TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Saul_specter]

anyone got information from perkins coie vac scheme webinar yesterday?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

anyone got information from perkins coie vac scheme webinar yesterday?

I think it was recorded cos Jaysen sent an email out yesterday with a link to the recording:

TCLA Directory

directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Mayer brown test I have never done Amberjack and only a few video interviews. I would appreciate any tips (Mayer Brown-specific or not). Thank you!!!

 

[soph107048]

I'd appreciate some advice on how often it is acceptable/whether it is acceptable to check up with a law firm on updates re your application in a situation where some time has passed since previous stages, and many others have received offers/PFOs. Being based outside of London, I have to plan the summer months well in advance especially in terms of accommodation/other schemes etc, and am working part-time meaning I'd have to communicate any absences in advance as well. I have another scheme right before and don't think its wise to book accommodation/flights (since refundable ones are much more expensive) before hearing back, as if I were to get the other offer I'd be staying in London for an extra two weeks. The firm I'm waiting to hear back from is quite high on my list, but assuming I were to get an offer, I only have another few weeks within which I could make the timings of the scheme work logistically and would hate to miss out on the opportunity if recruitment decisions take even longer. @Abbie Whitlock and others, could you advise on whether it's appropriate to communicate this to the firm? I've already contacted them once and only got a vague "we're reviewing applications" reply quite some time ago, after which it has been radio silence. I wouldn't want to jeopardise my chances by pushing for a decision, but since many decisions have gone out I'm not quite sure what the delay is.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone have any advice? I have been invited for an AC but both dates clash with a previous engagement that I cannot miss. Not sure what to do or say as I really like the firm

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Also Dechert and DWF PFO post app. Yay i guess...

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'd appreciate some advice on how often it is acceptable/whether it is acceptable to check up with a law firm on updates re your application in a situation where some time has passed since previous stages, and many others have received offers/PFOs. Being based outside of London, I have to plan the summer months well in advance especially in terms of accommodation/other schemes etc, and am working part-time meaning I'd have to communicate any absences in advance as well. I have another scheme right before and don't think its wise to book accommodation/flights (since refundable ones are much more expensive) before hearing back, as if I were to get the other offer I'd be staying in London for an extra two weeks. The firm I'm waiting to hear back from is quite high on my list, but assuming I were to get an offer, I only have another few weeks within which I could make the timings of the scheme work logistically and would hate to miss out on the opportunity if recruitment decisions take even longer. @Abbie Whitlock and others, could you advise on whether it's appropriate to communicate this to the firm? I've already contacted them once and only got a vague "we're reviewing applications" reply quite some time ago, after which it has been radio silence. I wouldn't want to jeopardise my chances by pushing for a decision, but since many decisions have gone out I'm not quite sure what the delay is.

Hello!

This is completely understandable, especially when you have to plan lots of things in advance! I do think it is acceptable to briefly follow-up again with the firm, as you are not chasing for the sake of it - you have genuine logistical constraints and planning that would be needed, and firms are usually aware that candidates need some clarity on timing for these reasons. I would just make sure that you frame it carefully so that it doesn't come across as pushing for them to make a decision.

Given that it has been a while since you last contacted them, and others have heard back, I think a short and polite email is completely reasonable. I would position it around needing an indication of a timeline and when you might expect to hear back from them, rather than asking for an outcome (e.g. briefly explaining that you have other scheme commitments, accommodation to organise, and work notice to give, etc).

I'd say that something along the lines of stating that you remain very interested in the firm but would really appreciate any guidance on timing should strike the right balance, and I can't imagine it'll jeopardise your chances at all.

I hope you hear back soon!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice? I have been invited for an AC but both dates clash with a previous engagement that I cannot miss. Not sure what to do or say as I really like the firm

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC!!

I had a similar issue with my AC invite from Reed Smith last cycle, as the only dates they offered clashed with a vacation scheme I was already on, so I couldn't attend any of them. I emailed the graduate recruitment team to explain, and they said that more dates would be released and I could book onto one of those.

Of course, every firm is different and I appreciate it is really frustrating if the AC dates you have been offered are the only ones, but I would always reach out to the graduate recruitment team and ask if you haven't already. They might have additional dates planned or be able to make alternative arrangements to allow you to attend an AC.

I'd definitely email and ask - just explain that there is a clash that is unavoidable, and reiterate your interest in the firm. You never know, and at least you'll have a clear answer either way.

I hope you are able to work it out, and best of luck with the AC if you do!

 

[grs563]

atp can SH put us out of our misery at least

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

atp can SH put us out of our misery at least

They’re probs gna pull a Covington and send out an automated PFO tsunami for Sunday at 16:59…

 

[moonlak]

Hello!

This is completely understandable, especially when you have to plan lots of things in advance! I do think it is acceptable to briefly follow-up again with the firm, as you are not chasing for the sake of it - you have genuine logistical constraints and planning that would be needed, and firms are usually aware that candidates need some clarity on timing for these reasons. I would just make sure that you frame it carefully so that it doesn't come across as pushing for them to make a decision.

Given that it has been a while since you last contacted them, and others have heard back, I think a short and polite email is completely reasonable. I would position it around needing an indication of a timeline and when you might expect to hear back from them, rather than asking for an outcome (e.g. briefly explaining that you have other scheme commitments, accommodation to organise, and work notice to give, etc).

