TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LawAspirer]

no

Any news from Debevoise?

nope

 

[LaDiva]

Just got a Farrer & Co PFO, anyone know if the VS and TC application allowance still applies this year? The email doesn’t say so and it’s sort of unclear in the website FAQs. Like has anyone asked grad rec this year ?

Sorry to read this, if you don't mind when did you apply? I've applied on 28/12 and still waiting

 

[lawcool]

Sorry to read this, if you don't mind when did you apply? I've applied on 28/12 and still waiting

Thank you, and deadline day! Good luck, no news is good news atp!

 

[helenaskelton]

Akin TI and Farrer PFO lol

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Have a look through here. Although non-binding, I think most firms will abide within reason: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topic...ry-code-of-recruitment-for-trainee-solicitors

« Employers will respond to all applicants regardless of outcome »… I know a couple of firms breaking this code ….( coughs Paul Hastings )

 

[tedkiss]

Akin TI and Farrer PFO lol

half win is still a win

 

[LawAspirer]

« Employers will respond to all applicants regardless of outcome »… I know a couple of firms breaking this code ….( coughs Paul Hastings )

I won't mention a firm either because Withers will get upset

 

[hanz123]

Anyone know what to expect for Gateley Simulate?

 

[kysharsh]

milbank PFO but gf has a milbank AC!

didnt know they were still doing acs. they said our group was the last one to interview

 

[ZB]

Anyone know what to expect for Gateley Simulate?

I’ve just done. It is SJT and 2 video questions and one practice question.

 

[Chelsea101]

So only two days left to hear from Mishcon Spring! Kind of scary!!

oh Mishcon... reached AC last year, thought I did decent enough in Amberjacks. nvm

 

[OliviaHB]

So only two days left to hear from Mishcon Spring! Kind of scary!!

How do you know this?

 

[Mikeross750]

didnt know they were still doing acs. they said our group was the last one to interview

May I ask if you interviewed for spring or summer?

 

[kysharsh]

Does anyone know how many AC spots Milbank gives?

70

 

[yasmars]

Hi guys, do you think there is any benefit of applying to Stephenson Harwood VS over TC or vice versa?

Same question I have

 

[kelsworking]

Same question I have

I think one main question is previous experience? Although the impression i get from them and a lot of firms is that it is possible to do dtc without any previous legal experience, but i also imagine that people like paralegals/ career switchers/ international students (basically anyone who cannot possibly do vac scheme for some reason) might also be doing dtcs. So i guess it depends on experience. Would be best to do a vs as a student if you haven't done any vac schemes before

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

The email mentions the vacation scheme so may be we will still be considered... but if our applications did not make it past the first stage for VS I don't know if they will for DTC...

Hey!

I spoke to a trainee during my vacation scheme at Farrer & Co last cycle who was rejected for the vacation scheme but received his TC through the direct route in the same cycle - it's definitely worth a shot if you are interested in the firm!

 

[lucyindia]

Same question I have

me too - I remember seeing a post on the forum breaking down which firms recruit mostly from VS and which ones you can still have hope for DTC but I can't find it anymore... if someone's got the link...

 

[kysharsh]

May I ask if you interviewed for spring or summer?

spring traditional

 

[summersun]

Hey!

I spoke to a trainee during my vacation scheme at Farrer & Co last cycle who was rejected for the vacation scheme but received his TC through the direct route in the same cycle - it's definitely worth a shot if you are interested in the firm!

Hi thank you do know if they had significantly changed every question? I really like the firm but I am not how much I can change from each question