TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[TCTC]

GIBSON DUNN VACATION SCHEME OFFER 😭😭

CRYING MY EYES OUT ATM 😭 😭 😭 😭

 

[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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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...

Hi!

Hopefully this is the thread you are referencing - it might be slightly outdated, but still a helpful guide!

 

[kelsworking]

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...

From last year (2024-25), so some data might be outdated but useful

Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

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

gosh why don't they just PFO me then - Summer applicant