TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TCchaser]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi, I hope you're well!

How do you discuss why you're interested in a particular practice area, especially if a firm is really known for that sector, if you have no experience in that area? Alternatively, I was thinking of discussing how the firm has Band 1 rankings in transactional and contentious departments, and I want to gain a breadth of experience - do you think that might be a better approach, or is it better to focus on a firm's prominent areas?

Thank you!

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Does anyone have any advice/way of finding out what seats/areas of law are available at the Gateley Reading Office? I'm really struggling to find it and I have an AC soon and I have no idea whether the seat i'm interested in is actually offered at that specific office!!

 

[summersun]

Does anyone have any advice/way of finding out what seats/areas of law are available at the Gateley Reading Office? I'm really struggling to find it and I have an AC soon and I have no idea whether the seat i'm interested in is actually offered at that specific office!!

Maybe you could try to message a current trainee on Linkedin to ask them directly? Not sure they will reply one time but worth a try.

 

[adf43256]

has anyone else with a WFW VS offer heard from the firm since the offer was made to them? (i.e. regarding choices of practice areas and next steps)

 

[flamingocelot]

When looking at paralegal job listings, they never include a start date. If I am in my final year of uni so won't graduate until June, is it a bit too early for me to start applying for these roles?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi, I hope you're well!

How do you discuss why you're interested in a particular practice area, especially if a firm is really known for that sector, if you have no experience in that area? Alternatively, I was thinking of discussing how the firm has Band 1 rankings in transactional and contentious departments, and I want to gain a breadth of experience - do you think that might be a better approach, or is it better to focus on a firm's prominent areas?

Thank you!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

It is really common to not have direct experience in an area you are interested in, so don't worry! The firm will be more interested in why the work itself interests you, and you can show this by referring to the type of work involved (e.g. problem-solving in disputes) and why that appeals to you. I always found it helpful to find online programmes, such as Forage, for specific practice areas and have a go at completing those (even if they are for a different firm), as you can use that to explain what interests you about the area.

It is also completely fine to emphasise breadth of exposure. If the firm has strong rankings across both transactional and contentious teams, it makes sense to say that you are attracted to the opportunity to explore a range of areas during the training contract.

If the firm is particularly known for a certain practice area, it can be a good idea to mention it briefly to show you have researched the firm. However, you don't need to build your whole answer around it if you don't have a strong interest there

 

[SueD]

Do firms always made their TC offers separately after Spring VSs and then a final batch after summer VSs? Or do some firms wait until after all the VSs have taken place and then make all TC offers at the same time?

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Hey, does anyone know if the elevator pitch at Ropes is something you can prepare for? Or something they give you a scenario about on the AC?

I'd recommend watching TCLA directory vid with Ropes if u haven't already! Grad rec talk about tips and prep for the ac

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Do firms always made their TC offers separately after Spring VSs and then a final batch after summer VSs? Or do some firms wait until after all the VSs have taken place and then make all TC offers at the same time?

I am pretty sure most firms offer TCs after each scheme, rather than waiting for both. Usually, this is because they have their own benchmark and also they'd want candidates to be able to accept sooner rather than later, as they're aware certain ppl will have multiple offers.

 

[Florencejones]

Are there any other regional firms still accepting apps for a vac scheme? (North/Midlands area) I know majority have now closed

 

[kukubird]

Do firms always made their TC offers separately after Spring VSs and then a final batch after summer VSs? Or do some firms wait until after all the VSs have taken place and then make all TC offers at the same time?

I think it depends on the firm, usually firms will do their vacation scheme and TC assessments at similar times. So everyone is assessed together regardless of which route they applied for.

Some firms give offers directly after Springs and some wait till Summer has finished to give out all TC offers.

 

[elizabethkate]

blake morgan phone interview !

 

[summersun]

Blake morgan Telephone interview ! Surpised to hear back on a Sunday !
Also never done a phone interview so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
@Abbie Whitlock if you have any experience with phone interview?

 

[cmgs7]

absolutely knackered after the SH amberjack and VI bro... the mental fatigue is real

 

[Shaky_Pete]

why yes, I do have nothing better to do than spend 10 hours writing a "law reform proposal" on a Saturday night. Thanks DACB
View attachment 8149

Yeah, the fact that they only gave 2 full working days for this is ridiculous.

 

[dgdfhdfhfss]

I applied to Travers Smith summer VS but have not received a rejection or acceptance. Should I be worried? Should I be expecting a phone call? I have had some unknown numbers calling me, but I usually just decline them as spam. Do they always send emails?

 

[trainee4u]

absolutely knackered after the SH amberjack and VI bro... the mental fatigue is real

I'm kinda glad to be PFOed off that, like doing that VI with unlimited prep, ugh.

 

[RachelZane]

Does anyone know what the final stage DTC interview for a US firm may look like? I already completed an assessment day (split into 2 exercises + partner interview) and have been progressed to the next round but have no insights for what the interview and assessment could be? Does anyone know what I could be possibly assessed on?

 

[dgdfhdfhfss]

Has anyone heard from PMC post AC?

Not yet! (For Oxford)

 

[dgdfhdfhfss]

PMC PFO lol why do they have to send it so late

Sorry ( Was this after the AC?