TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

If I’ve secured a VC and will be assessed for a 2028 TC during the VC, is the SQE in 2028 or that I’ll start the SQE in 2027 and start the TC in 2028? (I’m in my final year, set to graduate in July)

The SQE would be done in Sept 27 and would last a year before commencing the TC in 2028. I think the timeline would look like this:

July 2026: graduate from university
Sept 2027: start the SQE
Aug 2028: finish the SQE
September 2028: start the TC
September 2030: qualification

Some larger firms tend to have spaces for earlier intakes so you could start the SQE in Sept 2026 and the TC in Sept 2027, but it’s not guaranteed.

But if you’re a non-law student, you’d be doing the GDL from Sept 2026 to July 2027, before the SQE in Sept 2027 to Aug 2028. Then TC Sept 2028.​

 

[law123456789]

Anyone heard from slaughters today?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

3rd cycle stats (had 1 fluke AC last year but never got further than a WG apart from that):

• 5 ACs
• 3 Rejections
• 2 offers
• 1 TC accepted

Farewell TCLA, what a ride! Keep going guys, all you need is 1 yes and it is closer than you think! Best of luck everyone

 

[user397485]

have slaughters given any non law offers

 

[Applicant7874652]

people have said they could take a few weeks to get back after the AC

They are interviewing rest of Feb so potentially only get news end of the month

 

[summersun]

Does anyone have any tips to calm interview / pre-AC nerves and just get over really bad imposter syndrome?

Hi if you are not in a public place listen to a music you love and dance ! I feel it helps.
Otherwise just remember everyone is probably feeling the same as you and interviewers have been in your place before so there is no reason you are not good enough. You got there, you can make it !!

 

[BobThebIlly]

3rd cycle stats (had 1 fluke AC last year but never got further than a WG apart from that):

• 5 ACs
• 3 Rejections
• 2 offers
• 1 TC accepted

Farewell TCLA, what a ride! Keep going guys, all you need is 1 yes and it is closer than you think! Best of luck everyone

Huge congratulations! This is giving me hope bc I’m almost coming to the end of my second cycle but with no ACs

 

[mcqueens]

Has anyone heard back from Addleshaw after the critical thinking test they sent. I have not heard anything since Jan. Is it worth following up with them by this point ?

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

Does anyone have any tips to calm interview / pre-AC nerves and just get over really bad imposter syndrome?

I struggle with this - I find that what helps me is to stay off social media (including TCLA!) before any sort of interview. The more I take in the input of others, stalk LinkedIn profiles, and absorbe other peoples insecurities and successes, the more nervous I feel and the more imposter syndrome I feel.

Focus on yourself and the firm, thats it. You got this!!!

 

[Arv_329]

have slaughters given any non law offers

I haven't heard of any non law offers yet.

 

[lucky2]

Has anyone heard back from Addleshaw after the critical thinking test they sent. I have not heard anything since Jan. Is it worth following up with them by this point ?

I basically applied on the deadline date I believe and completed the critical thinking test. I was then sent an invitation for voice interview about a week later.

 

[AGB2060]

I wouldn't stress I think it's about 50/50 usually but a partner told me that they essentially fill from the VS for anybody they want and fill in the rest so if you do well enough the place is yours

Thank you!!

 

[AGB2060]

Linklaters vs!! Excitedd

 

[Deleted member 44323]

I’ve been finding the Legal Cheek profiles on firms interesting. It gives some insight (loosely) on what the general working hours looks like but I’ve also had a realisation that I was unintentionally putting too much weight on this one website’s indication of hours.

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Linklaters vs!! Excitedd

Congrats!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Linklaters vs!! Excitedd

Jheeze collecting Magic Circle vac scheme offers like infinity stones! Smashing it.

 

[Mikeross750]

@Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! I would really value your insight on the following situation.

During a firm’s AC I really enjoyed being interviewed by one Senior Associate and her “off the record” explanation of her team’s practice (which is a sub-team of dispute resolution) at the firm at the end of the interview. I ended up getting the vac scheme offer.

I was wondering if I could ask HR if it would be possible to be placed within her team, giving the associate’s insight into her practice as a reason? DR is certainly a seat option for the scheme, but not sure if the associate’s specific Commercial Crime sub-team is.

Trying to avoid being looked at in a negative light in any way as I am eager to convert into a TC.

Thank you in advance!

 

[A worried paralegal]

Has anyone heard back from Addleshaw after the critical thinking test they sent. I have not heard anything since Jan. Is it worth following up with them by this point ?

I haven’t either

 

[law123456789]

I know someone who interviewed after me who has received an offer from slaughters - should I prepare for a PFO?

 

[AGB2060]

Jheeze collecting Magic Circle vac scheme offers like infinity stones! Smashing it.

Hahaha I've got love for my US counterparts too