TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would a firm having rankings in both contentious and transactional work be a unique enough selling point if I can relate it to my personal choices? And also include an interesting deal and a case in the same?

Hey!

Yes, I think that can work well if you frame it in the right way!

Simply stating that they're ranked in both contentious and transactional work isn't unique on its own, as a lot of full-service firms can say that. What makes the example stronger is explaining why that breadth of expertise genuinely matters to you. For example, does it link to having an open-mind about where you want to qualify, your interest in seeing both sides of risk, or perhaps your past experiences?

Including an interesting deal and a case can be a good idea, as it shows that you have engaged with both sides of the practice. I would just make sure that you're not simply listing them - briefly explain what about them stood out and how that connects to your wider motivations.

I hope that helps!

 

[SueD]

fully think there’s no hope imo, haven’t even been sent anything about the VI people will probably receive post AC offers by then

I think you’re probably right. Thought I’d have chance to get VI tbh. I can only do the summer VC and had hoped they were dealing with Spring VCs first but then someone on here said we hadn’t specified which VC in our applications so that can’t be it.

 

[silonthesofa]

No Bristows WE invite, so I'm assuming its a PFO. I have faced many rejections in the past two years, but I have always known it was coming. I always knew exactly where I went wrong. But I genuinely thought I had done well in the VI, and in the app. Honestly, feeling so so gutted. How am I supposed to find the motivation to do any more apps when this entire process is so draining?

I'm in the same boat as you, but am currently convincing myself that even though they've always done post app and initial post VI screening outcomes in one go, that for WE because it's reviewed by partners, it may be done in batches depending on when partners get around to it. I think they only moved to WE as a separate stage to first interview last year, so there isn't much historical data to go off of, but posts would suggest that at this stage, it becomes more staggered. Just hope it's an indication of partner schedule and not of caliber of competitiveness.

 

[SueD]

Bit of a rogue one but did anyone apply to Northridge this year. If yes, have you heard back yet?

No - was really keen to but thought I just didn’t have enough sports knowledge yet. Such a great firm so I hope you progress.

 

[lawstudent2]

When I spoke to a member of grad rec, she said typically around a week (or maybe more) after the final interviews are done.

ah okay thank you so much!

 

[Kenomy]

Bit of a rogue one but did anyone apply to Northridge this year. If yes, have you heard back yet?

Radio silence

 

[silonthesofa]

bristows WE! yipee

Bristows WE invite

Congrats!! Out of curiosity, did you select the option to be considered for an earlier training contract starting in 2027? Or just for the main 2028 start?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Has anyone heard back from Bird & Bird post AC? I did my AC mid January and I have still not heard back and I am getting worried that it’s a no

I don’t think anybody has heard yet so don’t worry! They said in my AC it would be around mid feb because they did summer and spring ACs together and they only finished the summer ones last week so don’t worry yet! Last year apparently they were super late in getting back too

 

[balegde]

Does anyone know anything about when Ashurst will respond post ac?

The last AC I think is today, so I don't know if we can expect a response tomorrow/early next week or if it's a longer wait post the final AC dates

When I spoke to a member of grad rec, she said typically around a week (or maybe more) after the final interviews are done.

yeah I dont think we'll hear until the end of next week at the earliest, probably w/c 23rd tbh, as grad rec also said theyre running virtual ACs next week - crossing my fingers for finding out earlier though haha

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock does tcla offer the opportunity to book a slot for a written exercise assessment?

Hello!

Yes, we do - you can choose one of six written exercises that focus on different types of tasks! If you choose the written exercise with feedback option, you'll be sent the exercise and have to complete it within a 1-hour timed window (as you would in an AC or on a VS). You then receive the personalised feedback within 1 working day. You can find them here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/written-exercise/

I hope that helps!

 

[adfs456]

Congrats!! Out of curiosity, did you select the option to be considered for an earlier training contract starting in 2027? Or just for the main 2028 start?

Thank you! 2028 start for me

 

[lawstudent2]

yeah I dont think we'll hear until the end of next week at the earliest, probably w/c 23rd tbh, as grad rec also said theyre running virtual ACs next week - crossing my fingers for finding out earlier though haha

agreed I hate the wait but that is super useful thanks, time to try forget about it until next week haha

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

I graduated in July and I'm currently a criminal law paralegal. I'm grateful to have a job even though I'm now finding it hard to translate it to commercial law

EDIT: although the transferable skills are really good.

 

[soph107048]

Congratulations!!! is this for the Cambridge office?

noo this is for London

 

[soph107048]

Congratulations! I am still waiting to hear… did you get a phone call or an email?

got an email did WE about a month ago

 

[soph107048]

post AC

do you mind sharing how you found the AC?

 

[summersun]

Has anyone else heard back post WE for TW (London) ?
Lost hope but just want to prepare myself

 

[hopingforamiracle]

anything from Lewis Silkin? I know they said latest tomorrow but I kinda just wanna know

 

[sadboi]

The Willkie AC is one of the best ACs among city law firms I think...have you ever had the receptionist ask you how your day was and wish you luck before and after the AC??? Crazy stuff; I don't even think I'll be upset if I don't get the VS, they all seem so friendly and kind.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

has anyone heard from covington re summer vs

They sent some ACs at the end of Jan but idk if they’re all the ACs and the rest of us are sat here like melons waiting forever for the PFO, or if they are still considering more apps for AC.

I’m gna go with the former, so assuming PFO. I spent a week on that app, went to their open day too so it’s a shame tbh but it’s minor I guess… I’d rather just get the PFO asap though if it is…​