TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

I get where you’re coming from but I feel like it’s the right message wrong messenger. Cos you’ve also posted something quite similar recently.

It’s ironic for you to say our posts were tone deaf yet you’d done 3 ACs last cycle and secured 2 TC offers post VS/DTC yet posted the below.

You didn’t want anyone to judge you for making a decision to keep on applying despite securing TC offers so why are you judging others on here?

I’m not sure if I’ve misunderstood your post and I definitely don’t want to come across as rude but I can’t help but notice the hypocrisy here?



I don’t think either myself or @elle woods have any intention of being tone deaf and if we did I’m sorry to anyone that we made uncomfortable.

Also, if anyone from admin sees this and decides to delete this post, why are you allowing people such as this user to constantly stir trouble?

Then when we call them out or defend ourselves we get blamed instead? Many of us have noticed this over recent weeks and it’s not fair at all.

I understand nobody wants to see arguments on the forum but unless admin swiftly steps in to at least diffuse the situation this will carry on.

I understand it’s a stressful time for everyone but can we all please try to get along and not be trying to constantly find reasons to argue. ​

Actually I was going to leave this but nah.

What was the aim of this post? I actually want to know you search my name so you could tear me down🤔 so now I’m ridiculed for having an offer that I mentioned once. Although I stated in there why I did not take said offers. So no hypocrisy. And no these ACs messages were not a “one off” I’ve seen soo many of them about having 1 VS only or needing to convert more or not hearing back whilst having secured other firm opportunities etc etc.

Your intention was to tear me down. I find this concerning how ill mannered this post was. There’s was no arguing at all until YOU messaged. Then Ellie messaged then it cause others to it was squashed and everyone was happy. So why did YOU turn it into an argument. And you’ve probs been warned by admin because you’re a bit of a stirrer icl. Like the gifs you put aren’t nice sometimes.

Yes I’m blunt but I’m mostly ever “rude” to you because you dish it and can’t take it then report my posts. Yes saying people should read is mean and I’m sorry but jus standard attention to detail I fear 😭 my apologies to those affected by my actions on the forum🫶

I’m not talking anymore to you or anyone else that has an issue. Message me privately if you need to get anything off your chest x

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

Damn the online personas got me crashing out 😭😭 let me go to bed .

 

[Sharkfin]

 

[Chelsea101]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before 🫠 Thanks in advance!

 

[Novaa]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

OMG I just woke up from a nap to THIS! 💔

Okay, unseriousness aside, thank you for all the help, Author Afraz. You’ve been really helpful and given us reassurance and giggles along the way!!

Travers are very lucky to have you, and I know you’re going to do amazing things!! GO BE GREAT AND SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND 🤩(Badum tss… 🥁another music reference 🤭)

 

[hawkins19]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before 🫠 Thanks in advance!

you are getting marked on collaboration and how you work in a team - contribute but don't speak over people

 

[msclm]

I periodically check this forum to see if I can help people with their tc journey/respond to dms if I can. Recently, more often than not, I have to scroll through pages of actual nonsense. It will eventually turn me away from looking at this forum in general.

I understand tensions are high and this process can very easily cause anxiety and tensions to grow. But I fear yall are missing the point of this forum.

I don’t want to say gain some perspective, but gain some perspective. Argue in private if you so wish, perhaps leave the public forum for public issues.

 

[Legalfreak212]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

the start of this is killing me 😭

 

[Legalfreak212]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

On a serious note i haven’t really heard of Case studies not being m&a related in some way

 

[Novaa]

Just finished scrolling and is this how we act when I have a nap?

Oh back to bed I go, let me know when we start cracking jokes again. 😍

 

[hawkins19]

On a serious note i haven’t really heard of Case studies not being m&a related in some way

ugh thank you so much thats super helpful !!!

 

[pepsicola96]

Thanks! But in my defence all I said was that I'm nervous and wanted advice on how people navigated feeling like it's their last chance in the cycle... the rest was brought up by others? it was never my intention to bring up my VS. And to put the record straight, I never said "guys I need another VS". That is not something that would ever come out of my mouth - at least not in that form with that insensitive tone.

(hence why I was slightly relieved when firmfirm said what I was feeling because I didn't want to risk sounding ungrateful and insensitive)
(I mean this in the nicest way possible - I just hate getting things pinned on me which I didn't actually do)

All I wanted was some advice and reassurance, but because I have a VS already I guess I'm not entitled to feeling anxious and asking for advice. Either way, like Harvey mentioned, it was never our intention to be tone deaf and make anyone uncomfortable. Quite the contrary, I wish to see you all thrive! That's why I am usually always open to helping out others when they ask.

