TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ilikelaw]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

for a minute thought you were talking about the other kind of cycle....

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

2nd now. Last cycle was my 1st only made it to a single VI (Willkie). This cycle has been better for me so far (hopefully this is the year I get a TC).

 

[radssss]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

2nd cycle - did a legal placement year in my 3rd year at uni (didn’t convert at that firm and it was also my dream silver circle firm as I flopped the ac at the end of the scheme). Started applying again in my fourth year at uni (no offers) which was technically my first cycle as I only applied to two placement scheme law firms in my second year, was lucky to get one offer!

Now applying as a recent graduate!
I’m an international so I have only two years left to get a tc as my visa will expire so also applying for other sponsored jobs to buy myself more time just incase!

Sorry for the rant, I was so heartbroken

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

On a serious note i haven’t really heard of Case studies not being m&a related in some way

My HSF one last year wasn't (it was analysing a contract about a celebrity endorsement deal) and I don't think my Slaughter and May last year was one either (it was advising about a course of action for a business, I think an acquisition was an option but it wasn't the main focus).

I feel you guys cause I had a legal internship and was so proud because I knew M&A terminology just for neither of my case studies to really be that focused on it

Side note: I fear communicating this to the world is about to send a flood to my inbox

 

[ilikelaw]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

first... i'm scared

 

[radssss]

first... i'm scared

You’re already acing it!! You got this champ!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

first... i'm scared

Ooof for me either fourth or fifth (I lost count) I am a veteran:

 

[PFO Final Boss]

Guys I did Mishcon SJT, high numerical and high verbal, and 1/7/9/9- am I cooked because of that one low pillar?

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Guys I did Mishcon SJT, high numerical and high verbal, and 1/7/9/9- am I cooked because of that one low pillar?

First of all- two nines is spectacular, well done honestly. Whether you're cooked I think it depends on the firm; what I mean is some might not care that you got a low score in one pillar unless its central to their business/everyday work. But you're top 3 in three pillars...I think you have more for you than against you

 

[8law]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from Bank of England ?

im still waiting to hear back post SJT

 

[radssss]

im still waiting to hear back post SJT

Same! :/

 

[Novaa]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

EEK!! (My fifth… )

 

[Novaa]

Ooof for me either fourth or fifth (I lost count) I am a veteran:

TC VETS UNITED!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

TC VETS UNITED!

Once Jaysen launches the TCLA Awards for 2026, you’ve got to win the Nobel prize for best gifs!

 

[summersun]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before Thanks in advance!

Hi
just something that might be obvious but be nice to other people on your group and make sure you communicate clearly.
On my group exercise a guy was rude after 5 minutes. Three of us got the VS and he did not and while that might not have been the only reason I am sure it was part of it.
Good Luck !!!!

 

[radssss]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before Thanks in advance!

@summersun provided great tips! Oh I agree, I remember a trainee telling me that there was a rude person with good points at her ac, everyone got the tc in that group except him.

I would just say - be proactive make sure everyone is participating, if someone is a bit quieter ask them for their view or how they feel about the ideas presented.
Ask to timekeep if you can or atleast present the idea to timekeep to the group, keep an eye at the watch to cover most points of the topic. Take small Initiatives like this and it goes a long way.
I had spoken to grad rec and some trainees and got these tips

 

[8law]

Same! :/

I emailed them about it and they said theres delays because of the amount of applications they received but they will get back to everyone so deffo dont lose hope!

 

[radssss]

I emailed them about it and they said theres delays because of the amount of applications they received but they will get back to everyone so deffo dont lose hope!

Thank you for letting me know as I almost lost hope

Did they say they’d send more vis or something?

“so many applications” - I’m scared now

 

[8law]

Thank you for letting me know as I almost lost hope

Did they say they’d send more vis or something?

“so many applications” - I’m scared now

No they didn't mentions VI's but I followed up asking about that but they havent got back to me ..

 

[pepsicola96]

2nd cycle - did a legal placement year in my 3rd year at uni (didn’t convert at that firm and it was also my dream silver circle firm as I flopped the ac at the end of the scheme). Started applying again in my fourth year at uni (no offers) which was technically my first cycle as I only applied to two placement scheme law firms in my second year, was lucky to get one offer!

Now applying as a recent graduate!
I’m an international so I have only two years left to get a tc as my visa will expire so also applying for other sponsored jobs to buy myself more time just incase!

Sorry for the rant, I was so heartbroken

I think it’s crazy that placement year students still have to undergo an AC at the end! A year of working for the firm is a far better indicator of your ability than an arbitrary group exercise or case study.