good news after the original date they were given, so being a few days late doesn't automatically mean it is bad news. If you still haven't heard by later this week, there is no harm in sending a polite follow-up email.

Fingers crossed for you - I appreciate the waiting is the hardest part!

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Hey

I am really sorry to hear this - I actually didn't convert any of my vacation schemes last cycle either, so I can really relate to that feeling of walking away thinking you did everything you could and still not getting the outcome you hoped for.

From what you have said though, it sounds like you have got a huge amount out of the scheme - pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, building relationships across teams, getting sought out for work, and feeling proud of the quality of what you produced are all really positive signs. Those are not small achievements and they don't disappear because of one decision, so I'd still be proud of how far you have come!

I know it is tough to hear right now (and I'll admit that people saying this to me last cycle sometimes annoyed me too!), but I do think everything happens for a reason and you do end up somewhere that is a better fit for you. Vacation scheme rejections are especially difficult because they can feel more personal after spending time at the firm and picturing yourself there, but they are also incredibly competitive (sometimes more than you might think beforehand!) and often come down to fit and things outside your control.

I really would try not to let this make you doubt your abilities. You have already shown that you can secure multiple vacation schemes and make a strong impression on those around you, which isn't easy to do! I appreciate that this wasn't the outcome you wanted, and it is completely valid to wallow in that for a little bit, but it has still moved you one step closer to the TC offer that is right for you.

Despite the fact that I failed to convert my vacation schemes last cycle, I was successful in the only DTC application I made and it feels like the best fit for me out of all the firms (despite how I might have felt post-VS!). I know that probably doesn't make the disappointment any easier right now, but I hope it's some reassurance that not converting a VS doesn't stop you ending up somewhere that you can thrive

Thank you for your kind words Abbie!

 

[Chriss]

Hey guys, I was wondering something. When they ask if you have any links with the firm, what links can that include?

 

[Annalise Keating]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock,

I am a long-time observer but first-time commenter on this forum. Thanks to everyone who comments, as it has been super helpful over the years!

Basically, I had two in-house internships lined up (one 10-week and one 12-month) after fighting tooth and nail for them. But both have fallen through this year due to reasons beyond my control. I am at a loss about what my next step should be.

I have applied for other positions (albeit sparingly because of being extremely bummed out), making sure they are tailored and that I am actually interested in the work. I have also been networking hard to see if there are any opportunities someone can refer me to. However, no luck yet

I am now a graduate, so some VSs and even open days in private practice exclude me at this stage. Any tips to land some sort of role this year would be appreciated. Further, is it even worthwhile mentioning these opportunities in future applications to explain the gap in my resume? If so, where?

Edit: I am currently volunteering and working retail.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I was wondering something. When they ask if you have any links with the firm, what links can that include?

Hey!

I think it depends on the firm, but my understanding is that this question is usually asking about personal or professional connections to the firm. That could include things like:

• Family members working at the firm
• Close friends or personal contacts at the firm
• Being referred by someone at the firm (less likely for TC/VS apps)
• Previous employment or a formal connection with the firm
• Involvement through mentoring schemes or university partnerships where there is an ongoing relationship

Generally, firms ask this for conflict checking or context rather than because having links is expected. If you are unsure whether something counts, I'd email the graduate recruitment team or lean towards disclosing it just in case

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock,

I am a long-time observer but first-time commenter on this forum. Thanks to everyone who comments, as it has been super helpful over the years!

Basically, I had two in-house internships lined up (one 10-week and one 12-month) after fighting tooth and nail for them. But both have fallen through this year due to reasons beyond my control. I am at a loss about what my next step should be.

I have applied for other positions (albeit sparingly because of being extremely bummed out), making sure they are tailored and that I am actually interested in the work. I have also been networking hard to see if there are any opportunities someone can refer me to. However, no luck yet

I am now a graduate, so some VSs and even open days in private practice exclude me at this stage. Any tips to land some sort of role this year would be appreciated. Further, is it even worthwhile mentioning these opportunities in future applications to explain the gap in my resume? If so, where?

