-
📅 Vacation Scheme & Open Day Applications 2025–26
Planning to apply for vacation schemes, open days or insight schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:
-
2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
Includes winter, spring and summer deadlines + a handy rolling/non-rolling checklist. -
2025–26 Open Day & Insight Scheme Deadlines
Comprehensive list of open day and insight scheme application deadlines across top law firms. -
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread
Ask questions, share tips, and support each other through the application cycle.
Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼
Looking for personal help to secure a training contract this year? Check out the new TCLA Premium →
-
2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter TCLA Community Assistant
- Start date
6 Years, 30 Rejections, 3 ACs, 2 Vac Schemes… and a TC Offer at Mishcon de Reya 🎉
After six years of applications, 30 rejections, 3 assessment centres and 2 vacation schemes, I’m over the moon to say I’ve received my training contract offer from Mishcon de Reya.
This journey has been far from easy there were so many moments where I questioned whether it was worth continuing. But the TCLA community kept me going. The guidance, the resources, and the willingness of people here to share their time and insights made a huge difference.
If you’re reading this feeling disheartened, please know there is a chance for everyone. Your timeline might look different, your path might take turns you didn’t expect, but persistence really does pay off.
Thank you to everyone who’s answered my questions, reviewed my applications, and reminded me that setbacks are just part of the process. This community is proof that we rise by lifting each other.
To anyone still in the process: keep going. Your offer is coming. 💪✨
After six years of applications, 30 rejections, 3 assessment centres and 2 vacation schemes, I’m over the moon to say I’ve received my training contract offer from Mishcon de Reya.
This journey has been far from easy there were so many moments where I questioned whether it was worth continuing. But the TCLA community kept me going. The guidance, the resources, and the willingness of people here to share their time and insights made a huge difference.
If you’re reading this feeling disheartened, please know there is a chance for everyone. Your timeline might look different, your path might take turns you didn’t expect, but persistence really does pay off.
Thank you to everyone who’s answered my questions, reviewed my applications, and reminded me that setbacks are just part of the process. This community is proof that we rise by lifting each other.
To anyone still in the process: keep going. Your offer is coming. 💪✨
Might be wrong, but I would expect if you got an AC previously then you'd not be invited back again....
- Feb 17, 2018
- 4,814
- 8,965
I did their vac scheme in spring and didn’t get an offer post-VS, but they said I’d be welcome to apply for their direct TC next year so I don’t think that’s the case.
I did the AC last year and did not end up securing a TC and this year I applied again and passed the application stage again. When I was on the phone with them about my feedback for the AC they said I was very much welcome to reapply.
the difference is last year it was an interview with Early Careers rather than amberjack + VI questions so don't know what to expect at all, except maybe the questions are going to be very similar
I thought that was the case! Best of luck with your application
2025? or 2026?
I applied for Bristol 2026. I know they had direct 2025 and 2026 options, plus a general 2027.
I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:
'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'
The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!
'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'
The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!
Similar threads
- Sticky
- Sticky
- Locked
- Locked
