TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I describe it to friends like watching your sports team lose a final, that's the feeling I got

This brings flashbacks of England vs Italy for the 2020 EUROs final and England vs Spain for 2024 EUROs final (they fkd it up both times at that final hurdle smdh). The scenes on campus for the 2024 one was like this every 3 mins:

 

[Applicant7874652]

This brings flashbacks of England vs Italy for the 2020 EUROs final and England vs Spain for 2024 EUROs final (they fkd it up both times at that final hurdle smdh). The scenes on campus for the 2024 one was like this every 3 mins:

Facts lol, England will win the World Cup this year dw

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone know success rate for HSF AC to Vac scheme?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

anyone know success rate for HSF AC to Vac scheme?

This might not be super accurate but at their open day earlier in this cycle grad rec had said they’d received around 5,000 apps last year and invited the top 10% so around 500 to AC. From those the firm invited around 100-130 to do a VS and made around 60 TC offers. So I imagine that it’s 1 in every 4 or 5 people convert AC to VS. I don’t know the exact numbers this is just what I’ve got from one of their more recent open days.​

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

 

[yasmars]

Seems like OC has handed out London ACs

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

Thank you for all your contributions on the forum these past few weeks! Best of luck with your TC at Travers I’m sure you’re gna smash it out the park lad! Future partner in the making! ​

 

[radssss]

Seems like OC has handed out London ACs

Really? I thought everyone who got an invite was Bristol?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

Thanks for all your hard work Afraz! Best of luck with your TC and do come back to say hi once in a while maybe

 

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

Yeah but people are still allowed to be worried about converting any AC they get, whether that’s 1 or 6. When you think about the amount of time and effort it takes just to get an AC in the first place, it’s completely understandable. It’s that feeling of not wanting all the sacrifices you’ve made to go to waste and really wanting to do well for yourself.

haha thank you for conveying what I was too scared to say - didn't want to come across as ungrateful (I am really grateful, but also just super anxious now)

There’s also the added pressure of not knowing whether you’ll convert the 1 VS you already have so feel the need to do well on other ACs to make the TC conversion chances somewhat stronger.

I can only speak for myself but I’m alr bricking it and I’ve only gotten 2 ACs so far. This process is intimidating and I don’t rly believe those feelings of anxiety or nervousness disappear post 1 AC.

People work extremely hard to get through these app processes and as this person wrote, it’s about not wanting all those sacrifices to go to waste and wanting the best outcomes.

Best of luck to everyone who’s got interviews or ACs coming up soon! I hope over the next weeks and months we’re all able to post about our VSs and TCs as a result of our hard work this cycle!

I get all your points but It just felt a little tone deaf saying I really want another VS or I need another VS. Having an AC is an amazing achievement many on the forum have yet to experience. I get your nervous and I wish you all the best in converting but it’s also good to look at it from the other side. Which others have pointed out.

Coming on here and seeing “guys I need another VS” when some have got 5 rejection in the space of 3 days or complaining about rejections when you have multiple ACs alongside it so the worry is far less than someone with no ACs and constant rejections. Some are looking towards the next cycle already whereas other are looking at prep for the AC’s they’ve secured or VS they have coming up. That’s not to say I’m not liking all of your AC posts and cheering you all on which I definitely am!!

It’s important to be mindful but also celebrate those wins! @elle woods hope you smash your AC

I hope this message doesn’t get me blocked by admin

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

Best of luck in your future endeavours @Afraz Akhtar. Sure you'll smash it!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I get all your points but It just felt a little tone deaf saying I really want another VS or I need another VS. Having an AC is an amazing achievement many on the forum have yet to experience. I get your nervous and I wish you all the best in converting but it’s also good to look at it from the other side. Which others have pointed out.

