TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone!

With several firms preparing to open applications for their winter, spring, and summer vacation schemes, we are launching this dedicated thread for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to vacation scheme applications. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms. As ever, the strength of this forum lies in its thoughtfulness and collegiality. Please continue to share your insights generously and to engage constructively.

Finally, last year’s thread can be found here: TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024–25. Later today, I will post a consolidated list of firms with their respective deadlines, to assist those planning their approach for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone the very best as the new cycle begins.

Ram

 

[Jaysen]

Good luck everyone this cycle. All of us are here for you at TCLA when you need it. Our goal is to help as many of you as we can to get training contracts this year!

PS: Last year’s vacation scheme thread had four million views and 22,000 replies 😮

 

[Maddy]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

They did last year too i believe although it was advertised initially

 

[lawstudent2]

They did last year too i believe although it was advertised initially

What does this mean for final year students and graduates as I thought the freshfields summer vac scheme is only for penultimate year students? Does anyone know?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

What does this mean for final year students and graduates as I thought the freshfields summer vac scheme is only for penultimate year students? Does anyone know?

It meant I had to apply via the Direct Training Contract route they offer instead which I did (unsuccesfully).

 

[lawyersum]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

Looks like it from their website. First they introduced a new 'psychometric test' which you need to pass to have your 850 word statement read, then they messed up reasonable adjustments last cycle, and now no more winter vs...How lovely

 

[Charles Leclerc]

I haven't seen any news about Freshfields cancelling their Winter Vac Scheme. Legal Cheek states that applications open on August 4, but their website currently only provides information for the Summer Scheme.

 

[amrita6399]

Are the Sidely applications rolling?

 

[Maddy]

Are the Sidely applications rolling?

Yes

 

[jojo23]

Looks like it from their website. First they introduced a new 'psychometric test' which you need to pass to have your 850 word statement read, then they messed up reasonable adjustments last cycle, and now no more winter vs...How lovely

I wonder what the mess-up will be this year👀

If the winter vs isn't available this year then, how different is the direct process (it looks like they're changing it though...)

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Has anyone heard back from DAC Beachcrofts summer scheme (sept) yet?

 

[Gr33n]

The hunger games begin again

 

[trainee4u]

new thread, first page poster, let's go!

 

[TCLA0322]

Hi guys, it is a new cycle! I hope everyone reading this best of luck in this cycle!