TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[alphabravocharlie]

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

 

[Diana54]

Has anyone heard back from Bird & Bird post AC? I did my AC mid January and I have still not heard back and I am getting worried that it’s a no

 

[ADhillon01]

Hey I think this is selective! Have you completed this yet? Any insights would be super appreciated, and good luck

Not done it yet! But pretty sure it’s just one question to answer, so I mean it would be super unfair if one of us shared it with the other beforehand

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anyone heard back post AC for RPC or Burges Salmon?

I think for RPC they waited for all the London ACs to run before making decisions so I would expect news next week

They will communicate outcomes on 27/2. Attended AC and that's what they said.

 

[hopingforamiracle]

checking my gmail everyday and my email looking back at me like with no news:

 

[t2so]

Does anyone know anything about when Ashurst will respond post ac?

The last AC I think is today, so I don't know if we can expect a response tomorrow/early next week or if it's a longer wait post the final AC dates

When I spoke to a member of grad rec, she said typically around a week (or maybe more) after the final interviews are done.

 

[ababababba]

has anyone heard from covington re summer vs

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hi!

No need to apologise at all!

I am really sorry to hear this - that's such a frustrating situation, especially when it is out of your control.

It is highly unlikely that they would hold this against you next year, particularly if you have been transparent about the situation. If there is genuinely only one AC date, that is a logistical issue that is out of your control.

If you do withdraw, I would thank them for the opportunity, briefly explain the unavoidable work commitment, and reiterate your interest in the firm and reapplying. The graduate recruitment team understand that people have other commitments alongside the process, so they'll be understanding!

Getting to the AC stage shows that you are a strong candidate - I'm sure you'll have plenty more success moving forward

 

[WiddyJ]

Has anyone heard back from Bird & Bird post AC? I did my AC mid January and I have still not heard back and I am getting worried that it’s a no

I don’t believe anyone has heard back yet, but could be wrong!

 

[ADhillon01]

Bit of a rogue one but did anyone apply to Northridge this year. If yes, have you heard back yet?

 

[madso]

I don’t believe anyone has heard back yet, but could be wrong!

I’m still waiting on this too!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would a firm having rankings in both contentious and transactional work be a unique enough selling point if I can relate it to my personal choices? And also include an interesting deal and a case in the same?

Hey!

Yes, I think that can work well if you frame it in the right way!

Simply stating that they're ranked in both contentious and transactional work isn't unique on its own, as a lot of full-service firms can say that. What makes the example stronger is explaining why that breadth of expertise genuinely matters to you. For example, does it link to having an open-mind about where you want to qualify, your interest in seeing both sides of risk, or perhaps your past experiences?

Including an interesting deal and a case can be a good idea, as it shows that you have engaged with both sides of the practice. I would just make sure that you're not simply listing them - briefly explain what about them stood out and how that connects to your wider motivations.

I hope that helps!

 

[SueD]

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

I think you’re probably right. Thought I’d have chance to get VI tbh. I can only do the summer VC and had hoped they were dealing with Spring VCs first but then someone on here said we hadn’t specified which VC in our applications so that can’t be it.