I'd say that something along the lines of stating that you remain very interested in the firm but would really appreciate any guidance on timing should strike the right balance, and I can't imagine it'll jeopardise your chances at all.

I hope you hear back soon!

I had a similar question on this! Im on a waitlist for a scheme and last reached out a month ago (just acknowledging the result). Should i send an email expressing my interest again and ask for an indication of a timeline of when i can hear back to plan my summer. I dont want to seem like pushing them to make a decision either if it might jeapordise my chances but it has been a while so im afraid they might not remember. @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

 

[legallycurly]

Hello! Does Shoomsiths send everyone the test for direct TC, or is it selective?

 

[Zimpakos]

Question please if all I've got for my summer vac scheme was a confirmation email of offer asking me to confirm (which I have) and being told Id hear back about seats soon, this is back in February is it good for me to send a follow-up or better off appearing not pushy and leaving it.

I say this as a friend doing a summer vac (different firm) has received seats + contract etc

 

[summersun]

Question please if all I've got for my summer vac scheme was a confirmation email of offer asking me to confirm (which I have) and being told Id hear back about seats soon, this is back in February is it good for me to send a follow-up or better off appearing not pushy and leaving it.

I say this as a friend doing a summer vac (different firm) has received seats + contract etc

Hi, last year for my vacation scheme we only ocnfirmed our dates and acceptance of the offer and then heard back in may about the seats whereas this year for another firm I had a contract si it really varies depending on the firm.
I would not be worried. As long as you have confirmation they received your acceptance, I would not follow up unless you have a specific question you would like to ask.
If they did not confirm they received you acceptance, I woudl not worry but if you want to check you could always follow up on that
Congrats on the vac scheme !!

 

[Zimpakos]

Hi, last year for my vacation scheme we only ocnfirmed our dates and acceptance of the offer and then heard back in may about the seats whereas this year for another firm I had a contract si it really varies depending on the firm.
I would not be worried. As long as you have confirmation they received your acceptance, I would not follow up unless you have a specific question you would like to ask.
If they did not confirm they received you acceptance, I woudl not worry but if you want to check you could always follow up on that
Congrats on the vac scheme !!

Many thanks for u answer! Yeah I dont really feel the need to confirm they received my acceptance so think ill just wait thanks!

 

[jessyjimmiejupiter]

Hi everyone — I’m due to attend Burges Salmon’s upcoming spring vacation scheme and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity and hopefully convert it into a training contract.

If anyone who completed the 2025 winter vacation scheme would be open to sharing any advice or insights, I’d be hugely grateful. Please do message me if you’re happy to chat — thank you so much.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I had a similar question on this! Im on a waitlist for a scheme and last reached out a month ago (just acknowledging the result). Should i send an email expressing my interest again and ask for an indication of a timeline of when i can hear back to plan my summer. I dont want to seem like pushing them to make a decision either if it might jeapordise my chances but it has been a while so im afraid they might not remember. @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

Hello!

I'd say this is a slightly different situation, though I still think it is completely reasonable to reach out - I would just make sure you frame it around wanting to plan your summer, rather than chasing a decision. You could send a short email that states you are still interested in the scheme, and your main reason for getting in touch is to see whether they are able to provide any indicative timeline so that you can organise your summer plans.

I wouldn't worry about them forgetting you at all - if you are on the waitlist, you are already on their radar! It is more likely that they just don't have any updates yet, especially as waitlist movement will often depend on last-minute drop outs or changes of plans.

Therefore, a brief and polite email that asks about whether there is any timeline on hearing back should be absolutely fine

 

[rachl_shep]

If we haven't heard from Weightmans about summer vac scheme, is it safe to assume PFO or have people heard back recently?

 

[gdog123]

did an ac for a VS and i was with 3 others who were DTC is this normal

 

[DiploSha361]

Hello!

My overall approach to the work experience section has been pretty simple and consistent across all of the applications I made - I would aim to discuss:

1. What the role was
2. What you actually did
3. The skills and insights that you gained (ideally linked back to commercial law or the role of a trainee solicitor, if it fits naturally)

On your first point, I do think it is worth briefly mentioning how the experience developed your skills (e.g. your example on prioritisation and time management). The key is to just make sure that it is concise and relevant - a sentence or two that shows the impact the experience had is usually enough, and I'd avoid going into lots of reflective detail.

In terms of length, it really depends on the experience that you are talking about. If there is no word limit, I would use those three elements above as a guide and keep things concise where you can. Realistically, entries will vary quite a bit and shorter roles might be somewhere around 50 words, whereas more substantial entries could be closer to 250-300 words. The main thing is to avoid waffling and make sure that everything you include adds value to your application.

For your last question, I personally wouldn't go into very specific anecdotes (like a difficult customer situation) in the written application. I would keep it more high-level and focused on the overall role, as those kinds of detailed examples are much better saved for video interviews or ACs, where you can properly explain your actions and reflect on them

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Thanks for this useful - I wondered whether for these types of Work Ex Sections (e.g. White & Case's), where there is a 250 word space for each section, should we use prose or stick to bullets. I for example have done a range of jobs in the Foreign Office, from sanctions to working in Somalia so I question if i should do 250 word paragraph for 7+ roles!