Coming on here and seeing “guys I need another VS” when some have got 5 rejection in the space of 3 days or complaining about rejections when you have multiple ACs alongside it so the worry is far less than someone with no ACs and constant rejections. Some are looking towards the next cycle already whereas other are looking at prep for the AC’s they’ve secured or VS they have coming up. That’s not to say I’m not liking all of your AC posts and cheering you all on which I definitely am!!

It’s important to be mindful but also celebrate those wins! @elle woods hope you smash your AC

I hope this message doesn’t get me blocked by admin

Guys...

 

[yasmars]

Guys...

I don’t think this post is negative in anyway. I think it’s just highlighting another perspective.

 

[Rafa]

For those who have done/are doing the Latham AC, how close to your AC were you given additional information about its format? I booked my AC a couple of weeks ago but still haven’t received the further information they indicated in the initial email. Thank you!

A week before. Don't worry, they will send it!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I get all your points but It just felt a little tone deaf saying I really want another VS or I need another VS. Having an AC is an amazing achievement many on the forum have yet to experience. I get your nervous and I wish you all the best in converting but it’s also good to look at it from the other side. Which others have pointed out.

Coming on here and seeing “guys I need another VS” when some have got 5 rejection in the space of 3 days or complaining about rejections when you have multiple ACs alongside it so the worry is far less than someone with no ACs and constant rejections. Some are looking towards the next cycle already whereas other are looking at prep for the AC’s they’ve secured or VS they have coming up. That’s not to say I’m not liking all of your AC posts and cheering you all on which I definitely am!!

It’s important to be mindful but also celebrate those wins! @elle woods hope you smash your AC

I hope this message doesn’t get me blocked by admin

Yeah I def see both sides of this, every single part of this process is so scary and gruelling, whether it’s your first AC or your tenth. Everyone can and should talk about their experiences here no matter what stage they’re at - everyone deserves support and to be cheered on!!

That being said though, a lot of people here have faced countless rejections and would do anything to just have one AC so they can really showcase their talent outside of an application form. So I definitely think we should be a bit mindful and sensitive of this.

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

Thank you for all your help!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hi everyone, today was my last day at TCLA and I’m now getting ready to begin my TC in March. I really enjoyed my time here, and just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you that made me feel welcome! I know the journey is long, gruelling, often crippled with self-doubt but just know that you will eventually come out on the other side, and you’ll look back and feel very proud of what you accomplished. Wishing you all the best…

@Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu will be around to answer your questions, and @Jaysen will still be keeping an eye on you all (so, in the words of Shakira, no fighting).

You have been so so helpful and have made me laugh many times!! Go smash your TC, Afraz!! They’re lucky to have you xx

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I get all your points but It just felt a little tone deaf saying I really want another VS or I need another VS. Having an AC is an amazing achievement many on the forum have yet to experience. I get your nervous and I wish you all the best in converting but it’s also good to look at it from the other side. Which others have pointed out.

Coming on here and seeing “guys I need another VS” when some have got 5 rejection in the space of 3 days or complaining about rejections when you have multiple ACs alongside it so the worry is far less than someone with no ACs and constant rejections. Some are looking towards the next cycle already whereas other are looking at prep for the AC’s they’ve secured or VS they have coming up. That’s not to say I’m not liking all of your AC posts and cheering you all on which I definitely am!!

It’s important to be mindful but also celebrate those wins! @elle woods hope you smash your AC

I hope this message doesn’t get me blocked by admin

I get where you’re coming from but I feel like it’s the right message wrong messenger. Cos you’ve also posted something quite similar recently.

It’s ironic for you to say our posts were tone deaf yet you’d done 3 ACs last cycle and secured 2 TC offers post VS/DTC yet posted the below.

You didn’t want anyone to judge you for making a decision to keep on applying despite securing TC offers so why are you judging others on here?

