TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

For Orrick AC people!!

Orrick now includes an interview under the AC description on their official website, alongside the written exercise and group exercise. So it’s confirmed.

 

[Jaysen]

Advice desperately needed @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen or anyone else

I've been fortunate enough to have received a VS at firm 1 which has two sets of summer dates, of which I request the second set.

I have just received an email asking me for the specific reason why I am unable to move to the first set of dates.

However, I am waiting for firm 2 to get back to me (post AC) about whether I have secured a second VS during that set
of dates (meaning I am unable to move if successful)

What do i do

This is tricky. I think I'd be upfront here and say that you are awaiting a post AC decision with vacation scheme dates that clash with the first set of dates.

They're probably just trying to fill up the first set of dates and making sure candidates have a genuine reason. But it's not a *bad thing* to have also been offered another vacation scheme. Law firms will be well aware that they are not the only law firm you are applying to.

There is a tiny risk that they make you move to the first set of dates, but that would be unlikely and reflect pretty badly on the firm.

 

[tcfinalboss]

Will the Mishcon Summer AC invites be based solely on the online assessment, given that we passed the chat-based interview, or will they review both now? I'm not sure if the Assessment was automatic post-chat interview.

 

[an03]

Does CRS call you for PFOs?

I think email?

 

[Ifeoluwa]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice on how to prepare for the Travers Smith interview for the VS. Specifically the commercial topic discussion section? They mentioned during the call that its like a debate. What are your tips on preparing for something like that. Thank you!

 

[Eriberrie]

Can anyone with Ziplaw+ send me the Trowers and Hamlins AC insider for the 2026 vac scheme?

 

[HAHAHA]

Does anyone have any good websites to learn about IP law/ developments within the tech industry (like AI, data protection)? Finding it much harder to find resources for this in comparison to finance stuff.

 

[Eriberrie]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , do you have any advice for a strengths based interview? I have one at an AC next week and don’t want to fumble. Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Dannie]

hey does everyone who is doing the JD vac scheme get invited to the 'keep warm' event? what is it?

 

[EfficientBag123]

I think they do. on a side note, I didn't know that you had to progress to WG, so when I applied and didn't receive it, I thought I got autorejected lol

Yea every stage is selective I got the email yesterday I’m just tryna think what the benchmark is apparently it’s really high

 

[l842]

Just got the Dentons VS! Anyone else in MK?

 

[flamingocelot]

Unemployment is looking imminent for me after graduation in June does anyone know how early in advance paralegal positions recruit... like should i be applying for those now or later

 

[Jay1061]

Anyone heard back from Mills and Reeve?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard back from Charles Russell Speechlys for their vac scheme application (London) after completing the video interview?

 

[congrades]

anyone heard for M&R in London esp and (positively) and W&C post WE?

 

[Goodbyetc]

how long does it take MoFo to get back after interview? I fear I flopped

 

[Topdog0073]

Clifford Chance SPARK is meant to be today right? Anyone heard?

 

[wqueens8]

Unemployment is looking imminent for me after graduation in June does anyone know how early in advance paralegal positions recruit... like should i be applying for those now or later

also wondering this.

And does anyone have experience applying for paralegal roles in London (or other cities). The options at home will be very slim so I'm thinking I might just try and find a decent-paying legal adjacent role in London but I imagine they'd be wary If i was needing to relocate.

 

[alanshore]

Yea every stage is selective I got the email yesterday I’m just tryna think what the benchmark is apparently it’s really high

I was unaware, I dont even know what they would look for in the first stage tbh. I think if there is a cutoff it will be 60-70%, but this is my own estimate.

 

[NomenEstOmen]

me! not sure how hopeful i am though as they're already running ACs...have seen about 2 different rejection rounds though so maybe there is hope

Is it true they already gave out all ACs? But why wouldn’t we get rejections?