TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Eriberrie]

Hi I just wanted to reach out and ask if anyone had any insights for Trowers Hamlins, Ashfords, Barcan Kirby, Macfarlanes, Baker McKenzie, weightmans or CMS?

Also how should we approach the questions for CMS graduate solicitor apprenticeship? @Abbie Whitlock

 

[maylawwww]

Hi guys!! i’m looking for a bit of advice — I have a vac scheme upcoming that i have been able to get holiday approved for (yay) however I am waiting to hear back from a couple more ACs about other vac schemes and I don’t currently have enough holiday entitlement to take leave for them ( bc i started this job in the middle of the holiday year) I don’t think my job will let me take unpaid leave (even tho i’d be happy to) so what should I do? I work as a paralegal for a rlly good firm but the training prospects are only within the same team (and I don’t like it lol)

i know this is a great problem to have but i am a bit worried — best case scenario i convert the vac scheme i have but i don’t want to close doors prematurely ygm

 

[maxro]

hey - congrats! is this for summer or spring?

Thanks! I put spring as my first preference and summer as second

 

[cooked2000]

When did Ropes get back to people last year and is the test only given to AC candidates ?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

When did Ropes get back to people last year and is the test only given to AC candidates ?

I had a look and it seems people heard back w/c 24 Feb around a week before the first AC last year.

The first AC date for this year is 3 March, so they will probs send ACs w/c 23 Feb (80 slots).

The test is only sent to AC candidates from what I gathered at one of their insight events.

I think they said that the test is used to determine the interview questions we get asked.​

 

[Z48]

Question: my friend has received a TC from a good firm (silver circle) but has 2 vac schemes for firms he prefers (one US, one MC). obviously it's risky but does anyone have advice on how to navigate this? Would he be able to temporarily accept the TC but still do the vac schemes? Any advice appreciated!

I agree with @InterestInPublicLaw but it could also be worth asking the VS firms if he could be considered for a direct TC. This usually only works where the firm has a direct TC route, but others in past years have done this (he would have to say it’s due to another offer)

 

[Erin Brockovich]

Does anyone know when we are likely to hear back from CRS post-VI? Feel like I bombed the VI...

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone know when we are likely to hear back from CRS post-VI? Feel like I bombed the VI...

I think last year some people got offers around end of feb

 

[qwerty!]

hi does anyone know if latham interviews are blind?

nope, in my partner interview she had my application in front of her and she said she had read through it prior to the interview

 

[FoodieMcFoodieBigBack]

Dechert WE invite and Sidley PFO Post TI within 30 minutes... Feeling neutral?

 

[cooked2000]

Dechert WE invite and Sidley PFO Post TI within 30 minutes... Feeling neutral?

That’s tough. Congrats on Dechert !

 

[TortillaTC]

Those who have heard back from Sidley post app for spring/summer, when did you apply?

 

[GemmaTheFutureLawyer]

Can I ask whether you've had a VI? I'm also holding on to this hope that everyone progressing has applied to the London office

Yep. Had a VI for the Manchester office.

 

[cooked5678]

Dechert WE invite and Sidley PFO Post TI within 30 minutes... Feeling neutral?

If you don't mind me asking, when was your TI?

 

[Hanzeeb]

Anyone heard anything from Browne Jacobson post application?

 

[adfs456]

Sidley TI! Any tips appreciated

 

[ahahamwahaha]

Still nothing from Mishcon??

 

[Bbhu19]

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?

This doesn’t make sense to me as I’ve still not received a pfo? If they were at capacity wouldn’t they send it all in mass?

 

[Donuttime]

This doesn’t make sense to me as I’ve still not received a pfo? If they were at capacity wouldn’t they send it all in mass?

That’s so odd, maybe send them an email?