TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Louis Litt]

Remember you’re in the same room as them and at the end of the day… you’re all capable of getting that TC! If they try to make you feel weird about your academic background, that’s a them issue!

Because despite the Russell Group/Oxbridge names they throw out… YOU are in that room with them!

And the people in that room were selected out of 1000+ people, meaning YOU were selected out of all of those people. Including Oxbridge/Russell Group people!

You’ve done great making it to the VS stage, and it’s clear that the firm likes you and your background.

So go and smash it, show them they made the right choice!! MAKE THE REST OF US NON RUSSELL GROUPS PROUD

With how hard it is to land a VS (especially at a US firm!!), there’s no way anyone undeserving can make it through the process. Remember that! You’re there because they absolutely loved you and they think you can add value to the firm. You are on par with the rest of the attendees so please don’t feel like an imposter. You are just as clever, just as talented and just as deserving🩷

This advice man :’) who knew there’s angels in law

 

[Donna Paulsen]

This advice man :’) who knew there’s angels in law

 

[km20]

Yeah the emails are quite confusing, they did refer to it as 'the next stage' but why no congrats etc. if it's truly selective? Idk my guess is that they send it to everyone who meets the basic minimum criteria. Also the assessment seems a bit weird, only 9mins for the verbal reasoning test? it must be super short otherwise wth lol

Yes, I agree!! I have never used this test provider before and cannot find any online practice materials. Plus, I don't know how many stages there are for this role, since it is an immediate start, they don't really have much time to complete the recruitment process. Maybe they won't look at the cv and just chuck out apps based on the test results and then do a final interview, who knows 🤷‍♀️

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

This advice man :’) who knew there’s angels in law

We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt
Harold Gunderson (newest addition)
Lord Sumption (can’t forget the legend)

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​

 

[ABC234]

We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​

Perhaps Samantha Wheeler and Alex Williams

 

[Donna Paulsen]

We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​

Harold Gunderson x

 

[ABC234]

Harold Gunderson x

I've seen him around here pretty sure

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

does anyone know what firm's policies tend to be re travel reimbursements for transport to ACs if I take a flight from abroad? The firm explicitly states they are willing to reimburse £90 for standard-class transport. Am I stretching it if I ask for that same £90 to cover part of my flights?

 

[abc124]

Yes, I agree!! I have never used this test provider before and cannot find any online practice materials. Plus, I don't know how many stages there are for this role, since it is an immediate start, they don't really have much time to complete the recruitment process. Maybe they won't look at the cv and just chuck out apps based on the test results and then do a final interview, who knows 🤷‍♀️

Yeah I couldn't find any practice tests either unfortunately. I looked at the test provider's website and I think ai calculates your overall 'alignment score' so they'll probably use that to quickly filter out a lot of applications. Then maybe they'll be able to afford spending a few days skimming cvs and cover letters before interviews. There's lowkey no info online :')

 

[Louis Litt]

Just checking if anyone here also hasn’t heard from CRS or if I should just take it as a rejection. Guildford office if that makes a difference.

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Hi everyone,


I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!


I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?

Thanks!

Aside from confidence, show your interest in the work you're doing. Ask questions, go for coffee chats and ask insightful questions, offer your opinion when the situation calls for it, be bold, don't be a backbencher but also find balance so you're not talking too much, taking over the vac scheme, etc.

Wishing you the best and hopefully you convert!

 

[ABC234]

Aside from confidence, show your interest in the work you're doing. Ask questions, go for coffee chats and ask insightful questions, offer your opinion when the situation calls for it, be bold, don't be a backbencher but also find balance so you're not talking too much, taking over the vac scheme, etc.

Wishing you the best and hopefully you convert!

Thank you so much!

 

[msclm]

Has anyone heard positively from Sidley for summer? Have seen a few PFOs but wondering if anyone has actually progressed to TI yet. Ta!

People have contacted me asking for advice for the final round interview. But again, they don’t stop TI invites just because people have made it to the partner interview.

 

[abc124]

Has anyone heard from Stephenson Harwood?

 

[radssss]

Harold Gunderson x

@Harold Gunderson 😭😭😭

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Anyone have insight into Hill Dickinson AC?

Congratulations on your AC and hope it goes well! Could I please ask when you applied and when you did the online assessment?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does anyone know what firm's policies tend to be re travel reimbursements for transport to ACs if I take a flight from abroad? The firm explicitly states they are willing to reimburse £90 for standard-class transport. Am I stretching it if I ask for that same £90 to cover part of my flights?

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC!!

I couldn't say for certain what that specific firm's policy would be, as it really varies between firms. I would imagine that as it is the 'standard-class' travel to get from where you are to the AC, some firms would be happy to reimburse that, but I'd double-check with them.

I definitely don't think it is unreasonable to ask - I would just frame it as a clarification, rather than an expectation. As long as you are polite and make it clear that you are simply checking whether it can be applied toward your flight, it shouldn't reflect badly on you

 

[Lord Sumption]

We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt
Harold Gunderson (newest addition)

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​

Still here too

 

[lawstudent8373829]

Did anyone hear back from Osborne Clarke today post commercial interview?

 

[amb303]

Just checking if anyone here also hasn’t heard from CRS or if I should just take it as a rejection. Guildford office if that makes a difference.

Post app or post VI?