TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[i_need_a_holiday]

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 am in the same boat. I graduated 6 months ago and have been trying to break into the industry ever since, doing a part-time job, but as you said, it hasn't been great. I don't think you should apologise for feeling that way; anyone who has gone through the process or is going through it knows how incredibly exhausting and isolating it can be. It is okay to feel upset, just don't let it consume you. At the end of the day, the fact that you're working hard and doing your best matters most. I don't want to sound corny, but I just tell myself that everyone has their own journey, and it is ok if it may take a little longer than others to reach the same goal, whatever is meant to be will be. You're not alone; you will find something. Just don't lose hope and keep taking breaks!! Good luck!!

 

[mamamama]

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

when did u apply to greenberg Traurig, haven't heard anything from them yet

 

[helenaskelton]

Anyone heard from Akin post AC

 

[kukubird]

Anyone heard from Akin post AC

When was your AC and TI if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[Dolphin270]

If anyone has advice or insight on Goodwin AC pls PM me! It’s my first AC so feeling nervous

 

[Carrington Lane]

I just opened TikTok and the first thing I saw was "What is not meant for you will disappoint you a thousand times until you understand." I have to turn off the phone to pick up my jaw from the floor.

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Hey guys has anyone heard from the following who applied on or around deadline?

Orrick (VS Summer)
Gibson Dunn post online assessment
Hugh James (VS Summer)
Addleshaw Goddard (London)post online assessment (VS Summer)
Marriot Harrison post online assessment (VS Summer)
Akin (VS Spring)
Ropes & Gray (VS Summer)
Russel Cooke (VS Summer)
K&L Gates (VS Summer)

Is there a video element on the Marriot Harrison assessment please? Or was it just the usual tests?

 

[Novaa]

I just opened TikTok and the first thing I saw was "What is not meant for you will disappoint you a thousand times until you understand." I have to turn off the phone to pick up my jaw from the floor.

TikTok can be soooo messy!!

BUT IT ALSO DROPPED THIS GEM

 

[Legalfreak212]

when did u apply to greenberg Traurig, haven't heard anything from them yet

On the deadline

 

[Donna Paulsen]

TikTok can be soooo messy!!

BUT IT ALSO DROPPED THIS GEM

View attachment 7978

Gems xx

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Is it too risky to self fund the GDL with masters without a job offer?

 

[summersun]

Hi, I am currently preparing my applicaiton ot Bevan Brittan and I am unsure how to approach this question : "The legal industry is constantly evolving, shaped by changes in technology, regulation, client needs and global events. Can you tell us about a recent development that you think will have an impact on the future of legal practice? How might this effect the way law firms work or the services they offer to clients? "

Is this a trend affecting the firm as a whole or could it affect a practice specifically.
@Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice ?

 

[lawcool]

View attachment 7979View attachment 7980
Gems xx

Live for these ones definitely reposted one or two

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Guys btw, do firms genuinely review VIs themselves or are they processed via AI? I have received conflicting opinions

 

[corplawperson23]

Hi guys I have three years of paralegal experience and I have been trying to get a training contract since my final year of university. I work a remote paralegal role where the office is based in London (I am midlands based) and so it is difficult for me to find a better paying paralegal role in the midlands but I am so drained. I am sick of working remotely, sick of a lack of salary progression and sick of applying to VSs in a hope of a TC at this point. I think this is the lowest I’ve felt about it and I just wanted to vent and have some reassurance if any

 

[pepsicola96]

guys i just spent 30 minutes walking around in circles trying to find this law firm help

me panicked trying to remember walking directions to the office so I don't get my phone snatched and ending up in the opposite direction. london is confusing

 

[unemployed12830]

Is there anyone who has done the AC at Reed Smith and have not heard back? Thanks!

 

[lawyersum]

me panicked trying to remember walking directions to the office so I don't get my phone snatched and ending up in the opposite direction. london is confusing

guys i'm a born and bred londoner and the number of exits at bank station literally gives me palpitations

 

[pepsicola96]

guys i'm a born and bred londoner and the number of exits at bank station literally gives me palpitations

this is actually exactly what I'm talking about

one of my first times in London alone was for an open day and I was so paranoid about my phone. I had google maps reading out directions from my airpods, and was just following them. "Exit station onto whatever street" I exited the station, didn't see street signs presumed I was on the right street, didn't know there were multiple exits lol. "Walk for 300 yards and turn left onto another street" did exactly that, it wasn't until it told me to turn around that I realised I was going the complete wrong way.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

guys i'm a born and bred londoner and the number of exits at bank station literally gives me palpitations

If bank station has 1,000 haters, I’m one of them. If bank station has 1 hater it’s me. If bank station has 0 haters, I’m no longer around… If bank station no longer exists, I’ll be happy…

That station has to be the most confusing place to exist. It’s literally like a maze with exits going in every direction except the one I needed. Idk how people handle commuting every day lmao.

One of my first ever open days was at BCLP and I got off the tube at Bank (after getting the train from Manchester to Euston station). It took me a good 25 mins to figure out where the exit was…​