TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

I wonder if having undergrad abroad (very “niche” country lol) is increasing my chances to meet basic requirements solely because law firms don’t understand my system 😁 I have good grades but still

 

[LawAspirer]

I wonder if having undergrad abroad (very “niche” country lol) is increasing my chances to meet basic requirements solely because law firms don’t understand my system 😁 I have good grades but still

Hahah, honestly I was hoping the same here. Educated abroad as well. I think it really depends on who ur also competing with. I know my brother and another friend (both same uni) got a TC at a magic circle firm and they were the only foreign educated people in their cohort during the vac scheme. I imagine they like having a "foreigner" mix in to see how they do but again just anecdotal experience

 

[yk1906]

Hahah, honestly I was hoping the same here. Educated abroad as well. I think it really depends on who ur also competing with. I know my brother and another friend (both same uni) got a TC at a magic circle firm and they were the only foreign educated people in their cohort during the vac scheme. I imagine they like having a "foreigner" mix in to see how they do but again just anecdotal experience

Well done!! I’m hoping you’ll get a TC as well, intelligence is surely in the family. I also hope I’ll be that foreigner lol. But I honestly don’t know anyone from my country who applies to TCs in the UK, I’m the only crazy one who is bold enough to try lol.

If I stayed in my country I would’ve been a middle level associate by now 🥲

 

[LawAspirer]

Well done!! I’m hoping you’ll get a TC as well, intelligence is surely in the family. I also hope I’ll be that foreigner lol. But I honestly don’t know anyone from my country who applies to TCs in the UK, I’m the only crazy one who is bold enough to try lol.

If I stayed in my country I would’ve been a middle level associate by now 🥲

Appreciate it! Likewise to you!
I'm in my 3rd cycle and this one seems more brutal than the previous one, despite getting 1 year of really good work experience in-house, so I'm really not sure wtf is going on this cycle

 

[c.t.tc]

Its been 41 days since I last heard from simmons.

Chances of me getting married seem to be higher at this rate🙄

Me too literally since October but hey being forgotten isn't being PFOd! I think? Not sure which one is better🤷‍♂️

 

[yk1906]

Appreciate it! Likewise to you!
I'm in my 3rd cycle and this one seems more brutal than the previous one, despite getting 1 year of really good work experience in-house, so I'm really not sure wtf is going on this cycle

I believe in the fact that we’re still going to live very well no matter what 😁😁 I’m just going to try every year until I succeed, but I do really think I’m ready this cycle. Unfortunately, it also depends on grad rec being sure of that 😂

 

[TA04]

for the Forsters application question: "Forsters offers legal advice across a wide variety of areas. Which two practice areas are you most keen to explore during your training contract, and why?"
does this refer to the 4 main areas which they work in or is it more specific, like their smaller teams within those overarching areas?

 

[RJ Ruban]

not too sure on the stage 2 part, but what I do know rn is that they've already held quite a few ACs and are currently giving out offer calls. I've heard that they will be holding some last few ACs in January so maybe they're focusing on their current task at hand before going back to invite people to the next set of ACs?

Is this for VS or DTC?

 

[yk1906]

Is this for VS or DTC?

VS

 

[jojo23]

not too sure on the stage 2 part, but what I do know rn is that they've already held quite a few ACs and are currently giving out offer calls. I've heard that they will be holding some last few ACs in January so maybe they're focusing on their current task at hand before going back to invite people to the next set of ACs?

I remember reading somewhere that ac's for dtc applications happen between jan and March (im smoking prime copium)

 

[Harvey Specter]

I remember reading somewhere that ac's for dtc applications happen between jan and March (im smoking prime copium)

More chances of me winning the lottery than FF ever getting back to me at this point. These guys really don’t want to give adjustments they might as well just send the rejection atp. 🫠​

 

[whywhy88]

More chances of me winning the lottery than FF ever getting back to me at this point. These guys really don’t want to give adjustments they might as well just send the rejection atp. 🫠​

Did you request adjustments on the application form? Cause I did and didn't reach out to grad rec or anything and my adjustments were automatically applied to my test. So maybe they've been automatically applied on yours too? Hope they get back to you regardless!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Did you request adjustments on the application form? Cause I did and didn't reach out to grad rec or anything and my adjustments were automatically applied to my test. So maybe they've been automatically applied on yours too? Hope they get back to you regardless!

I submitted a separate form for my adjustments and had a phone call with grad rec nearly 3 weeks ago but it’s been crickets since then. I sent them a follow up email 1 1/2 weeks ago and they just aired me lol. I doubt they’ll ever get back to me atp cos ACs will be sent out soon if they haven’t been alr. Sad times but it is what it is ig. 🙃​

 

[adam.o]

Has anyone heard back from BCLP?

 

[cookedlawstudent]

It probably depends on if you’ve got extenuating circumstances and/or flagged as contextual too, because I only have ABB A-levels and whilst I’ve gotten a high 2:1 in my degree, I had several 2:2 modules but I had mitigating circumstances. The majority of my modules were strong 2:1 or above but I had at least 4 2:2 module marks.​

I get mildly annoyed when people say to just apply anyways despite having a 2:1 because it's usually from the perspective of someone who applied years ago or has simply not experienced VS/TC applications...like yes having a strong 2:1 in my first year is not even that impressive anymore, if anything it's bare minimum. I don't blame people who decide to grind 2nd year and apply in 3rd year with strong grades at all.

 

[ellewoods26]

Hey! Whoever has insights on the Hogan Lovells Stage 2 test (the Job Simulation Assessment) or the Weil SJT, I would love some help! I'm happy to provide insights on FF Stage 1 and Stage 2 tests, the A&O Shearman SJT, the Clifford Chance SJT, Linklaters SJT, Dechert WE and AC. I can also share about Kirkland & Ellis, King & Spalding, Weil, Skadden, HL Open Days ◡̈

 

[TCLA0322]

Any responses from any of the following? :

Debevoise

Cooley

Osborne

AKIN

Squire Patton Boggs

Ropes & Gray

Davis Polk

Eversheds Sutherland

Taylor Wessing

SIDLEY

I'm still waiting and applied around 2-3 weeks ago

To my best knowledge: Debevoise is non-rolling (Open Day released around the Feb first week), Ropes & Gray (non-rolling), Sidley may start screening spring. Davis Polk, I personally haven't heard anything. TW spring is making the next stage, but I applied summer so the decision for WE they said in the app email will get back us in Jan.

 

[Scottishlion]

Does anyone have any insight into Weil SJT + VI or Macfarlane's Stage 2? Also does anyone know the timeline for hearing about assessment centres now its christmas? Can we expect to hear back soon or in jan?

 

[Scottishlion]

Congrats!!

I applied on 5 November but haven’t heard anything so definitely not semi-automatic! I’m expecting a PFO because despite having A*AA, I only got a low/mid 2.1 with multiple 2.2 grades and I can’t imagine that with removing all application questions, they aren’t looking for strong A levels AND at least a strong/high 2.1.

I'm sure you'll get it! I have a similar profile. Graduated with a 2:1, A*AA but had a couple of 2:2s and got the SJT + VI so stay hopeful!

 

[hawkins19]

is it worth applying to Cleary this late?