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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Fortune definitely favours the brave. I’ve found that partners are often very happy to give up their time to mentor people if they approach them in the correct way. This is so cool, though. Let us know how you get one!
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    You’re so early in your career! It’s completely normal for it to take some time to get your dream job/role. Social media/LinkedIn will have you believe that you should have a TC secured before you’re even born, but that’s not the reality for so many people. But it’s also completely...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    How many cycles have you done? Don’t give up if it’s something you really want! It’s really hard to get into law, so try not to be too disheartened if this cycle didn’t work out. Every no brings you closer to the eventual ‘yes’.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Completely agree with this. I interviewed for a promotion in my current role last Friday and I was told I wouldn’t be progressing to the next stage via a Teams call yesterday. I appreciated the call from the hiring manager, but I would have much preferred to have such news via email so I...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    You strikingly smashed it! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself 🤭)
  6. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yeah, sorry I forgot to add in my last comment that we are basically saying the same thing! That’s what happens when I’m on this forum during big meetings 😂
  7. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Employers often don't state that, but that's how the scheme operates in practice. I've recruited using a GIS scheme. The 400 applicants was an example, but even if 200 or 100 applicants met the minimum criteria, employers can use a fair method to further whittle down the shortlist if it's not...
  8. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The Disability Confident Scheme doesn’t guarantee an interview to someone with a disability just because they meet the minimum criteria. The actual wording usually says something like a “a fair and proportionate number of candidates.” If 400 applicants said they wanted to be considered under the...
  9. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Haven’t got that far. When I said assessment, I meant the automatic one after the application form.
  10. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I haven’t heard a peep from them since the assessment.
  11. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Whilst working as a paralegal may be helpful for future applications, they're not a guarantee that you'll secure a training contract. If you are struggling for money, I would suggest broadening your search to include other roles and industries. You don't have to work directly in the legal...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I was speaking to one of the lawyers in my organisation about applying for VS and TCs. He said that he applied to almost every single law firm for a VS as a student (he went to Oxbridge) He was rejected from every regional and national firm, but ended up securing VSs with Baker McKenzie...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    You don't have to have done a VS to apply for a DTC. A lot of firms recognise that not everyone is able to complete a VS hence why they have the DTC route. You don't even need legal work experience to secure a DTC. DTCs can be more competitive though, as many firms often fill their training...
  14. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yep! I'm actually looking forward to them, because the deadlines aren't so tight. They're spread out over month. Plus I have managed to become a part-time legal intern in my current organisation which I can shout about (thanks to one of my very kind colleagues who is a lawyer).
  15. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Has anyone else not heard back from White & Case since application/test? I completed both a month ago, but have had no update.
  16. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I’m 29 and WLB doesn’t bother me at all. I’m a workaholic by nature. I figured if I’m going to work stupid hours I might as well get paid extremely well for it. There are plenty of professions that require more hours than law but get paid a fraction of the money. Besides, it’s not forever. If...
  17. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Completely agree with this. I’ve never sat an exam and not been told how I’ve performed until I started this recruitment cycle. It’s wild we don’t get our scores automatically.
  18. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yeah, other partners and associates have said the same to me. They've said the process has become so much more competitive. I guarantee if they were to apply now with the same credentials, most of them wouldn't make the cut. That's how you know the process is cooked.
  19. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Every lawyer and partner I've spoken to about the recruitment process thinks the WG is rubbish. It's used as a way to filter people out, not to test actual ability.
  20. P

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    This is why they want to be lawyers. Willing to work all hours of the day.

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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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