TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[qwerty!]

I need to sign a vac scheme offer by the 23rd of feb but I’m still waiting to hear back regarding the outcome of my cleary AC😵‍💫😵‍💫 I emailed cleary and they said they can’t speed up the selection process … is it worth emailing the other firm and asking them to extend the signing period for the offer?? I don’t want to come across like the other firm is a ‘backup’, I kind of want to just scope out all my options before I sign anything

 

[lawyersum]

Lewis Silkin PFO (career changer with considerable experience in one of their key sectors)

Ridiculous. Really do not know what they're looking for.

 

[Z48]

Employers often don't state that, but that's how the scheme operates in practice. I've recruited using a GIS scheme. The 400 applicants was an example, but even if 200 or 100 applicants met the minimum criteria, employers can use a fair method to further whittle down the shortlist if it's not practical to interview all of them. Moreover, TS didn't actually state what their minimum criteria is, so that gives them even more leeway.

I feel like we’re saying a similar thing lol, your last sentence is what I was trying to say in the middle paragraph.

My original response was to someone that didn’t seem to know that Travers offers the scheme at all so I gave them info based on what is stated on their website, but makes sense you have that extra insight if you you’ve worked on the recruitment side

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Anyone have any insights into the second stage Hogan Lovells Online Immersive Assessment with the scenario-based rank questions, video response questions and written response questions? Would be super grateful!

Three video questions and one written response. No super technical questions.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Still not heard from Lewis Silkin :/ - do they send pfos in batches or can I hope for some good news🥲

Me too! I guess it also could depend on office?

 

[Donuttime]

Me too! I guess it also could depend on office?

Me too waiting for Lewis Silkin London office

 

[lawyersum]

Me too! I guess it also could depend on office?

I got pfo from London so keep your hopes up perhaps

 

[Dannie]

when u think you got a call from a firm but its just the national uni survey people....

 

[lawstudent2]

when u think you got a call from a firm but its just the national uni survey people....

This happened to me yesterday, I have since blocked their number

 

[radssss]

Me too waiting for Lewis Silkin London office

I’m waiting on London too!!

 

[amb303]

I have not heard from Addleshaw or Gibson Dunn, I did do the VI for CRS London (Spring preference) but have not heard back from that yet

Same for me on CRS!

 

[amb303]

Didn’t get the CRS holding email and can’t decide if that’s good, bad or neutral 🫠

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I thought they were getting back to us at the end of February (after all the ACs are done), haha.

Last AC was yesterday!

 

[Prudentia]

I feel like we’re saying a similar thing lol, your last sentence is what I was trying to say in the middle paragraph.

My original response was to someone that didn’t seem to know that Travers offers the scheme at all so I gave them info based on what is stated on their website, but makes sense you have that extra insight if you you’ve worked on the recruitment side

Yeah, sorry I forgot to add in my last comment that we are basically saying the same thing! That’s what happens when I’m on this forum during big meetings 😂

 

[phoenix11_]

Same for me on CRS!

Is the VI the last stage before the placement scheme?

 

[Donuttime]

My poor Apple Watch is constantly triggered by my heart rate spikes from law firm app updates. The delayed travers PFO email has really traumatised me

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Hi people,
Wanted to advertise some opportunities that I unfortunately cannot access but you all might be interested in.

Sky Work Experience Placement and Training Contract | Aspiring Solicitors

Aspiring Solicitors is excited to be partnering again with Sky UK on a work experience placement. Sky is offering a fantastic opportunity for 12 candidates to attend a 5 day work experience programme with the potential for a training contract.

www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk

Sky Work Experience if you have an LPC or SQE 1 and can start a TC in September

And

A training contract commencing in September 2026 with Seddons GSC, a Top 200 UK law firm based in London’s West End.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

The right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship required)
At least one year of paralegal experience
Successfully completed the LPC or both SQE 1 and 2 by the application submission date
The deadline for applications is 5:30pm on Friday 6 March 2026. You must submit a CV and cover letter to [email protected] to be considered. Please use the subject: Application for training contract – Vantage.

Feel free to message me if you have additional questions

 

[Donna Paulsen]

LS PFO xxx
Came through just now

 

[ABC234]

I’m in the process of onboarding a firm for their VS and they’ve asked for my CV, is that normal?

Not that I have a problem sending it over but didn’t think that they’d find it relevant

 

[Donuttime]

LS PFO xxx
Came through just now

What’s up with these firms and delayed PFOs