TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi everyone,

I hope all is well!

I graduated from university last year - I did well in my exams, but I graduated without a TC. After having done a bit of travelling over the last few months, I'm now about to embark on a new application cycle.

My dilemma is as follows: I'd like to get some work (ideally as a paralegal) over the next few months, in order to bring in an income to my household - would this make it inadvisable for me to apply for vac schemes as well (as if I'm working as a paralegal next summer, and I get offered a place on a summer vac scheme at another firm, this could cause problems)?
In other words, if I'm probably going to be in paid employment (quite probably as a paralegal, or something similar) by the start of next summer, should I restrict myself to just doing direct TC applications?

If anyone has any advice, I would be hugely grateful!

You would ideally accumulate some holiday entitlement so that you can attend the vac scheme. Depending on the firm such as their flexibility and understanding of your situation, you may want to mention you are applying for TCs so might need some time off booked at short notice for prep of AC and they may also offer you some help in in the process.

 

[Singh241]

Paul Weiss WVS PFO

 

[bh.sa]

Paul Weiss WVS PFO

Same here

 

[Harvey Specter]

Paul, Weiss WVS PFO ​

 

[elizabethkate]

Bird and bird PFO!

sorry to hear that! is this after the WG or VI?

 

[Suii]

Paul, Weiss pfo great way to end the week😂

 

[e_turbo2]

Paul Weiss WVS PFO

 

[msclm]

Sorry to hear about the PW PFOs, I understand for many it is a dream firm. I was fortunate enough to make it through to interview and will be very happy to offer my advice (once the winter is over) for the app stage should people want it

 

[Jennifer2003]

Anybody heard from Cooley for the meet Cooley event?

 

[Amgrad]

Paul, Weiss WVS PFO. Expected it since it was my first VS application ever
• Plenty of spelling and syntax mistakes and generic response on 1st essay as I was rushed to apply 3 hours before the deadline.

Just take it as a reflection and moving forward. On the email it's stated to apply next cycle, not allowed to apply next scheme.

 

[l789]

For those who recieved a Paul Weiss PFO, would be interested to see your application answers. I remember two people posted a section of their app answers- this was unsolicited and a general discussion , one person was successful while the other was not. But everyone on the forum was very good at commenting and giving feedback.

Just interested to see the depth of the answers tbh.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Paul Weiss WVS PFO

Me too 😭

 

[gigi401]

Slaughter and May WVS PFO

 

[gigi401]

Slaughter and May WVS PFO

Summer VS i mean

 

[JBM]

Aos wvs pfo post ac

 

[lawyersum]

why do firms be doing the most to depress us on Fridays😭😭

 

[Dannie]

How long does Milbank give you to do the test?

 

[e_turbo2]

why do firms be doing the most to depress us on Fridays😭😭

Their idea of a lovely Halloween treat! 👻

 

[lawyersum]

Their idea of a lovely Halloween treat! 👻

Good point! 🎃

 

[Howmanyrounds?]

Did anyone get asked to apply again next year in their PW PFOs?