TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter]

Finally after waiting 193950 years Freshfields got back to me about the reasonable adjustments for stage 2. I thought I was hallucinating for a sec but it’s real! Gna do it in Jan.​

 

[abc124]

Good luck to you with your other apps!

Thanks, you too!!!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith screen all applications? I applied today a few hours before the deadline and wondering how much this actually affects the application.

I paralegal in a city law firm and we are always given until the exact deadline to revert (to the minute) on all work. Firms' emphasis on submitting apps as early as possible *specific emphasis avoiding being close to the deadline* despite giving a clear deadline boggles me because this is so not the reality of working in some of these places....

I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last cycle and they screen every application.

I agree with what you're saying, but I think a lot of them review before the deadline because of the sheer volume of applications they get and how lean their GR teams are. They would take weeks, if not months just to move people through their multi-step processes

 

[llblawstudent]

Finally after waiting 193950 years Freshfields got back to me about the reasonable adjustments for stage 2. I thought I was hallucinating for a sec but it’s real!​

this must imply they have a few AC spots left, even tho people are already getting vac scheme offers. Maybe hope is not lost after all…..👀

 

[Afuturetrainee]

not applied there before I would say it is focusing on the skills you've learnt. for example academic studies is there a module you did that made you interested in a specific area of law furthering your interest? do you hold a scuba diving qualification (random I know) but from this qualification you could say it pushed you out of your comfort zone and taking risks which can be key in deals in transactional seats.

work experience is kinda easy just what have you learnt from work which relates to law, is it speaking with customers, helping people, researching, networking. Have you done maybe a legal adviser role at university this is a god example to use...

I hope this made some sort of sense haha

No, this is genuinely helpful. Thank you!

And yes scuba diving was random lol

 

[spamelinazoid]

I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last cycle and they screen every application.

I agree with what you're saying, but I think a lot of them review before the deadline because of the sheer volume of applications they get and how lean their GR teams are. If not, they would take weeks, if not months just to move people through their multi-step processes

does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one

 

[t2025]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

I saw you were invited to interview at PW last year. I was wondering how best to approach the work experience section, i.e whether to include positions of responsibility / open days / virtual work experience? Any insight would be really helpful, thank you!!

 

[Novaa]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

Hey!! I just want to say the fact you’ve made it to a vac scheme is really amazing and shows on paper you have what it takes to be a solicitor. Its hard when you don’t convert as there is a lot of decision making which goes into these things. But, just know that you are good enough and have previously shown it. Hope some good news comes your way soon ❤️

 

[BealMcAlly]

does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

From what I heard from Reed Smith's GR team, they don't stop reviewing before the deadline. @Abbie Whitlock can probably confirm if this is true hah

 

[spamelinazoid]

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

but assuming the window is still open does this usually affect the outcome of applications if they are successfully submitted?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Has anyone else not received the test or the holding email from FieldFisher? I applied on deadline day and haven't heard anything but I know people have received emails saying their applications are on hold.
(This is for the pathways to practice scheme)

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Does anyone know if it's worth still applying to Gibson Dunn given the fact they're already giving out interviews?

Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?

 

[user55998384]

Has anyone else not received the test or the holding email from FieldFisher? I applied on deadline day and haven't heard anything but I know people have received emails saying their applications are on hold.
(This is for the pathways to practice scheme)

i applied on the deadline too but havent heard anything!

 

[elle woods]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

hey I agree with what Novaa said, but also, I just wanted to say - don't give up! If this is what you really want, then I trust with my whole heart that you will get it eventually. I've talked to trainees who said it took them over 4-6 times of applying (some with gap years in between cycles) to finally get their first AC, so the fact that you managed to get a VS is telling in itself of your abilities! I think this application cycle is just a bit worse off since the market is kinda poor rn and competition is higher than ever...

Everyone's timelines are different (and btw, the average age of a trainee is usually in the high 20s from what I've heard), some firms might like university students since they're easier to teach and mould, but as a grad, you have your own unique set of skills to draw upon that no one else would have! Believe in yourself, and keep going (give yourself rest days too tho), best of luck!!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Thank you!! Yes, you do get a break! There's a button you press when you're ready to proceed to the next question, so you can take the time you need before moving on

Thanks, I'll go ahead and answer the practice and motivational questions first then!

 

[elle woods]

Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?

apparently they put people on hold earlier on and now they're releasing them and interviewing them in the next few weeks - so I guess that leaves you to make up your own mind as to whether it is still worth it! I personally might not, but at the same time, I'm already halfway through their online form...so we'll see

 

[manifestingthetc]

Did anyone else get a holding email from RPC? I just received and i thought it was going to be another PFO (im traumatised)

 

[manifestingthetc]

100% you go girl!! They'll regret missing out on a star like you

I appreciate you!!! :')

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

as in you didnt speak about the OD in your application for HSFK?

Nope. Maybe it's on me but the day didn't reveal to me any additional motivations to join the firm. That may well be very different for others though

 

[shadowboxer909]

Sorry, just bumping this up! I've heard varying things about how VS offers have already been given out so I'm just really contemplating whether it's worth applying! Does anyone know of people who applied late and still progressed?

You might as well apply.

They're not going to be finished interviewing in December (ask me how I know...).