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📅 Vacation Scheme & Open Day Applications 2025–26
Planning to apply for vacation schemes, open days or insight schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:
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2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
Includes winter, spring and summer deadlines + a handy rolling/non-rolling checklist. -
2025–26 Open Day & Insight Scheme Deadlines
Comprehensive list of open day and insight scheme application deadlines across top law firms. -
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread
Ask questions, share tips, and support each other through the application cycle.
Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼
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2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
Search results
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VS applications that don't change from year to year
You can group up firms that require a cover-letter and CV. Then I'd recommend checking the US firms. They seem to all use very similar questions, and have little variation year on year (from my experience seeing previous applications, to my own applications this year). There's no substitute...- D
- Post #2
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
This should not be a shock, and is the corollary of not only firms investing time in you (running the VS), but also you investing time in the firm (learning about the firm on the VS). If a firm runs a VS, theres a very good chance they use that as their primary recruiting tool.- D
- Post #4,025
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
To those who have followed my TC journey on here, you will have heard of the moderate success I've had. Today, it is a time for reflection upon rejection. I received a rejection for my TC Interview I had following my final VS interview. Rejection is everywhere guys. Everyone receives it. Don't...- D
- Post #4,008
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
Latham are doing TC call backs today for their VS. I'd say, if they have space from this, you'd hear soon after. There were 30 of us going for 10-15 vacancies though!- D
- Post #3,965
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Your thoughts required (again!)
Custom Badge? Sign me up! :D I agree with the point raised by @Camilla in that most of TCLA's content is there to assist people who are on their TC journey. Many of those answering questions and providing content are doing so from their own successful experience, so, TCLA rewards are less...- D
- Post #8
- Forum: General Discussion
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Which firms recruit predominantly from VS and which ones from TC?
This is likely the same for most US firms who have a smaller intake - Akin, V&E, Skadden, DP, etc...- D
- Post #7
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Which firms recruit predominantly from VS and which ones from TC?
I think there is a real blurring of the lines between solely/predominantly. For example, firms like Kirkland will accept Direct TC applications but only look at them if they fail to fill their TC's from their VS candidates.- D
- Post #3
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
This is an excellent point I hadn't considered.- D
- Post #3,868
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
They are definitely one of the better firms for a Direct TC. My personal view is that you are in a much stronger position interviewing for a TC once you have done a VS though. You just know the firm a lot better.- D
- Post #3,865
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
To everyone getting a FF rejection post-WG. Honestly, I think they simply have fewer places this year. I know they are holding AC's this week for Direct TC applicants, however, they may simply only have a couple of spots to offer after they had given out TC's to their VS candidates. I'd urge...- D
- Post #3,860
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Herbert Smith Freehills App
The question is worded in such a way that it allows you to speak about any topic of your choice. You may consider that it would be wise to pick a topic that relates to a particular focus of the firm, you may not. From the first-year scheme I attended last year, GR mentioned that this question...- D
- Post #14
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
This may be something you could DM @Jessica Booker about.- D
- Post #3,822
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
Most firms operate a 1 Application-per-cycle policy, but check with the firm in question. That "cycle" generally operates September -> September.- D
- Post #3,816
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
You could email the firm, but, a deadline is a deadline. I'd work on the assumption you have missed your chance, but, as the old saying goes: "If you don't ask, you don't get" :) Best of luck.- D
- Post #3,809
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Vacation Scheme application prep
That's very kind of you! If I can help in any specific way, let me know. TCLA has given me a lot and its only right I give back too :)- D
- Post #10
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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Vacation Scheme application prep
Ah of course, don't not apply like that. Just, ensure you are spreading your applications wide :)- D
- Post #8
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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Vacation Scheme application prep
Whatever you choose, just make sure it is truthful, that way, you will speak about it with conviction. For me - It was getting into University at 31. It was a long journey and I was able to speak about how and why it happened. For most, this is not an achievement, it's just "the norm". However...- D
- Post #5
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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Vacation Scheme application prep
Hey, I would prepare answers to, at the very least, the following questions: Why do I want to be a commercial lawyer? (Why law) What skills do I have that are transferrable to the role of a trainee (Why me) What is your greatest achievement? (Why me) What extra-curricular activities do you...- D
- Post #2
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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General Discussion Thread 2020-21
I have a friend who received an AC Invite this week having applied direct.- D
- Post #3,769
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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How to deal with rejection?
Sorry to hear about your rejection. The first thing to remember is that the vast majority of applicants do not get a Training Contract. If you think, the MC firms get 6000 applications a year, and at best, offer under 100 places... the odd's are already stacked against you. You have done well...- D
- Post #3
- Forum: Applications Discussion