ANYWAYS guys I hate when tensions are high in the forum - I'm sorry for even opening my mouth earlier - it certainly isn't helping with my prep lol PLEASE JUST DISREGARD IT

of course I understand people feeling some type of way about this, but I completely get you! I’m in a similar position, I have secured one vac scheme and one AC coming up. So so grateful for my scheme of course, but it does feel like so much pressure.

You’re completely valid in having some anxiety around it. Converting a vac scheme is another huge hurdle in itself, and rejection post vac scheme hurts more than any other rejection in my experience. I’m absolutely terrified for mine now I’m a final year, so not securing a TC from this = gap year where idk where I’m living or what I’m doing which does make me anxious.

People can of course feel how they do, and that’s valid too, but I think you’re equally allowed to express your feelings about it!

 

[johnsmith]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I had a non-M&A one, but it was still a transactional situation. It particularly fit the firm's strengths, though which lay beyond Corporate.

 

[Vakil]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I’ve gotten case studies about corporate investigations, injunctions, and even sponsorship agreements 😿

 

[LawAspirer]

Actually I was going to leave this but nah.

What was the aim of this post? I actually want to know you search my name so you could tear me down🤔 so now I’m ridiculed for having an offer that I mentioned once. Although I stated in there why I did not take said offers. So no hypocrisy. And no these ACs messages were not a “one off” I’ve seen soo many of them about having 1 VS only or needing to convert more or not hearing back whilst having secured other firm opportunities etc etc.

Your intention was to tear me down. I find this concerning how ill mannered this post was. There’s was no arguing at all until YOU messaged. Then Ellie messaged then it cause others to it was squashed and everyone was happy. So why did YOU turn it into an argument. And you’ve probs been warned by admin because you’re a bit of a stirrer icl. Like the gifs you put aren’t nice sometimes.

Yes I’m blunt but I’m mostly ever “rude” to you because you dish it and can’t take it then report my posts. Yes saying people should read is mean and I’m sorry but jus standard attention to detail I fear 😭 my apologies to those affected by my actions on the forum🫶

I’m not talking anymore to you or anyone else that has an issue. Message me privately if you need to get anything off your chest x

And I asked u a simple question earlier because I wanted a clarification and you replied like a dickhead asking if im the home office. The fuq?

 

[elle woods]

of course I understand people feeling some type of way about this, but I completely get you! I’m in a similar position, I have secured one vac scheme and one AC coming up. So so grateful for my scheme of course, but it does feel like so much pressure.

You’re completely valid in having some anxiety around it. Converting a vac scheme is another huge hurdle in itself, and rejection post vac scheme hurts more than any other rejection in my experience. I’m absolutely terrified for mine now I’m a final year, so not securing a TC from this = gap year where idk where I’m living or what I’m doing which does make me anxious.

People can of course feel how they do, and that’s valid too, but I think you’re equally allowed to express your feelings about it!

Ahhh best of luck with your AC and VS this year! Gosh I can't imagine the pressure you're under esp since it's your final year too! I wish the best for you <3

I appreciate it :> it's sometimes hard to balance others' interests and my own interests I feel haha, but I guess that's a life lesson in itself!

Yea... the gap year thing is what I'm worried about too. I really can't afford a year off ahh, especially in the UK lol...I can really understand the pressure

All the bestt! I hope hope hope we both make it this year!

 

[hawkins19]

I’ve gotten case studies about corporate investigations, injunctions, and even sponsorship agreements 😿

thanks - would you say that you needed prior knowledge, or could work it out based on the info given?

 

[pomegranate]

Hi all! Looking for some advice
For background, I've been slightly stalking this forum without an account for a few months now!

I am incredibly grateful to have secured a TC and VS at two different firms over the past few weeks (unfortunately under confidentiality agreement with both atm!). I am absolutely going to accept the TC offer, since it is probably my 1st choice firm. However, the VS offer is at my 2nd choice firm, and in a completely different area of law to the 1st choice! Therefore, I would love to gain the experience offered at the VS firm for my future career.

I have received my VS firm contract which does not say anything about having a TC at another firm, but I am yet to receive my TC contract whilst they check references. I need to sign my VS offer by Wednesday. I am also unsure what to do when it comes to the AC at the end of the VS.

I would love your advice about what to do in this position!

P.S. I truly hope this doesn't come across as showing off or tone deaf; I have really enjoyed the insights on this forum so far so would love your POV. Thank you!! <3

 

[LawAspirer]

It was most definitely a joke not sure how I came across as a d******d. I then followed up with stating international students get vacation schemes as well and not to worry. To which you said Cooley is different and have requirements. So no I wasn’t being a d******d it was merely a joke not sure how that’s been misconstrued.

Love you too lad.