Edit: I am currently volunteering and working retail.

Hi!

Firstly, I'm really sorry to hear that happened as it sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after securing not one but two opportunities and then having both fall through for reasons outside your control.

From what you have written, I think you are doing a lot of the right things already - being selective with applications (+ making them tailored), continuing to network, volunteering, and working rather than waiting passively for something to appear.

In terms of next steps, I would perhaps widen the net slightly beyond just formal legal roles or internships. Depending on your longer-term goal, I'd have a look at:
- Legal assistant / paralegal roles (including fixed-term or temp positions)
- In-house legal operations / compliance / contracts roles
- Graduate schemes that have a legal or commercial element
- Smaller firms and off-cycle opportunities that recruit ad hoc, rather than in a set cycle

I would also add that it doesn't necessarily have to be a legal role in a big commercial firm to be worthwhile! Even an admin or assistant role, whether in a law firm or another professional environment, can still help you build a lot of the skills firms look for in trainees (such as attention to detail, organisation, and taking ownership of work). I was an admin paralegal at a boutique commercial property firm for my placement year, and the things I learnt in that year were so valuable when I was making applications last cycle.

I also wouldn't write off vacation schemes or open days completely, as there are still plenty that are open to graduates - it might be worth taking a look at direct TC applications too!

In relation to mentioning the opportunities later, I probably wouldn't frame it as explaining a gap in your CV as the volunteering and retail already mean there isn't really a gap. However, if relevant, you could mention briefly in an application's additional information section that you had secured those internships but they were cancelled/deferred externally. I'd just make sure that you keep it factual and short, as you are using it to provide context rather than as a justification.

Lastly, securing both a 10-week and a 12-month internship suggests your applications were already doing really well! I know it probably doesn't feel like it right now, but that is evidence that you are a competitive candidate, even if the timing has been rough.

Wishing you the best of luck - please do feel free to keep posting here, as I'm sure people will share any information that is useful!

 

[Annalise Keating]

Hi!

Firstly, I'm really sorry to hear that happened as it sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after securing not one but two opportunities and then having both fall through for reasons outside your control.

From what you have written, I think you are doing a lot of the right things already - being selective with applications (+ making them tailored), continuing to network, volunteering, and working rather than waiting passively for something to appear.

In terms of next steps, I would perhaps widen the net slightly beyond just formal legal roles or internships. Depending on your longer-term goal, I'd have a look at:
- Legal assistant / paralegal roles (including fixed-term or temp positions)
- In-house legal operations / compliance / contracts roles
- Graduate schemes that have a legal or commercial element
- Smaller firms and off-cycle opportunities that recruit ad hoc, rather than in a set cycle

I would also add that it doesn't necessarily have to be a legal role in a big commercial firm to be worthwhile! Even an admin or assistant role, whether in a law firm or another professional environment, can still help you build a lot of the skills firms look for in trainees (such as attention to detail, organisation, and taking ownership of work). I was an admin paralegal at a boutique commercial property firm for my placement year, and the things I learnt in that year were so valuable when I was making applications last cycle.

I also wouldn't write off vacation schemes or open days completely, as there are still plenty that are open to graduates - it might be worth taking a look at direct TC applications too!

In relation to mentioning the opportunities later, I probably wouldn't frame it as explaining a gap in your CV as the volunteering and retail already mean there isn't really a gap. However, if relevant, you could mention briefly in an application's additional information section that you had secured those internships but they were cancelled/deferred externally. I'd just make sure that you keep it factual and short, as you are using it to provide context rather than as a justification.

Lastly, securing both a 10-week and a 12-month internship suggests your applications were already doing really well! I know it probably doesn't feel like it right now, but that is evidence that you are a competitive candidate, even if the timing has been rough.

Wishing you the best of luck - please do feel free to keep posting here, as I'm sure people will share any information that is useful!

Thank you for all your advice and kind words, Abbie. I feel much more confident about the next steps to take.