TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[EfficientBag123]

there aren't early AC's for those who did the open day.

I’m almost certain there are.

 

[Indigo71]

Okay thank you so much. It’s just that they gave the AC dates so less than a week to prep seems counter intuitive.

If there is an AC next week, when will

 

[Indigo71]

Are we hearing back this week if Baker McKenzie have an AC next week for spring?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I’m almost certain there are.

I did one of the OD's lol. We don't get 'fast-tracked' as such or get an early AC. only brand ambassadors and first-year schemers do.

 

[msclm]

Does anyone know if it’s still worth applying to Sidley?

Yes apply. I applied an hour before applications closed and got the vac and tc. GR reads every single app!

 

[Novaa]

Me answering video interview questions.

HELPP!! 😭😭💀

Me saying “Offices in London, New York, Hong Kong… [goes blank]… Brazil” praying they don’t notice I went from city to country

 

[lawstudent2]

Are these Latham ACs coming out in batches or is it time to accet the pfo 😫

 

[EfficientBag123]

Are these Latham ACs coming out in batches or is it time to accet the pfo 😫

i think in batches

 

[sadlawyer01]

Omg Congrats!! Did you/they complete the Open Day?

no OD, she applied for summer!

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

@Ijustwanttobealawyer this is a feeling most on here, and many in the legal industry will understand - so know that you’re not alone.

Many will have their own ways of dealing with this feeling and it would probably be useful for everyone to pitch in, but for me, it personally worked to simply understand the fact that it wasn’t a race - and I would eventually get to where I needed to be, whether that’s this year, or the next, or the year after.

All of a sudden, I stopped taking the rejections personally, and instead started framing my mindset in a “their loss” kind of way. Of course, I know none of the firms cared, but the delusion within me required at least a little ego.

I’m not going to lie, it was hard to reframe my anxiety, but with that little power trip (made easier with a killer playlist, and daydreaming) I started focusing on the positives, and kept telling myself okay - well I don’t have any TC which means all options for any firm are still within my grasp, so I’m not pigeonholed by one particular firm so I could realistically aim higher.

Aside from that little ego boost (which was essential btw because of how much confidence is knocked during this entire journey) what was most important, was learning to take a break. Whether that be a few days, or a few weeks, it was critical to making sure that mentally I stayed happy. So, I didn’t say no to any socials or I didn’t lock myself way trying to do more and more applications. I simply took a break, recharged, and came back when I felt ready.

You’ll find your own way to deal with this, it really is a journey you’ll look back on and laugh about one day.

Thank you so much Afraz, I really appreciate it! It’s just been quite demoralising feeling like as years go on, things only become more competitive. I failed to convert two VSs to TC (one American and one MC firm) and it’s been a real knock to the confidence.

I hope we all end up where we’re meant to be! Thanks again Afraz

 

[Mikeross750]

Any news on Withers Spring Vac Scheme post-interview?

 

[abc124]

Omg I'm gonna spiral !! This is an excruciating wait. </3

Samee, I’m getting ready to go out and I can’t stop thinking about latham how sad is that hahah

 

[testing123]

My friend who did lathams open day just got their invite for their spring vacation scheme!

wow, that's amazing, congratulations to them! do you happen to know when they applied, i.e. finished test 2? i did mine beginning of December, so I'm wondering if they haven't gotten to that batch of applicants yet. also for spring btw

 

[Applicant3728299643]

wow, that's amazing, congratulations to them! do you happen to know when they applied, i.e. finished test 2? i did mine beginning of December, so I'm wondering if they haven't gotten to that batch of applicants yet. also for spring btw

Hmmm I’m not sure, but I think they applied quite last minute. I applied on the 29th and completed both tests shortly after (also for spring) and I’ve heard nothing so 🤷🏻‍♀️ I imagine they are sending them out in batches though. I imagine we’ll find out over the next couple of weeks, as it’s New Year’s Eve today and this is probably when they’ve just started sending them out. All I know is I think they take ~100 to AC (not sure if this is for both spring + summer or individually) but someone I know who got Latham last year told me that!

 

[EfficientBag123]

I heard they send them out batches.

 

[Prudentia]

Genuine question as to how everyone stays sane in the midst of it all? Me and the refresh button have become alarmingly inseparable in recent times…..

I submit an application and move on. Stay busy. Focus on other applications/activities. I don’t get too invested in any firm upfront, because it’s so competitive. It also means if I do progress it’s a nice surprise.

 

[Harvey Specter]

I’m lowkey beginning to sound like a broken record but has anybody heard from these firms, especially around these dates:

Dechert Spring VS post app (applied 1 Dec)
Goodwin post app (after the first batch of VIs)
Akin post app (applied 13 Dec)
Weil post SJT and VI (test 14 Dec, VI 17 Dec)
Reed Smith post app (applied 19 Dec)
Milbank Summer Trad VS post SJT (test 17 Dec)​

 

[tjeya26]

For those who did the Taylor Wessing written exercise, how many days are you given to complete it?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Genuine question as to how everyone stays sane in the midst of it all? Me and the refresh button have become alarmingly inseparable in recent times…..

Im an older applicant (4 years out of law school and paralegaling in the City since) and this process is and always will be incredibly draining. Though from what Ive seen from work, the grind never stops. Once you qualify it only keeps going… my supervisor made partner this year and the “application” he described to become such was the thing of nightmares…

 

[sqe4676]

I’m lowkey beginning to sound like a broken record but has anybody heard from these firms, especially around these dates:

Dechert Spring VS post app (applied 1 Dec)
Goodwin post app (after the first batch of VIs)
Akin post app (applied 13 Dec)
Weil post SJT and VI (test 14 Dec, VI 17 Dec)
Reed Smith post app (applied 19 Dec)
Milbank Summer Trad VS post SJT (test 17 Dec)​

Hey, yes I heard from Weil and unfortunately got a PFO.