TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[maylawwww]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

 

[Ananya123]

Are we supposed to hear from Kirkland this week?

Yeah im sure they already gave out the rejections

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

You also get more attached, I lowkey loved my interviewers so I will be double sad if I am rejected !

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

I don't think it should happen for the 5 places per 1 spot firm. But when it's 2 places per 1 or less, I think it's acceptable.
Many firms do subsidise travel expenses (not enough do), but also expecting people to make free time during exam periods/work / etc is also a bit unfair.

 

[Ananya123]

hey guys, has anyone received an AC with Linklaters for their summer scheme? I would also appreciate if anyone did the slaughter and may AC and tell me about how that went

 

[Hopeful applicant]

I imagine if no Debevoise Open Day invite then its PFO?

i would imagine couple more AC's are still possible - they would have no reason to keep people guessing if they would not send a single more. However, now it would likely be driven by people missing the response deadlines/not being able to come etc.

 

[pepsicola96]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

Yessss, especially when there's not even a group exercise. I have coming up soon, just a case study and interview, absolutely no reason it can't be virtual but instead I'm getting a 3 and a half hour train each way to london, paying £80+ for that train that may or may not be reimbursed, and I've had to give up an 8 hour shift at work which is £100 in lost earnings, and I may not even be successful

To take it one step further, there is a huge discrepancy in the compensation for the vac schemes themselves. If I am successful at this AC, I will once again need to pay for travel to London, and accommodation for 2 whole weeks, on £500/600 per week. The costs will easily exceed anything I am paid, and I have to account for the fact I'm not working for 2 weeks, which for me is another £250 per week-ish. In effect, I'm going to be probably not far off £1000 poorer following the scheme, and this is the primary route of starting a legal career in the UK.

I think if firms are truly committed to widening access to the legal profession, there needs to be a much greater provision of accommodation or higher pay

 

[Bob142]

Has anyone heard back post-AC for Kirkland

 

[user397485]

anyone heard back post AC for bakers and slaughters

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

I totally get this point. That being said, I despise video interviews, so I do appreciate being able to do them in-person.

On a related note, I would be interested if anyone knows if firms are willing to a) reimburse any accomodation for people who show need and/or B) be flexible as to time of the AC or C) do it in a virtual format

 

[Marble_Moth]

Hi guys, do we know when Shoosmiths close their apps for discovery placement? Hoping it's tomorrow at midnight

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock

I was just wondering - for a short note and report, do you need a header with information like to, from, date etc - like what you would do in a memo? And, would you include an executive summary and/or conclusion for either of them?

Thank you

 

[maylawwww]

I totally get this point. That being said, I despise video interviews, so I do appreciate being able to do them in-person.

On a related note, I would be interested if anyone knows if firms are willing to a) reimburse any accomodation for people who show need and/or B) be flexible as to time of the AC or C) do it in a virtual format

I see what you mean-- I do know that when I did an AC with Taylor Wessing they gave options for both in-person and online to accommodate these differences (and at a grad event, they noted that they statistically take the same proportion for VSs from both formats). I would def support this being more common as I haven't seen any other firm offer this!

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Is AG sending out any more VIs for ldn ?

 

[CharlesT47]

Yeah im sure they already gave out the rejections

What do you mean? The AC rejections? There’s been rejections post AC already?

 

[user55998384]

hi does anyone have latham AC advice please, that they could share? I would really appreciate it

hey when did you get the invite

 

[tc2026]

hey when did you get the invite

hey like 2 wks ago

 

[futuretraineeihope]

any mishcon updates (spring)?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hey firms, there are two more hours available to give me an update for something... just saying

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hey, congrats! Just wondering roughly when you completed the Clyde & Co VI?

On the deadline, and I think they sent all invitations at once because the only available dates are 10 and 12/2 and slots are first come first served.