TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Good morning people. Let's keep hoping for some good news today.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to see some commercial news:

Commercial Discussion 2026

Hello everyone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss some commercial issues - how they affect law firms and clients especially. Feel free to drop anything that has caught your eye in the news and let's discuss!

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

 

[floral.tcla]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

Too bad at science to be a doctor but still need to follow family rules xox

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

Absolutely in shambles Weil rejection, I even did their careers dinner, open day, mentorship with my uni, allocated mentor was also a trainee at Weil. I did everything I could for the VI, the test was great, I practiced for days, tried various answers, used the tcla vi practice tool till I exhausted most relevant questions. I did all this in Nov, so I don't even get why they took so long. Sometimes no news is just no news, it usually never tends to be good news. I was really hoping they could give me some feedback because it feels very frustrating, because I spend so much time and effort on them it feels like I lost the app I was really really hopeful about deep inside. I cannot help but worry and feel very low.

I would really appreciate some advice at this point.

All of this is extremely valid and I feel the exact same way. It's like why even try and put effort in attending the events and courses these firms put on if they'll chose someone who has done absolutely no engagement anyway.

I'd say keep your head up and keep it up high! Over the next two weeks you will see people posting they have Weil VS it is best to just go on about your day and focus on your applications, don't let it get to you. It seems as though the entire TCLA population applied to Weil so they couldn't take every good applicant unfortunately.

On to the next

 

[floral.tcla]

Mood rn:

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

For anyone who has completed the PGDL? How hard was it? How many hours a week did you spend on it?

I've heard some people say it was hands down the most difficult thing they've ever done, and heard others say they kinda coasted through it, just wondering what to expect. The providers say to expect to spend 40 hours a week on it, but they would say that. Like I've had modules at uni which were meant to take me 10 hours a week, but could easily spend 1 or 2 and get a first. Other modules I'm spending double the expected time and struggling for a 2:1.

How is the GDL, in terms of contact hours, and further study/revision?

Honestly, I found it a lot easier than undergrad. What helped me was actually going to all my classes and engaging so that I could ask questions if I needed. Take advantage of all the resources provided and make sure that you do any mocks so that you can go through feedback.

 

[James Wakefield]

Ok no offer yet but the grad recruitment partner accepted a LinkedIn request.

Maybe they’re just nice 🤷‍♂️

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

 

[BealMcAlly]

Not asking for insights at all 😂, but on a scale of 1-10 how scared should I be? I’m losing my mind because it’s my dream firm.

Honestly? Maybe a 2-3 if 1 is CHILL AF.
Just brush up on your application and the firm's USPs, what they look for in their lawyers/trainees.

Best of luck!

It's a short burst. Basically done in 3 minutes total.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

For anyone who has completed the PGDL? How hard was it? How many hours a week did you spend on it?

I've heard some people say it was hands down the most difficult thing they've ever done, and heard others say they kinda coasted through it, just wondering what to expect. The providers say to expect to spend 40 hours a week on it, but they would say that. Like I've had modules at uni which were meant to take me 10 hours a week, but could easily spend 1 or 2 and get a first. Other modules I'm spending double the expected time and struggling for a 2:1.

How is the GDL, in terms of contact hours, and further study/revision?

I am currently doing the PGDL at ULaw, having graduated with a non-law degree last summer. There is a lot of reading and content but imo, it's not difficult to understand the content. You just need to sit down and read read read and make notes. I reckon if you are a hard-working student who went to a decent uni and did a fairly tough course, you will be fine with the PGDL. The student's I know that struggle don't attend the classes. BTW I have not got any grades back so I could have absolutely failed everything LOL

 

[Novaa]

Mood rn:

NO OTHER CHOICE MENTIONED!! 😍😍

Hope it went well though!!

 

[floral.tcla]

NO OTHER CHOICE MENTIONED!! 😍😍

Hope it went well though!!

Hehe

Ah thank you!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Mood rn:

 

[WillKitchen]

Glad this is working for you, aw they sound so nice!! Aren’t there formal recruiting processes at least at the large city firms? You can have referrals but surely you still sit the same processes?

Yes, that's right.

Its a bit of a shame: You've managed to establish a great rapport with several members of staff, who talk enthusiastically about the contribution you could make to the firm, identify casework you'd be perfect for, and the firm initiatives that you could support, and the clients who be really glad to have you on their team...

...and then you fail the Watson Glaser test.

Smaller firms are more likely to have flexible recruitment policies, of course, but I like the idea of working at bigger, global firms. They replicate that culture of innovation and international collaboration that I love about university roles.

 

[Novaa]

I’m hey guys, I'm quite interested in what your reasons are for doing commercial law, like honest reasons, aside from the reasons used in apps...

If I’m being 100% honest, mainly so I can say the following in the future:

Obviously, there are practice areas which I’m really interested in. But before I built that interest, money drove me there

 

[manifestingthetc]

Has anyone completed an AC on cappfinity before? I am not really sure what to expect

 

[toughcookie]

For anyone who has completed the PGDL? How hard was it? How many hours a week did you spend on it?

I've heard some people say it was hands down the most difficult thing they've ever done, and heard others say they kinda coasted through it, just wondering what to expect. The providers say to expect to spend 40 hours a week on it, but they would say that. Like I've had modules at uni which were meant to take me 10 hours a week, but could easily spend 1 or 2 and get a first. Other modules I'm spending double the expected time and struggling for a 2:1.

How is the GDL, in terms of contact hours, and further study/revision?

I did my PGDL while working full-time. I easily spent 6 to 10 hours a week, depending on the topics covered. The sheer volume of information, prep required, and post-learning tasks are all pretty time-consuming. It was challenging, but I personally enjoyed having the routine, meeting other students. My course was in-person and we had great tutors, which really helped the experience too, I’d probably feel differently if it were fully online. I got distinction in the end, so it's doable!

 

[radssss]

Too bad at science to be a doctor but still need to follow family rules xox

I second this🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Moms side of the family are all doctors and dads side of the family are all engineers/investment bankers - I’m too bad at science and don’t like math🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Doctor ❌ engineer ❌ lawyer ✅,

But jokes part, having worked in this profession I’m so glad I picked it and cannot see myself doing anything else now!

 

[GKT]

Capsticks PFO

 

[floral.tcla]