TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Ah! Have you been progressed by PMC this year? I’ve applied for VS and heard absolutely nothing….

hi! I got PMC Oxford AC if this helps with timelines?

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

It’s defo frustrating when they don’t even send a confirmation. Try not to count yourself out yet, it’s not over till the outcome lands in your inbox!

You’re totally right! I just have ptsd from being ghosted by companies before after putting in a lot of time and energy (like EY post AC like a year ago)

Sending positive energy to everyone still waiting on outcomes 🙏🏾💪🏾

 

[kukubird]

I dont think so necessarily, can always try to schedule lunch or coffee instead as well in my opinion.

I wouldn't say so, at my last vac it was easier to get to know people at the after work drinks but you can always buy a non-alcoholic beverage.

If for religious reasons you can't be in a pub I think scheduling coffee chats or sitting with trainees and other participants at lunch can also be useful.

 

[lividowl03]

Am i disadvantaged because I don’t drink?

Not necessarily, this guy was very much the outlier and it is very unlikely you'll be in a club with other lawyers into the morning. There will pretty much always be one or several evening socials on a vac scheme which you definitely 1000% should go to. You don't have to drink while there and can have soft drinks or water, but some people choose not to attend at all which is really just shooting yourself in the foot. Usually these socials have your fellow vac schemers, grad rec, your supervisors and sometimes other lawyers too. Basically everyone who's responsible for deciding if you get a TC. Similarly if you are invited to an informal after work drink with your team (though as I've said this is less typical), I would also encourage you to go. Again you can just stay for an hour or two and have soft drinks.

Basically take every opportunity to socialise, I was never invited to after informal work drinks for example, but the trainees in my team did invite me to eat lunch with them every day which really build a relationship. I felt way more comfortable asking them for help with things, or asking to put me in touch with other people. The work and professional side of a vac scheme is obviously most important, but at that stage they already know you're bright and capable, and that will be assessed through your work product and assessments. The one thing they really can't tell about you until the scheme is if you're a pleasant and personable individual who people want to work with, which is done through interacting with you daily and at socials.

 

[Saul_specter]

when referring to band rankings in an interview, is it generally expected that they are in reference to Chambers rankings, or would I need to specify Legal500/Chambers

 

[theintellectualpropertygirl]

any tips for case study interview??

 

[ztas]

has anyone heard back from mishcon post sjt for summer vac? and is there one still waiting to hear from clyde spring vac post VI? I know some people received PFOs already but I haven't gotten anything yet...

 

[Ellief]

has anyone heard back from mishcon post sjt for summer vac? and is there one still waiting to hear from clyde spring vac post VI? I know some people received PFOs already but I haven't gotten anything yet...

Hey I’ve not heard back yet from mischon post sjt for summer yet. I hope we hear soon.

 

[SueD]

hi! I got PMC Oxford AC if this helps with timelines?

Congratulations! I hope it goes really well for you. Thank you for letting me know. I’ve applied for London so perhaps they are doing that office later (perhaps…!).

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Ah! Have you been progressed by PMC this year? I’ve applied for VS and heard absolutely nothing….

Yep, I attended their selective open day too, feel free to DM me, if you have insights for Hogan Lovells ofc.

 

[Apple]

Whenever you are ready, Travers.

 

[msclm]

did sidley grad rec tell anyone when they'll hear back from TI or has anyone heard yet? trying to gauge if/when they might send more TI invites!! (delusional atp)

For winter they sent TI invites over the course of 3 weeks.

 

[Afuturetrainee]

gibson dunn first stage interview?! rly unexpected as theyve already given out so many offers but so happyyy
any insights would be very appreciated, i can share white & case final interview, morgan lewis TI and more

Hiya. When did you apply please!

 

[flamingocelot]

Anyone heard from Travers for their summer vac scheme (expecting a PFO), Stephenson, Boodle, or Harbottle?

 

[Eriberrie]

hi @Abbie Whitlock tysm for your help previously. Could I ask the best way to structure these questions? Since they’re a lot, just some bullet points will do! All 250 words each. Thank you in advance

Please explain why you want to be a solicitor & what about the role at Michelmores appeals to you the most?

At Michelmores we have 3 values: collaborative, commercial and creative - how do you think these values help us to ensure our long term success?

What value do you think solicitors add to a transaction, and why is this important for clients?

What are the key skills you have learnt from your extracurricular activities and/or work experience and why are these skills important for a legal career?

 

[SophiaW]

congrats!! can i ask which scheme this is for?

Thank you!! I chose both so I could be allocated to either

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Congratulations! I hope it goes really well for you. Thank you for letting me know. I’ve applied for London so perhaps they are doing that office later (perhaps…!).

Best of luck!!! sending allllll the vs vibes your way <333

 

[SophiaW]

congrats!!! could i ask when you completed their test?

Thank youu! Literally soo long ago in September, which is why this was such a shock

 

[SophiaW]

Hiya. When did you apply please!

22 September!