Has anyone done the ES VI yet? I'm planning to do mine tomorrow morning 
would love to know how it went
would love to know how it went-
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
yea and that initial app didn't even have application questions (only work exp and education), or an online test in conjunction with it! that's super annoying I dont even wanna guess why
Following too!Has anyone done the ES VI yet? I'm planning to do mine tomorrow morning
Hey!
Absolutely not a daft question at all - this was something that really stressed me out too, especially as I didn't grow up near London and knew many firms require the PDGL/SQE to be completed in person.
Honestly, it is a tricky situation! I'm quite fortunate that my course provider is fully online, so I've been able to stay in my university city while completing the SQE and will move to London when I start my TC. However, it definitely isn't a perfectly solution - I have to get the train at 6am on my office days, and it is relatively expensive to commute (thank you British rail!).
From speaking to others in my cohort, particularly those from outside London, a lot of people ended up house-sharing to keep costs down. That said, I completely understand that can be difficult when moving with a partner and you don't want to share with others, as I was also in the same position. Living further out and commuting in can help with rent, although travel costs can add up quite quickly!
When I did my placement year in London, I was on around a similar salary as those bursary's and lived an hour commute away. Combined with my partner's salary, we did make it work, so there are definitely ways to balance it - it just takes a lot of careful planning and compromises. I'd have a look at commuter towns around the City, as you might be able to find a good balance between renting costs and travel costs.
Some firms also do offer interest-free loans and other ways of supporting those who would struggle to afford to live in London on the bursary/maintenance alone - I would definitely encourage you to reach out in the future, as the worst thing they can say is no!
I hope that provides some insights, and at least reassures you that you're not alone in worrying about it!
I kinda bombed the last question so thought it would be PFO but made it to VI - you never know lmfao!
Sadly extremely relatable... but we carry on
Good luck tomorrow to you and everyone else on Skadden's WE!
hey everyone, I wanted to just get some life advice regarding next steps of my life. it's a bit of a weird space to do it but I think it will definitely relate to a lot of people here. I'm a non-law finalist and right now it feels like its go time for applications whether that's law or masters. in my heart of hearts I want to do a masters, but there's always been a piece of me that loves law and wants to try it out but law is not only competitive and time-consuming but also not something you can dip your toes in since its often times vac scheme- tc offer-law school which is like a 3 year process.
I know I don't have enough time to balance masters and law but I also do not want to risk potentially having regrets in the future. I've thought about doing just masters applications but again it's so hard because it just so happens that my potential course is only offered at the best unis in the uk/u.s. I also really like law but sometimes I find myself questioning if the applications, pfo's and 10 stages is even worth it. In an ideal world, I would get my dream masters but also have a tc offer which I would defer for post masters but we unfortunately do not live in such paradise. It's been scarier knowing in this one holiday I have 5 masters apps, diss work, coursework and potentially more law apps too.
I feel like I'm getting nowhere asking myself what it is that I want so I wanted to ask here to see if others have been through this, if anyone has any guidance and advice?
I know I don't have enough time to balance masters and law but I also do not want to risk potentially having regrets in the future. I've thought about doing just masters applications but again it's so hard because it just so happens that my potential course is only offered at the best unis in the uk/u.s. I also really like law but sometimes I find myself questioning if the applications, pfo's and 10 stages is even worth it. In an ideal world, I would get my dream masters but also have a tc offer which I would defer for post masters but we unfortunately do not live in such paradise. It's been scarier knowing in this one holiday I have 5 masters apps, diss work, coursework and potentially more law apps too.
I feel like I'm getting nowhere asking myself what it is that I want so I wanted to ask here to see if others have been through this, if anyone has any guidance and advice?
ahha same same, but I'm not sure how best to prepare LOL I am cooked too but thank you!
Best of luck everyone!
Ok so I am a little bit concerned as I did just submit the test this evening. I spent a LOT of time on their application and rlly would like to atleast make it to stage 2 with them so I hope I hear good news tomorrow
oh girl then ur fine, give it some time! I did my test 1 in like Nov so i know im defo PFO haha
Switching between exhausted, excited, apathetic and anxious every day is doing WONDERS for my nervous system🥰 it is truly not for the weak hahahaha
You don't have to decide your entire future this holiday. It’s worth remembering that the average age of qualification as a solicitor in the UK is around 30. There is absolutely no rule that says you must secure a TC before you graduate. Law firms deeply values people with unique academic backgrounds and passion, so doing a masters doesn't close the door to a legal career, and will quite often enrich your profile for later applications.
Right now, with diss and masters apps, your plate is full. Consider focusing your energy there to do them justice. You can keep law warm by targeting just a few firms you genuinely love, or by using time to network and attend open days instead of applying everywhere. This will help you gather intel without burning out before you even start working in the career. You could also consider exploring in-house legal internships, as I found that it is genuinely a more accessible way to get direct commercial legal experience.
A method that served me very well in interviews was to research the major clients of the firms I was applying to. Instead of just knowing that the firm has a top-tier M&A practice, look at who their key clients are, maybe a major retail bank or a renewable energy developer. Then, ask yourself what are the biggest commercial and regulatory challenges facing that client's industry right now, and how could a law firm help to mitigate those issues? This is how some law firms analyse the news to scope out potential new clients and to manage risk for their existing ones.
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