TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock / anyone else who may know!

Do you have any tips/advice on what the final partner interview at the end of a vac scheme would be like? Is it similar to the assessment centre interview or is it more of a friendly chat?

Thanks a lot

Hey!

This can definitely vary between firms, so it may be worth reaching out to people who have previously completed a vacation scheme at that specific firm. In my experience, I have had both formats! One was more of an informal chat about how I found the scheme and any feedback I had, while another was a more formal interview that was assessed. Even where it was assessed, I'd still say it felt more like a friendly conversation and wasn't intense - they were mainly interested in what I had enjoyed about the scheme and what I had learnt from it, rather than grilling me on specific topics

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

@Jessica Pearson Hello, as an aspiring criminal defence solicitor in London, would you have any recommendations for securing a paralegal role at entry level with a criminal law firm in London? That is something I am highly interested in and I am truly motivated, but I have never applied for any paralegal roles in criminal law yet and I 'only' completed a legal work experience placement with a criminal law firm in London and two mini-pupillages with criminal Chambers in London. I will also be undertaking this year two other legal work experience placements with criminal law firms in London and another mini-pupillage with a criminal Chambers in London.

Many thanks.

Also wondering this! Out of curiosity how did you get your criminal experience? I've been sending out emails/linkedin messages but haven't had any luck

 

[Topdog0073]

Clifford Chance PFO, still waiting on Orrick though…

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do people go about applying for paralegal roles, with previous vac scheme?

Is it not obvious that I actively want a TC if I've been completing vac schemes, if they are asking about my future do I declare that I would want to apply for TCs. (Note the one I am currently applying for is a legal support centre, no trainees, basically no lawyers in the building)

Hey!

Just to add to what others have already mentioned (i.e. being transparent that you are looking to build experience), I'd say that firms are generally quite aware that most people applying to paralegal roles don't necessarily intend to stay in that role long-term. A lot of candidates will use paralegal roles to gain practical experience while continuing to pursue a TC, so it is not something that will usually come as a surprise to them - these roles typically do have a high turnover rate!

If the topic of future plans comes up, I think it is perfectly fine to say that you ultimately hope to qualify as a solicitor. The key is to frame the role positively by explaining what you hope to learn from it and why the experience would be valuable. As long as you show genuine interest in the role itself and that you would be committed while you are there, firms are usually very understanding about longer-term ambitions

 

[TortillaTC]

guys j had a Q
I got my pgdl results back and got an average of 78 ( a distinction) , including a 96/100 in company law , which is the second highest amongst 3500 students. 80+ in tort and contract too. However , somehow got a 51 in Public law 1 lmao. Do yall reckon it would have a substantial impact on applications next year?

Absolutely not!! Firms don’t care about the PGDL as long as you have a commendation (2.1) overall. Now that the SQE is in place it’s even less important.

 

[lawcool]

Yea that makes sense if that’s the case! Or maybe ask if it could be considered as a Direct TC application instead

I'm assuming they overlapped and this person couldn't do both. If you can then YES DO BOTH. Alternatively ask if there is wiggle room with dates

Heyy both
update, yes they overlapped so I could only pick one The firm have been really nice about it, which I appreciate. I've asked about potentially moving to direct TC! Thank you for the advice<33

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone progressed with an Amberjack getting mid numerical and mid verbal

I'm also wondering... I hope so

 

[trainee4u]

Absolutely not!! Firms don’t care about the PGDL as long as you have a commendation (2.1) overall. Now that the SQE is in place it’s even less important.

had OP got 49 and had to resit, that would be an issue. But 51 is not.

 

[asplawyer100]

Yes I spoke to head of recruitment! It’s for Bristol and Reading offices as they had their ACs last week. London will probably be the following week (admittedly didn’t ask as I’m Bristol based) but would likely follow the same time period post-AC. Which office are you applying to?

Thanks for the response! I’ve applied to London

 

[asplawyer100]

OC summer vac scheme!!! Omg im actually in disbelief especially after i got a post vac scheme rejection yesterday.

Huge congratulations! Which office did you apply for?

 

[LegaK]

Anyone heard update from Linklaters Pathfinder?

 

[User093269823]

guys j had a Q
I got my pgdl results back and got an average of 78 ( a distinction) , including a 96/100 in company law , which is the second highest amongst 3500 students. 80+ in tort and contract too. However , somehow got a 51 in Public law 1 lmao. Do yall reckon it would have a substantial impact on applications next year?

would it be worth asking for a remark if that's possible? just in case something random happened with the marking/putting it in the system
that happened to my friends with a levels

though risky since remarks can always go down

 

[TortillaTC]

had OP got 49 and had to resit, that would be an issue. But 51 is not.

Yes of course, but a fail would cap the overall grade at Pass anyways (at least at ULaw, unsure about BPP and other providers)

 

[Kenomy]

Got that Stevens & Bolton PFO like half an hour ago.. expected it tbh

 

[Lollipopx]

Is anyone still waiting on a response for Goodwin post-AC? Is it likely to be a pfo?

 

[rachl_shep]

CC PFO. Thats my first ever application season over wonderful way to end it haha but ive learnt a lot and hoping next season will be better

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

guys j had a Q
I got my pgdl results back and got an average of 78 ( a distinction) , including a 96/100 in company law , which is the second highest amongst 3500 students. 80+ in tort and contract too. However , somehow got a 51 in Public law 1 lmao. Do yall reckon it would have a substantial impact on applications next year?

Honestly its very firm dependent. I had a similar situation with my grades from uni (highest grade was 75% on diss which was on company and contract law and tort law, but lowest was public law at 55%) and still made it through to pretty decent firms (including top US firms). That said, some firms explicitly state they require 2:1 across all modules and some (like Cleary) ask for 65%+ across all modules. I think considering your rankings aside from the public law module, you should be pretty set (one or two hiccups amongst such good grades) would be okay I THINK!

 

[user397485]

anyone had slaughters pfo

 

[user397485]

anyone not heard from travers yet

 

[Ashley06]

Is it too early to assume PFO from Mishcon Summer, since some people have already received ACs?