TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

Guys what are the realistic odds of converting a vac scheme to a TC? At my uni most people told me not to worry about it and that it was largely a formality unless you do something truly outrageous like constantly being late, rude etc. but recently I've been hearing more and more stories of people not managing to convert despite doing their best.

I'm really struggling to even get ACs and I think the only thing that has kept me motivated is that you only need one firm to give you a chance and that once I get the vac scheme it's unlikely for things to go wrong. But now getting a TC feels like such a long shot...

I think as long as you perform well on the work, remember to ask questions about the work you’re doing, remain polite, show interest in the firm, and arrive on time daily the chances are very high of converting at most firms.

Looking back on the VS I completed I think I did everything right, but one thing I forgot to do which came up in my feedback, was that I forgot to ask more questions about the work even though I performed well on the task.

So even though i know it’s easy to take the approach of “I can do this”, make sure you show them you can by also asking questions before setting off to do the task. Also once you’ve submitted it, ask questions on the topic or the purpose of it.

All the best!!

 

[abc124]

My understanding is that while with some firms, a vacation scheme almost guarantees a training contract offer, with most of them, that is absolutely not the case. However, you have a far better chance of converting from vac scheme to TC than you do of getting the vac scheme, so that's one way to look at it?

True!! I guess I was just really surprised, altho now it feels obvious in hindsight...Idk how I went so long being that clueless haha

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

is there any point APPLYING to akin this late lol

is it too late to apply to white & case and gibson?

I am going to submit them soon, I love procrastination as I felt betrayed that the turnaround from my other apps were so long..

 

[abc124]

I think as long as you perform well on the work, remember to ask questions about the work you’re doing, remain polite, show interest in the firm, and arrive on time daily the chances are very high of converting at most firms.

Looking back on the VS I completed I think I did everything right, but one thing I forgot to do which came up in my feedback, was that I forgot to ask more questions about the work even though I performed well on the task.

So even though i know it’s easy to take the approach of “I can do this”, make sure you show them you can by also asking questions before setting off to do the task. Also once you’ve submitted it, ask questions on the topic or the purpose of it.

All the best!!

Thanks so much, that's so helpful and really reassuring! I'll definitely keep this in mind once I manage to secure a vac scheme and try to stop overthinking for now haha Best of luck with everything!

 

[LaDiva]

Any input for the Mills and Reeves online assessment? (amberjack)

 

[meredithgrey]

Just gone to do White & Case test and it's saying time run out but then it said thank you for completing the test. The 4 days since it being sent has not passed and I definitely have not yet completed it. What should I do??????

 

[abc124]

That makes complete sense, thanks so much. I'll defo focus on what I can control now and try to do my best with the apps to actually secure a vac scheme haha

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Just did AG online assessment, was panicked when I open the link it says completed, I tried to sit the test immediately without prep but the my username & password were wrong and then blocked for 5 minutes. I tried to log in again and renew my username & password, and finally the problem has been solved. Sometimes the glitch is so annoying TBH!

Wish that if I had been invited to the next stages for other firms they will allow me to submit on weekend or at least have 7 days deadline or unlimited like AG as I have exams coming up 🫠 why don't they send to me now so I can do it all today and tomorrow.

 

[Lawlawland]

Hoping you get an offer. I'm sure that would be perfect for you.

Very kind of you to say this, thank you ♥️!

Fingers crossed 🤞🏾

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi what do ppl put for minimum salary requirement questions? (Perkins Coie)? would really appreciate any guidance here!

@tc2026 I have always opted to go 10% higher than my current salary or as close to the pay on offer available. I've never actually seen this used in practice, but I don't think it's one they'll think twice about candidates over. They'll just use it to see if you fall in line with whats budgeted for the role and if you ask for lower, they'll probably try matching that to save some money unless its a guaranteed pay scale like TC's are.

 

[jojo23]

Anybody got the dla ac on jan 12?

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi guys! I'm currently filling in the BCLP application form, which contains the following question (with a 500-word limit!):

"What do you find attractive about BCLP's sectors/departments and which area(s) are you interested in having exposure to in your Training Contract and why?"

Does anyone have any ideas on how candidates are supposed to approach answering this? For example, would it be valid to start by focusing on sectors that BCLP specialises in that I find attractive (and, of course, explain why) - e.g. healthcare, energy, etc; and then go on to particular departments that I find interesting (e.g. M&A, Real Estate, Finance) and dovetail that with why I'd like to have exposure to those areas during my TC (perhaps with reference to specific seats that BCLP do?)

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be very grateful!

 

[Prudentia]

Somehow I’ve got through to the next stage of Milbank.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Somehow I’ve got through to the next stage of Milbank.

Huge congrats! We know you can do it, I am waiting mine or PFO post stage 1 since october

 

[wooliewoo]

Random Q but does anyone know if the Addleshaw critical thinking test is the same as Eversheds' (as in, the Qs are very law focused)?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Random Q but does anyone know if the Addleshaw critical thinking test is the same as Eversheds' (as in, the Qs are very law focused)?

It's similar to TW's provider (TestPrep), but completely different questions one to another.

 

[TS.Law]

I got the Milbank's Critical Thinking test (2nd stage). Is this the WGT? Does it have VI? Any insights, please?

 

[wooliewoo]

It's similar to TW's provider (TestPrep), but completely different questions one to another.

Thank you!

 

[TCLA0322]

Milbank stage 2 invite, did on stage 1 29th Dec-any insights on the test, what questions are they supposed to have?