TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureLawyer_]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

I’m the same, I graduated last year. Thought I’d apply this cycle but haven’t had any luck. Going to go travelling now until August and hit the new app cycle running! Everything happens for a reason, and like someone else said, it’s not a matter if, it’s just when it’ll happen!!

 

[Novaa]

Out of curiosity, those of you who have graduated and are applying, what have you been doing since graduation. I finished education in September and trying to get paralegal or non law grad jobs has been such a draining process. Ive managed to get a part time retail job but im not feeling that great about my undergrad, masters and SQE leading to retail (terrible mindset ik and I apologise not trying to put anyone down)

I was trying to apply for Paralegal roles, got ghosted A LOT, then ended up in a non-technical role within the IT sector. I was happy with it because I felt like it gave me good transferable non-legal skills which I would have also got as a Paralegal. It also would’ve paid better, which is a plus. I also just really needed a job, I think it had almost been 5 months post-graduating.

On not wanting to go back to retail, I 100% get what you mean as I had been doing it since I was able to work and through sixth form and through university. It wasn’t necessarily that I was “above” retail but more so just tired of doing it after years.

 

[adfs456]

Bristows WE invite

 

[adf43256]

I’m the same, I graduated last year. Thought I’d apply this cycle but haven’t had any luck. Going to go travelling now until August and hit the new app cycle running! Everything happens for a reason, and like someone else said, it’s not a matter if, it’s just when it’ll happen!!

That sounds great I'd love to go travelling for that long but I think id get homesick lool. I do plan to do back to back short stay holidays the MINUTE I secure that TC

 

[adf43256]

I was trying to apply for Paralegal roles, got ghosted A LOT, then ended up in a non-technical role within the IT sector. I was happy with it because I felt like it gave me good transferable non-legal skills which I would have also got as a Paralegal. It also would’ve paid better, which is a plus. I also just really needed a job, I think it had almost been 5 months post-graduating.

On not wanting to go back to retail, I 100% get what you mean as I had been doing it since I was able to work and through sixth form and through university. It wasn’t necessarily that I was “above” retail but more so just tired of doing it after years.

Yeah I think im currently 3 months post graduation (technically still a student cuz I have a resit) but I think I have this mental countdown in my head that if I dont secure something by a certain time frame idk

 

[Chelsea101]

Anyone know how long it took CMS London TC people to hear back after AC? Ty

 

[busybee070]

is it worth it to apply for the simmons & simmons vac scheme given it’s in bristol and not london office?

 

[SueD]

no same here they’ve been awful this cycle, dead silence and people are progressing

I emailed them and they just said they will get back to applicants within 10 weeks of the deadline which I think is early March. They have run ACs and I applied early so not holding out much hope.

 

[Novaa]

Just got an email about this and I don’t think I’ll be able to attend as I’ll be at work, but if anyone is…. Pleaseeee may you send me your notes? I need to tackle these VIs!

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

how long have u been waiting for?

11 days at this point - is it safe to assume a PFO?

 

[Applicant7874652]

11 days at this point - is it safe to assume a PFO?

Last year I did AC 29 Jan and got an offer 10 Feb so they can take a bit of time

 

[M_m]

No Bristows WE invite, so I'm assuming its a PFO. I have faced many rejections in the past two years, but I have always known it was coming. I always knew exactly where I went wrong. But I genuinely thought I had done well in the VI, and in the app. Honestly, feeling so so gutted. How am I supposed to find the motivation to do any more apps when this entire process is so draining?

 

[hanz123]

I emailed them and they just said they will get back to applicants within 10 weeks of the deadline which I think is early March. They have run ACs and I applied early so not holding out much hope.

fully think there’s no hope imo, haven’t even been sent anything about the VI people will probably receive post AC offers by then

 

[johnsmith]

is it worth it to apply for the simmons & simmons vac scheme given it’s in bristol and not london office?

This is really a personal question for you: do you want to be based in Bristol? The London and Bristol offices are meant to work in tandem, so it's not meant to be an "us" and "them" situation. I do think it is also possible to transfer offices post-qualification, if they had need and space, but definitely is not guaranteed.

 

[Legalfreak212]

greenberg traurig pfo and now expecting another pfo from Bristows…ugh

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

so is mine lol cant even get myself to sleep

Hope it went ok! Glad that we weren't questioned heavily on the specifics of the firm

 

[cooked2000]

Tempted to start DTC apps just so my inbox feels more lively

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi Abbie, sorry to bother you but I wondered if you might know how best to handle this situation. IM came back to me and said they are only running one AC date for the stream I applied to. I have a situation with work that unfortunately cannot be missed. Feeling gutted that I might have to withdraw from the process. Do you know whether they might hold this against me if I decide to reapply next year?

Can you do the AC in another office?

 

[LawEnthus]

Has anyone received a PFO from Wedlake Bell VS yet? I applied late dec and their deadline was 12 Jan non rolling with interviews in late feb and im trying not to read into the silence but want to prepare myself..

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Congratulations! Is this a London AC?

yes London Spring