TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Free for all!!

No specific scheme, they bundle us together, then I’m guessing allocate as they go along?

I wonder how many apps Ropes will have gotten this year. During one of their webinars this year, I rem grad rec said last year it was 1,750 for 80 AC slots, 30 VSs and 15 TCs. I reckon it’ll be around 2,000 this year which is acc insane! ​

 

[Aug123]

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite, that is amazing news!!

Whilst I haven't completed Irwin Mitchell's AC before, I have previously shared some advice on strengths-based interviews - I have quoted it below. Hopefully it is useful in your preparation! Wishing you the best of luck with the AC, I'm sure you'll smash it!

Thank you for your help!

 

[hopingforamiracle]

is it just me or does it feel like the squid games this year

 

[member8868]

Just received the Dechert WE for summer vs, pretty sure I messed up every single WE I've done so far so would be extremely grateful for any advice! Can share interview / AC insights for a couple of US and UK firms in exchange : )

 

[CharlieandLola]

Irwin Mitchell and NRF PFO love to see it

 

[jojo23]

is it just me or does it feel like the squid games this year

Me and who?

 

[susie897]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

 

[Novaa]

I wonder how many apps Ropes will have gotten this year. During one of their webinars this year, I rem grad rec said last year it was 1,750 for 80 AC slots, 30 VSs and 15 TCs. I reckon it’ll be around 2,000 this year which is acc insane! ​

*SIGHS LOUDER THAN EVERYONE ELSE*

I would so love to be part of that final 0.75%… *CLEARS THROAT* OH ROPES THAT WOULD SO MAKE MY YEAR!!

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone still waiting on macfarlanes summer vac scheme? havent heard back since doing online assessments

 

[ash_22]

no bc why does 90 seconds go so quick! feel like their questions were way too detailed for 90 seconds. how are you gonna give me a 3 part question with such little time to answer

Yeah I got cut off on like 3 answers genuinely a nightmare. Hoping it works out any way!!! especially since everyone seems to have found it diabolically short

 

[AS24]

Squire VI!

 

[Academic Weapon]

Eversheds Vac Scheme!! War is over

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Petition to add a "thank you so so so much" reaction - "like" sometimes simply does not do it.

 

[TortillaTC]

Has anyone heard anything from these firms who applied on or around these dates:

Sidley Spring or Summer post app (applied on or around the deadline so 8/9 Jan).
Orrick Summer post app (applied on deadline)
Freshfields DTC (post stage 2 sat in Dec/Jan).
Covington Summer post app (applied on deadline 16 Jan, seen ACs end of Jan but no PFOs).

I’m also waiting on Ropes and Travers but I think they don’t get back to us until end of Feb… ​

Applied to Orrick+Sidley on the same days as you and haven’t heard anything.

 

[Fauxfilm_]

Just did the CRS VI.

Definitely wasn’t as tough as I had expected and also do think general preparation is so so key as the questions aren’t there to catch you out.

If you’ve done your research and prepared well, you will be fine!

Think I did well on all but 1 questions so not holding my breath but enjoyable experience for my first VI

 

[t2so]

For the Simmons^2 PFO, did everyone else get an email saying that it is because they are at capacity for the scheme that they are unable to progress the application to the next stage?

Mine said that and also that they encourage me to apply again when applications open in autumn, but I presume that's just a standard format email?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

OMG MET THE BENCHMARK FOR DLA PIPER VI AFTER I WAS STRESSING ALL DAY

waiting for ac email now

 

[jj238]

Anyone still waiting on a Bakers AC invite or rejection? I know some people have received an AC invite. I haven't received a rejection (yet). Anyone else in the same boat? Or anyone been rejected yet?

 

[Novaa]

I love the influx of good news I’m seeing!!

Oh TCLA LLP!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite, that is fantastic news!!

I would try not to worry - this is a relatively common issue, and firms are generally very understanding as long as you let them know promptly (which you have done!). I had a similar issue when I was invited to the Reed Smith AC last cycle as I couldn't attend any of the original dates, and was able to move to a later one with no issue - as long as you are polite and flexible, it shouldn't count against you at all.

Hopefully they should come back to you with a new date soon - you have done everything right here, so try not to panic

Best of luck with the AC!