TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Dannie]

Hey has anyone heard back from GD after taking the capptivate test?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’m a non-law final year student and hoping, in an ideal world, to get a vac scheme and then a training contract by the end of my final year to start the gdl next September.

Is it worth me applying to open days for firms who view on a rolling basis if I already know a lot about the firm? I’m worried about delaying application until after the open day if they specifically advise getting the application in early.

Also, is the competition for winter/spring/summer vacation schemes relatively similar, or are there less competitive times to go for as a final year student? I can’t do a winter one as I wouldn’t be able to get the time off my part time job so I’m wondering if a spring one would be the best to go for?

Hi!

Yes, I'd say it is definitely worth applying if you already know a lot about the firm. Open days can be a great way of learning more about the firm before making an application (and I would advise you go to a few in the cycle), but they are definitely not a requirement - I didn't attend an open day at any of the firms I completed a VS or secured my TC with. The most important part is submitting a tailored and well-researched application - if you feel you can do that without attending the open day, I would apply early if that is what's advised

The competition is relatively similar across winter / spring / summer, although if any is viewed as more competitive, I would say it's winter schemes. I think your plan of applying for spring / summer schemes is great - I did three schemes last year, all across spring / summer, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to apply to multiple firms. It also gives you plenty of time to refine your commercial awareness and application writing strategy

Best of luck with the applications!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Should I mention university law society events and Forage work experiences in this section? : Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.

Or is this only where I've visited a firm.

Also, how do people structure this kind of section?

Hey!

I would include university law society events and Forage virtual work experience (if you haven't included it in the work experience section), as long as they are career-related. This section is not limited to firm visits - the idea is to show that you've explored the legal profession and engaged with opportunities to learn more about it.

Most candidates will structure this section by writing a short paragraph that summarises what they attended and what they gained from it, for instance mentioning a few events and highlighting key takeaways such as learning about different practice areas or gaining an insight into the firm's culture. I'd say that keeping it concise but reflective usually works best

A structure could look like:

• Introduction: briefly introduce the types of events you've attended.
• Main detail: mention one or two examples and what you gained from them
• Closing: summarise your main takeaway from the event(s)

I hope that helps!

 

[Amgrad]

Hi Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith

Given that my questions were ghosted by HL and W&C confirmed last week that they won't sponsoring visa for VS, I am considering Reed Smith.

I saw someone asked about your life at Reed Smith whilst work as SQE intern on the another thread, but you didn't reply.

How you balance your studies and juggle with work, especially in the recent SQE passing rate drops, below 50%?

I've written my application since weekend and seems like stronger now and ready to submit, but I want to hear more from you, other than what TCLA offers and shows in general through email subscription last week.

 

[tcapplicant.1]

Dechert WE invite , applied 9/09. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[e_turbo2]

Is the Taylor Wessing OT invite automatic? Or are the applications screened first and then rejected if it does not meet their requirements? @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Or anyone else with some insight on this? Thanks!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone have any insight into how long it usually takes Bird & Bird to follow up post-WG?

 

[c.t.tc]

Is the Taylor Wessing OT invite automatic? Or are the applications screened first and then rejected if it does not meet their requirements? @Abbie Whitlock @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Or anyone else with some insight on this? Thanks!

Applications get screened and assessed first so not everyone gets asked to take the test

 

[msclm]

Dechert WE invite , applied 9/09. Any advice would be much appreciated!

I just did mine this morning! Feel free to reach out

 

[AngelBaird]

Received my written exercise invite for Dechert today. Can anyone provide some insight? I’m struggling to find anything online. Thanks!!!!

 

[Vakil]

Does anyone have any insight into how long it usually takes Bird & Bird to follow up post-WG?

I took it last Monday morning, and I am still waiting for a follow-up, if that helps.

 

[hawkins19]

macfarlanes opened in August and they're rolling - is it too late to apply to the spring vac scheme?

 

[Bbhu19]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?

 

[baj5]

Anyone heard from Ashurst or NRF post test reports?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?

Thanks, I really worked hard to try and do well in the test. For my sjt, I’m not sure how well it went. My highest were Respect and Working with Others and lowest (surprisingly) was Critical Thinking. Not too sure how to feel about this. Did you apply? How did your tests go?

 

[msclm]

Received my written exercise invite for Dechert today. Can anyone provide some insight? I’m struggling to find anything online. Thanks!!!!

Did it today! Feel free to message me

 

[lawaspirant!]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

Well done! When did you do the WG? I have only received the sjt report, not a separate WG score

 

[king752]

Anyone heard from Ashurst or NRF post test reports?

I was invited to Ashurst Written Exercise on Friday

 

[a1024]

Has anyone received the written exercise for Dechert's Summer VS or are they still sending out Winter?