TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If I was unsuccessful in securing a TC after a vacation scheme, is there a possibility I could get an offer if someone reneges or doesn't accept their offer?

This will depend on the feedback from the firm. If they say you just missed out, then it’s a possibility. However, some vacation scheme students will just not be right for the firm and will be turned down with no further consideration if roles are not accepted.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker, Thank you for clarifying these questions 1 and 2. I am sort of in a similar timeline as I will be graduating in July 2026 from university ( Law degree ) and have not secured any VC and training contract thus far.

My add-on questions are :
1) I would like to apply again for VS / TC schemes in the upcoming autumm/winter cycle. Would it be possible to apply for VS/TCs directly for 2027 to avoid having a gap year ?
2) Will there be firms still recruiting for direct TCs commencing mid-2027 ?

The timeline that is outlined here involves a gap year,

• October 2025 to July 2026 - Recruitment process
• August/September 2026 - SQE prep
• January 2027 - Sit SQE1
• April 2027 - Sit SQE 2
• August 2027 - Receive SQE2 results
• August 2027 - September 2028 - Gap year

3) Will doing a year of LLM specialism ( eg..in IP etc. ) during that gap year be beneficial vs obtaining practical legal work that may count towards QWE ?

Thank you.

1) this will only be possible for firms actively recruiting for those intakes. Most of the larger firms will be recruiting for September 2028/February 2029 in the next cycle. There will be some firms recruiting for 2027 though, you will just need to check which ones those are.

2) Yes - there will be some. You can look at the firms who are recruiting for 2026 now for an indication of which firms these will be. Lawcareers.net does a hand search function where you can search TCs by start date.

3) it will not be beneficial unless you are applying to a highly specialised firm whose work aligns with the topic you have studied (eg those who only do IP)

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone heard back from Pinsents Masons Vario post AC

 

[berocca567]

Anyone know when the application deadline is for BPP pgdl starting january 2026? I.e. if I get a TC offer after a WVS (december), would that be too late? would I have to apply pre-emptively

 

[onedayj]

Anyone knows what the Life at Mayer Brown Job simulation test is like? Any tips pls?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Anyone know when the application deadline is for BPP pgdl starting january 2026? I.e. if I get a TC offer after a WVS (december), would that be too late? would I have to apply pre-emptively

Would you need to start in January? Most firms would be happy for you to start the GDL in the September intake.

It would be a close thing, but if you got an offer before the Christmas break and the firm has a preferred supplier for the GDL, it is likely they will be able to onboard you in time for a late January start. The only issue maybe if you need to arrange a student visa, as that can draw out the process by a matter of weeks.

 

[emma.d]

If anyone’s done the Moore Barlow interview PM me!

 

[Anastasia uzor]

Brabners AC lancashire office! Ahhh I'm so excited! Got a chance to fix my mistakes from last year. 🤞 this will be my last cycle

Hey I’m planning on applying next year, do you know what questions/type of qs were asked when you did it?

 

[j.a55293]

Just received SH SJT

 

[trainee4u]

Just received SH SJT

When did you apply!?
I just got one too and applied in February or something similarly absurd!

 

[j.a55293]

When did you apply!?
I just got one too and applied in February or something similarly absurd!

Think I applied a few days before the deadline in Feb - had assumed by now it was a rejection

 

[Gr33n]

Does anyone know if the video questions at the end of the SH test have unlimited preparation time?

 

[toad92]

Just received SH SJT

Me too, guessing they have gone through apps based on what placement scheme(s) you applied for, as I only applied for the second summer one

 

[toad92]

Anyone got any tips for SH SJT would be appreciated, got three final year exams in the next week and deadline is next weds for the test so my prep is going to be limited😭😭

 

[ZNadeem]

Anyone got any tips for SH SJT would be appreciated, got three final year exams in the next week and deadline is next weds for the test so my prep is going to be limited😭😭

Here are some effective tips for situation judgement tests (SJTs):

1. Understand the Test’s Purpose: SJTs assess how you handle workplace scenarios, so always prioritise answers that show good judgment, teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to company values. Think about what the firm values most (e.g., client service, collaboration).
2. Common Priorities:
   • Clients come first: If a scenario involves a client, prioritise their needs while remaining ethical.
   • Seek help when needed: If you're unsure, it’s usually better to ask a senior colleague or follow procedures rather than guess or act unethically.
   • Teamwork matters: Be collaborative and supportive of others without neglecting your own responsibilities.
3. Prep Efficiently: Since your time is limited, focus on practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format and types of scenarios. Websites like JobTestPrep or Practice Aptitude Tests can help you simulate the test environment.

 

[EzeLaylor]

I should have been clearer that you will need around 12 months to do the SQE (unless you have an exemption from either SQE1 or SQE2). You will need 4-5 months of prep before SQE1, you then will have to wait 3-4 months for the next SQE2 sitting (if you were to start an SQE course in February, you would sit SQE1 in July, sit SQE2 in October/November), and you will then need 4 months to wait for your SQE2 results.

Thanks @Jessica Booker
The firm confirmed that I would start the SQE studies in September 2025 for a March 2027 TC start

 

[emily12]

Does anyone know if the video questions at the end of the SH test have unlimited preparation time?

Yeah SH confirmed there is unlimited time for VI prep

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks @Jessica Booker
The firm confirmed that I would start the SQE studies in September 2025 for a March 2027 TC start

Sounds like you will have six months (possibly slightly more if not an LLM prep course) off between the summer of 2026 and March 2027 then.

I would expect the timeline to be:

Start your studies - September 2025
Sit SQE1 - January 2026
Sit SQE2 - mostly likely April 2026 but could be July 2026
Get SQE2 results - August 2026 or November 2026 (subject to which sitting of SQE2)

 

[clay pulse]

Has anyone doing SH summer scheme heard back after accepting the offer and sending practice areas?

 

[onedayj]

Anyone knows if Baker McKenzie has a policy for candidates to pass SQE on first attempt?