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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

lividowl03

Active Member
Dec 2, 2025
16
69
Thanks! On the back of this do you think firms who offer a TC would prohibit you doing a vacation scheme elsewhere as a result of accepting? I was wondering (if) i get offered a TC at a firm I have a Spring vac scheme at accepted it and then later did a possible summer scheme would that be possible? Or does it depend on the firm?
As people have said this will depend on the terms of the contract you sign for the Spring TC, or if the Spring firm will extend your offer deadline and the Summer Scheme doesn't prohibit this.

However if we want to be very real here, there are also zero consequences if you were to do this anyway, even if you are not allowed. Not saying that you should, but saying A LOT of people do every year. I believe the SRA used to have a stipulation that they frowned upon this, though they removed it a few years ago. On my scheme last year I knew of two people who had already secured TCs.

It only gets tricky if there's a financial commitment from the firm you've accepted a TC with, or if the Summer Scheme publicises their scheme. By this I mean, if the Spring firm has already paid for you to start to the GDL or SQE or whatever by the time you're doing the Summer Scheme, you may be financially tied and may have to reimburse them should you withdraw from their TC (though this is not likely in June or July). Also should they discover you are on another scheme (through linkedin/instagram etc), that they forbid you from going on, they can rescind your offer. Then if you don't convert the summer scheme you are left without a TC.

Ultimately, it is up to you. Some people still frown upon it, say it's ethically dubious. Some people say it's a competitive market and that firms restricting candidates like this would be unfair. Use your own judgement.
 

Rosie_Kitten

Legendary Member
  • Dec 26, 2025
    173
    345
    Just but ranting but I just HATE Video Interviews !!!!!! Even when I have prepared for it and time myself multiple times I just end up being cut off and not answering the question fullly ... well now expecting a PFO .. You are never timed to the second in real life so why does it need to be like that for video interviews...
    That's why I love the ones that offer multiple retakes.
     

    Vakil

    Distinguished Member
  • Sep 2, 2025
    56
    184
    As people have said this will depend on the terms of the contract you sign for the Spring TC, or if the Spring firm will extend your offer deadline and the Summer Scheme doesn't prohibit this.

    However if we want to be very real here, there are also zero consequences if you were to do this anyway, even if you are not allowed. Not saying that you should, but saying A LOT of people do every year. I believe the SRA used to have a stipulation that they frowned upon this, though they removed it a few years ago. On my scheme last year I knew of two people who had already secured TCs.

    It only gets tricky if there's a financial commitment from the firm you've accepted a TC with, or if the Summer Scheme publicises their scheme. By this I mean, if the Spring firm has already paid for you to start to the GDL or SQE or whatever by the time you're doing the Summer Scheme, you may be financially tied and may have to reimburse them should you withdraw from their TC (though this is not likely in June or July). Also should they discover you are on another scheme (through linkedin/instagram etc), that they forbid you from going on, they can rescind your offer. Then if you don't convert the summer scheme you are left without a TC.

    Ultimately, it is up to you. Some people still frown upon it, say it's ethically dubious. Some people say it's a competitive market and that firms restricting candidates like this would be unfair. Use your own judgement.
    I think there is a lot to be said for handling this process with honesty, transparency, and integrity. These are core values for any solicitor, and it is worth starting to practice them now.
    Personally, I would disclose to the firm that offered the TC that before entering into the contract, I intend to complete the vacation schemes I have already committed to. This shows you are looking to make a properly informed decision about your career. I would also let the vac scheme firms know about the unsigned offer to see if they view it as a conflict. Ultimately, seeing how each firm reacts is a great way to gauge their culture and figure out if you actually fit there.
     

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
    538
    1,111
    I think there is a lot to be said for handling this process with honesty, transparency, and integrity. These are core values for any solicitor, and it is worth starting to practice them now.
    Personally, I would disclose to the firm that offered the TC that before entering into the contract, I intend to complete the vacation schemes I have already committed to. This shows you are looking to make a properly informed decision about your career. I would also let the vac scheme firms know about the unsigned offer to see if they view it as a conflict. Ultimately, seeing how each firm reacts is a great way to gauge their culture and figure out if you actually fit there.

    I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

    Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.
     

    Vakil

    Distinguished Member
  • Sep 2, 2025
    56
    184
    I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

    Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.
    Shoot! I’m sorry to hear you were penalised for you transparency :(
     

    lividowl03

    Active Member
    Dec 2, 2025
    16
    69
    I don't particularly agree - I had conflicting VS last year, where one had a TC option and the other did not. I chose the one without the TC, and the other PFOed me from their TC app with what seemed like extra zeal.

    Ultimately there are plenty of other quality candidates and it's risky to be too open about what you're up to.
    Yeah I'm not even sure where I stand. But ultimately I'd never blame candidates for putting themselves first. Ultimately the detriment of you being honest to a firm is that they just hire one of the many other people banging at their doors for a TC and forget all about you. The detriment to the candidate is having no TC, and doing a whole other cycle that may or may not be successful.

    I do see the argument some people make about 'taking a spot' from another student, but then I'm not sure how fair that is, unless it's a scheme where everyone on it can convert.
     

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