I’m not sure if I’ve misunderstood your post and I definitely don’t want to come across as rude but I can’t help but notice the hypocrisy here?
​

I know the age of qualification is late 20's but I can't feel as though firms are pushing for younger candidates. I am not old by any means necessary, i graduated in 2024 I have a good job in the biggest Investment Bank, my applications are solid. But constant rejections. I had 3Acs last year, this year nothing. My educational background - good A level grades 1st non law, Oxbridge. neurodivergent and low socio background. I use a deal or case in every one of my applications that the firm has worked on so i do pass the initial stage, SJT and WG I get decent marks in not really a huge barrier. I get rejected in the last batch for most if not all firms. I have received a TC post VS and DTC last year but was not worth leaving the job I have for the firms I got the offers from. (Was my first time applying so I was not sure what I liked in a firm but found out after do not judge me i don't want to hear it). This post isn't to gloat or for people to feel bad more so my confusion as to why I am constantly being rejected my approach has not changed much since last year.

The rejection emails are pathetic to say the least. You make notes when deciding who to invite to interview and AC but cant throw in a small sentence saying "motivation was poor" "grades did not meet" "superficial application". I understand firms get hundreds and thousands of applications but it is their job to communicate with us at the very least so a bit of clarity would go a long way. This brings me to Weil. I did great in the SJT and VI was super strong, did the forage course, I have a friend who is a trainee there now. I spoke to GR personally a few months ago when they went to my brother university law fair. First rejections were sent in December they sent 3 rounds of ACs as well as 3 rounds of rejections. It is worse being in the last batch than the first. Never understand the terrible staggered approaches firms use when they know forums like this exist its induced fear. But then people who applied to 40+ firms and saw it as a tick box of another firm will make it to AC you can't make it up.

I digress as i understand I am rambling but I am very deflated and tired of the inconsistent approach with feedback and the whole "its luck". tired of it and now i am at work having smile through the pain of yet another rejection where a firm puts "we have a policy of not entering into correspondence with candidates" after rejecting.

I don’t think either myself or @elle woods have any intention of being tone deaf and if we did I’m sorry to anyone that we made uncomfortable.

Also, if anyone from admin sees this and decides to delete this post, why are you allowing people such as this user to constantly stir trouble?

Then when we call them out or defend ourselves we get blamed instead? Many of us have noticed this over recent weeks and it’s not fair at all.

I understand nobody wants to see arguments on the forum but unless admin swiftly steps in to at least diffuse the situation this will carry on.

I understand it’s a stressful time for everyone but can we all please try to get along and not be trying to constantly find reasons to argue. ​

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I don’t think this post is negative in anyway. I think it’s just highlighting another perspective.

No I know. I think everyone is just having different opinions and I agree with all of them.

 

[Deleted member 42704]

I get all your points but It just felt a little tone deaf saying I really want another VS or I need another VS. Having an AC is an amazing achievement many on the forum have yet to experience. I get your nervous and I wish you all the best in converting but it’s also good to look at it from the other side. Which others have pointed out.

Coming on here and seeing “guys I need another VS” when some have got 5 rejection in the space of 3 days or complaining about rejections when you have multiple ACs alongside it so the worry is far less than someone with no ACs and constant rejections. Some are looking towards the next cycle already whereas other are looking at prep for the AC’s they’ve secured or VS they have coming up. That’s not to say I’m not liking all of your AC posts and cheering you all on which I definitely am!!

It’s important to be mindful but also celebrate those wins! @elle woods hope you smash your AC

I hope this message doesn’t get me blocked by admin

What was really the point of this response? It sometimes feels like you’re being contrarian for the sake of it.

When someone says they’re feeling anxious about an AC, the response becomes “think about people who don’t have ACs” or who’ve been PFO’d. When someone makes a genuine mistake or misreads something, the response shifts to comments like “reading is important” or asking why they didn’t see your point or someone else's.

You might see these comments as genuine advice, but there’s often an underlying negativity in how they’re framed.

It just feels like there’s always something critical to add with you, even when people aren’t saying anything ill-intentioned. At some point that pattern becomes exhausting.