TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

The partners interviewing them often went to similar, elite schools. Birds of a feather. I think another factor that shouldn't be disregarded is the perception that candidates who attended such schools will have a stronger network than those who didn't, which, as they become senior, can help them bring clients to the firm. Britain still deeply elitist.

Great point!! You’ve just reminded me of a Reddit post I saw which said:



Makes me wonder what the mindset truly is amongst senior associates & partners nowadays who were trained on this mentality.

 

[LawAspirer]

When do DTCs usually open?

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who applied for the Bakers VS, after the application stage, was there a WG or an SJT? And also, is it automatic? I am applying for the DTC, so needed some information to plan my app.

 

[floral.tcla]

it's highly discouraging. i'm from a v disadvantaged background and yet managed to get essentially the same stats despite the fact and don't have a VS yet. what do they know?!

I saw this too, it feels largely discouraging that people who are often so successful come from elite private / international schools.

Yeah sometimes it feels like the goalpost is always shifting..

 

[Eriberrie]

Aspiring solicitors can help. Massive advantage, especially if you’re low income / state comp. I tend to go for the AS partners when I apply and have had good results with them. I think you really have to pick and choose which is so unfortunate because all firms should be inclusive.

How do you do this?

 

[helenaskelton]

How do you do this?

Register with AS. It works if you tick certain criteria - make sure these apply. Then it will give you a list of firms that are ‘AS partner firms’. You can do interview prep, online courses and all sorts. You can even get resources for converting a VS.

 

[FoodieMcFoodieBigBack]

@Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! I'm in a bit of an odd situation and would love your advice on how to proceed.

Last Tuesday, I was fortunate to receive a VS offer from Firm A. They gave me until COB the next Tuesday (tomorrow 17/02) to accept. On Wednesday, the day after, I had an AC at Firm B whose VS dates would clash with those of Firm A. At the end of my AC, I told gradrec at Firm B about my circumstances and they said that they would contact me either end of that week or by Monday (today). However, I have not heard back yet and I doubt gradrec will still be working at this hour.

Should I send an email to Firm B to ask for a follow up, or should I just wait until COB tomorrow? I don't want to give the impression to Firm B that I'm rushing their processes, as I do genuinely really like Firm B. But I'm also not sure how to word the email without sounding like I'm too anxious for a response?

I would be greatly appreciative of any insights you could offer! Thank you for your time

 

[tc2026]

HL stage 2! does anyone have any insights on this please? Just so I know what to expect? thank you so much!

 

[Ellief]

wtf was that SBP VI…

It was the most random shocking thing ever and I completely messed it up. I was so caught of guard

 

[WillKitchen]

Anyone else visiting Paul Hastings in London on Wednesday?

If so, feel free to say hello!

 

[tc2026]

lol this thread reminds of a VS I had where on the first day a group of the vac schemers were asking each other what schools they went to. And at lunch time they were comparing Rolex's I remember feeling sooo out of place, lol. I didnt get the TC but my confidence since then has greatly increased as I know that I deserve to be there as much as they do!!!!

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Anyone reckon we’ll hear from LS tonight? they said ‘early this week’ sooo

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Anyone reckon we’ll hear from LS tonight? they said ‘early this week’ sooo

I thought they said end of this week rather than early this week.

 

[SophiaW]

gibson dunn first stage interview?! rly unexpected as theyve already given out so many offers but so happyyy
any insights would be very appreciated, i can share white & case final interview, morgan lewis TI and more

 

[SueD]

Anyone reckon we’ll hear from LS tonight? they said ‘early this week’ sooo

I have been wondering also but I think they would had said “Monday” specifically if it was going to be today - I think “early next week” meant they could hedge their bets and I bet it will be tomorrow evening or Wednesday. I can’t even imagine how many applications they have had this year with the general increase everywhere and them being so popular…

 

[Deleted member 43736]

gibson dunn first stage interview?! rly unexpected as theyve already given out so many offers but so happyyy
any insights would be very appreciated, i can share white & case final interview, morgan lewis TI and more

congrats!! can i ask which scheme this is for?

 

[adfs456]

Aspiring solicitors can help. Massive advantage, especially if you’re low income / state comp. I tend to go for the AS partners when I apply and have had good results with them. I think you really have to pick and choose which is so unfortunate because all firms should be inclusive.

Thank you so much for sharing this! Are there any other resources of this kind for firms not included in AS? I'm a recent state non-law grad who has luckily secured a vac scheme but have no idea on how to prep/ increase my chances of converting.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you are doing well!
I was wondering if you knew of any comprehensive strength-based interview question list? I was preparing for a final strengths-based interview but I'm not entirely sure if I am covering everything

Hey!

I'm doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

That is a great question! I would always recommend checking out this list of Training Contract Interview Questions from TCLA, as it is very comprehensive (though I wouldn't try to prepare for every question!) and should give you an idea of what to expect. From my experience with strengths-based interviews, I would say that the Character and Personality section and the Scenarios and Ethical questions are most similar.

I have also found a list from Prospects, who list the following as potential questions:

• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• What energises you?
• How would your close friends describe you?
• Do you most like starting tasks or finishing them?
• Do you prefer the big picture or the small details?
• Describe a successful day. What made it successful?
• What are you good at?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What did you enjoy studying at school or university?
• When did you achieve something you're really proud of?
• What do you enjoy doing the least?
• Do you find there are enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list?
• What tasks are always left on your to-do list?
• How do you stay motivated?
• How do you feel about deadlines?
• Have you ever done something differently the second time around?
• Do you think this role will play to your strengths?

Overall, there isn't generally a right or wrong answer for strengths-based questions - I would focus on being transparent and honest, and include examples to back-up and illustrate your points.

Best of luck with the interview!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

This may sound like a silly question but are the written exercises at firms conducted via laptop or handwritten?

Hey!

Absolutely not a silly question at all (and I wish I had asked this last cycle, haha!). From my experience, in most cases they are completed on a laptop via an online platform. However, I did have to complete a handwritten one last cycle which threw me off slightly - it is always worth checking any details of the AC that you are provided with and, if you aren't given any indication, anticipate that it could be handwritten!