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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
realistically how possible is it to get a vacation scheme as a graduate, especially at a magic circle + top US firm? I’ve had multiple
assessment centres at international firms, but I unfortunately haven’t got any, I only have a first-year insight scheme. Obviously I’d be so grateful for any training contract, but the fact that I have been profiled does show that I literally can become a trainee at the top firms (and pay off my student loans quicker!).
There is so much competition, of course, and I have heard that these top firms may prefer students who haven’t graduated yet - in general and especially on LinkedIn, it seems that most trainees got their training contract while they were still at university, a paralegal or changing to Law from another corporate career, but I literally don’t have anything lined up for when I graduate and I’m really worried. I hope this does not come across as negative or ungrateful but I just do you want to adjust expectations and think about future steps
assessment centres at international firms, but I unfortunately haven’t got any, I only have a first-year insight scheme. Obviously I’d be so grateful for any training contract, but the fact that I have been profiled does show that I literally can become a trainee at the top firms (and pay off my student loans quicker!).
There is so much competition, of course, and I have heard that these top firms may prefer students who haven’t graduated yet - in general and especially on LinkedIn, it seems that most trainees got their training contract while they were still at university, a paralegal or changing to Law from another corporate career, but I literally don’t have anything lined up for when I graduate and I’m really worried. I hope this does not come across as negative or ungrateful but I just do you want to adjust expectations and think about future steps
I've recently graduated and I completed a vacation scheme with a US firm this winter and have ACs lined up with other US firms. On my vac scheme I would say that more than half of the people on the scheme were graduates. What's worked for me so far (bearing in mind I've not actually secured a TC yet) is to apply to as many firms as possible with quality applications so I don't think its unrealistic to apply to magic circle and top US firms. It is such a competitive process, I agree, but I think we've just got to keep on chipping away at it and hopefully we'll get where we want to be!
@Abbie Whitlock, I hope you're well!
If a firm asks why you want to train at that firm, and you want to talk about the breadth of experience you can get and the fact that you can work in more diverse areas like leisure and retail, how would you recommend approaching this? I was thinking of linking this to my modules this year at university and how I picked them to broaden my thinking and experiences, but I'm unsure if that would even work and, if so, how to write a cohesive answer. I hope this makes sense haha, any advice would be greatly appreciated!
If a firm asks why you want to train at that firm, and you want to talk about the breadth of experience you can get and the fact that you can work in more diverse areas like leisure and retail, how would you recommend approaching this? I was thinking of linking this to my modules this year at university and how I picked them to broaden my thinking and experiences, but I'm unsure if that would even work and, if so, how to write a cohesive answer. I hope this makes sense haha, any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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harbottle tc interview! i unfortunately cant do any of the dates bc of a vs lol
Thank you and congrats! This is so reassuring and I agree and it will be nice to not be switching mindsets between academic work and law firm research!! So you don’t need that much experience or internships to secure a VS as a grad?
Any way they are willing to be flexible? Always worth asking; worst they can say is no. Congrats!!
In my experience, law firms care more about the skills you have to offer rather than how much experience you have as I think lots of people know how difficult it can be to secure legal experience and internships in the first place! As you've had ACs at multiple international firms it sounds like you're in a strong position!
Congratulations!! Such a brilliant firm. I hope you can swap things around and accept the invitation. Can I ask when you heard from Harbottle?
Has anyone heard from Freshfields after being waitlisted for their DTC AC? Also does anyone know of a similar case where someone was waitlisted and then later invited to an AC with a firm?
Thank you so much Abbie, that makes a lot of sense!Hey!
I'd say it is absolutely fine to use that example, and it won't automatically be perceived negatively.
Being unsuccessful at an AC isn't a red flag at all - in fact, using that feedback can show maturity, resilience and a genuine commitment to improvement (which is exactly what this question is testing).
I would just make sure that you frame it in the right way. For example, make sure that you keep the context neutral and professional (e.g. "Following an assessment centre for a vacation scheme...") and focus on the specific feedback that you received, rather than the outcome. They'll be looking for self-awareness, so I'd demonstrate that you understood why the feedback was given and have reflected on the experience. Most importantly, I would spend the bulk of your answer discussing what you have changed since the AC and how you have improved as a result.
For example, if the feedback was on commercial awareness, showing that you have taken steps to regularly keep up-to-date on commercial news and practice applying it will show proactivity and maturity.
Overall, firms are looking far more at a genuine willingness to learn than for a "perfect" candidate on paper, particularly at a training contract level where will be expected to take on constructive feedback and develop accordingly.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application!
SH VI (spring) 
I think they said there would be 8 people taken in for VE at their OD - my memory may be failing me but I was shocked how small an intake it was. No interview during the scheme though so got the impression it was yours to lose on the scheme.
When did you do your interview if you don’t mind me asking? - did mine on the 13th and I haven’t heard back
Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash itI believe it’s 80 people for the ACs (5 ACs total so probs 16 per AC), 30 VS spaces and 15 TCs.
So it’s like a 35-40% chance of converting AC to a VS, although it’s 8-9 hours long so it’s rough!
I haven’t. Do you mind sharing what it involves (if your don’t mind that is)
lots of firms do Barbri, but perhaps not the higher paying ones.
The SRA has a really crappy SQE course finder you could take a look at.
The PGDL is IMO of somewhat fading relevance - it depends if you're going to do SQE yourself
College of Legal Practice is cheapest option that's not an immigration scam, AFAIK (it's online, and a big provider in Aus)
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