TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ellamai0]

I mean what's the point of the vacation scheme if everyone gets the TC?

If everyone got the TC it would be a big waste of time and money to throw on the VS, since vac schemers really don't get much valuable training or work done on the scheme itself. The benefit of advertising to prospective candidates is marginal since there are so many candidates to choose from anyways.

MC firms have started to realise that and slowly reduced the conversion rates on vac schemes as a result.

I disagree with this. I think the conversion rates should be relatively high since they have thoroughly vetted candidates through a generally extensive recruitment process. All of that just for a week or two of work experience is not attractive and personally I would end up just applying for a direct TC.

I think the offer of a TC should be available to every candidate if they perform well, not based on a limited quota.

I had a peer who completed the Freshfields Vac scheme last year, received great feedback and no negatives, but she didn’t receive the TC because of their target quota.

I think firms like A&O Shearman have the right idea.

 

[ellamai0]

Is anyone still awaiting HSF for spring?

Yes painfully 🥲

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone heard from White & Case (Spring VS) post cappfinity?

 

[TCLA0322]

It will take me that long to read the question 😂 😭

And they are not short as "tell me a time..." They are actually long questions

 

[cocochanellaw]

Please PM me if you've done a Baker McKenzie AC before! I would extremely appreciate any advice this wonderful community can give!

 

[BobThebIlly]

I disagree with this. I think the conversion rates should be relatively high since they have thoroughly vetted candidates through a generally extensive recruitment process. All of that just for a week or two of work experience is not attractive and personally I would end up just applying for a direct TC.

I think the offer of a TC should be available to every candidate if they perform well, not based on a limited quota.

I had a peer who completed the Freshfields Vac scheme last year, received great feedback and no negatives, but she didn’t receive the TC because of their target quota.

I think firms like A&O Shearman have the right idea.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what 'target quota' were they looking for??? I also heard this from a friend who got a TC at FF last year and shared the same sentiments

 

[solicitor_2028]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

 

[yasmars]

Yes painfully 🥲

When did you apply?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

I would love to know why they advised against that does seem odd. I think specifically for work experience sections they probably want you to talk about the most relevant experience (ie anything where you had responsibility). Usually I just include open days/insight events in a list on my CV / or on some applications there will be a space specifically asking... hope this helps

 

[Mart1nVa1l]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

I'm surprised by that. I have always been told by different grad rec teams to include them in the WEX section unless there is a designated section for open days/firm events etc.

 

[ellamai0]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what 'target quota' were they looking for??? I also heard this from a friend who got a TC at FF last year and shared the same sentiments

I’m not sure on the situation with all firms but with FF in particular they have an extremely low conversion rate from their vacation schemes (I think around 6 people got a TC last year from both cohorts).

I was told they over hired previously so had less spaces, but my uni had an event with grad rec so I asked them directly. Essentially, the lady laughed because she knew the question was controversial. She said that they tend to give out 6/7 TCs total to vac schemers and didn’t particularly give a reason as to why.

Instantly regretted applying to the vac scheme over a direct TC after that (had just finished stage 2 that same day 😐).

 

[Winter]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

Usually grad rec mentions to bunch them together as one entry rather than flooding the Work experience section with separate entries of insight/open days. I've progressed to AC with several firms by including them. Which firm advised you this?

 

[ninarosee]

I disagree with this. I think the conversion rates should be relatively high since they have thoroughly vetted candidates through a generally extensive recruitment process. All of that just for a week or two of work experience is not attractive and personally I would end up just applying for a direct TC.

I think the offer of a TC should be available to every candidate if they perform well, not based on a limited quota.

I had a peer who completed the Freshfields Vac scheme last year, received great feedback and no negatives, but she didn’t receive the TC because of their target quota.

I think firms like A&O Shearman have the right idea.

I agree, it’s never really made sense to me that some firms take in huge numbers for their vac schemes but then have such low conversion rates..

 

[Harvey Specter]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

That’s probs just that particular firm being stuffy about the work experience. I’ve included all of the insight events I’ve attended (listing them all under a single entry) and have progressed past the app stage with several US firms (Skadden, Akin, Willkie and Gibson Dunn).​

 

[lolololol]

how long after doing the w&c test do you get the feedback report?

 

[Donuttime]

,This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.


this is interesting, i dont typically include insight days or open days in my work experience section because i dont typically see it as work experince. I ususally add it in the 'Would you like to tell us anything further' but i dont think its an issue to add it in the work experience section i just dont typically do and now i think abt it maybe i should

 

[Donna Paulsen]

This might be a dumb question but do you guys mention open days and insight evenings in the work experience section?? I was just attending an event and grad rec advised against doing that which seems a bit weird.

I’m pretty sure Vantage says to include open days, insight events, etc., in the work experience section, so it would be unfair for firms (that use Vantage) to look down on any applicant for doing this when the application form suggests it. Other platforms don’t mention whether or not to do this though, but imo I think it’s fine unless there is a dedicated section for these events.

 

[elle woods]

Sorry guys kinda random but I'm currently looking at W&C's deals and I must say I'm really impressed by the firm's dedication to escalators.

 

[confusedbird]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer right before Christmas 🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

NGL was so tempted to tell you guys earlier because we've been in this together but wasn't allowed to share the news.

 

[BobThebIlly]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer right before Christmas 🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

NGL was so tempted to tell you guys earlier because we've been in this together but wasn't allowed to share the news.

OH HELL YEAHHHHHH I HOPE U CELEBRATE