TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[tc2026]

hi! does anyone have any last min advice for HL stage 1? I would really appreciate it : )

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

Had a mini heart attack seeing the email

 

[Madison Pinewall]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

 

[hanahana]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

 

[Prudentia]

I was speaking to one of the lawyers in my organisation about applying for VS and TCs. He said that he applied to almost every single law firm for a VS as a student (he went to Oxbridge) He was rejected from every regional and national firm, but ended up securing VSs with Baker McKenzie, Slaughter & May and Freshfields, and getting TC offers from BM and FF. Not sure where I’m going with this, but as the wave of offers/PFOs are coming through, don’t let rejection knock you back too much. Being rejected from one firm can sometimes lead to you getting an offer from a much better one.

 

[lawyersum]

Had a mini heart attack seeing the email

I didn't get anything...strange

 

[stew99]

I didn't get anything...strange

Me neither

 

[lawyersum]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

 

[radssss]

I didn't get anything...strange

Same

 

[kukubird]

Anyone heard from Morgan Lewis post TI for summer?

They said they'd get back this time next week.

 

[Donuttime]

Same

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

 

[Jennifer2003]

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[lawyersum]

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

I also checked my junk - not there.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

Same

Oh I thought they were like Fieldfisher

If they didn't send you a holding email, it could be (with examples of firms) :
• Firms haven't reviewed your app yet, it really depends on when you submitted your app (Gibson Dunn, Sullivan & Cromwell)
• Firms won't progressed you further (Cooley, Slaughter and May)

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

I usually include all of them in my application form if they have no dedicated sections for ECAs or have not specifically asked me not to include them. I got progressed by international and national firms so I don't think it's an issue. Some even encourage you to put ECAs, volunteering, open days, and everything else in work experience

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Back to say I sadly got a Sidley PFO..,after going to an insight day yesterday LMAO

 

[lawyersum]

Oh I thought they were like Fieldfisher

If they didn't send you a holding email, it could be (with examples of firms) :
• Firms haven't reviewed your app yet, it really depends on when you submitted your app (Gibson Dunn, Sullivan & Cromwell)
• Firms won't progressed you further (Cooley, Slaughter and May)

Not sure what's going on

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Guys please send me your thoughts and prayers in this trying time. I am on edge waiting and barely been here to distract myself. Happy Friday 13th!