TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[trainee4u]

I have not received an email. Do you mind sharing what it mentioned.

When applications for both the SVS and Trainee Solicitor Pathway opened in December 2025, people applied with the expectation that the firm’s training contract offer was via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway (if you have completed the LPC you will be exempt from SQE1)
• The firm will fund the full cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

If you would like your SVS application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application.

 

[Anon145]

Does anyone know roughly when Orrick conduct their ACs?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Russell Cooke have sent out Zoom interview notifications.

If you've not got one you're PFO or maybe reserve.

Do you know when they sent out the invites?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I know exactly who you’re oab as well cos I’ve got them on LinkedIn. They’ve acc smashed it out the park. That Kirkland guy has some competition now he might get overtaken soon lmao.​

is that the guy who looks a bit like prince William when he was younger lmaooooo

 

[Cece176]

I have not received an email. Do you mind sharing what it mentioned.

Just that Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route is discontinued and they are doing "Pass First" instead. It doesn't sound like a radical change - Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway

 

[TCComingSoon]

When applications for both the SVS and Trainee Solicitor Pathway opened in December 2025, people applied with the expectation that the firm’s training contract offer was via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway (if you have completed the LPC you will be exempt from SQE1)
• The firm will fund the full cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

If you would like your SVS application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application.

Thanks and just received it.

 

[TCComingSoon]

Just that Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route is discontinued and they are doing "Pass First" instead. It doesn't sound like a radical change - Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway

I personally think it is to ease the pressure of the SQE during the GSA. Basically you start the GSA after completing SQE2 or what it is called is the TC.

 

[Cece176]

I personally think it is to ease the pressure of the SQE during the GSA. Basically you start the GSA after completing SQE2 or what it is called is the TC.

Ah got it. I applied for the VS anyways

 

[Legalgirl]

has anyone heard back from Cleary post-AC?

 

[TCComingSoon]

Ah got it. I applied for the VS anyways

Same here and think they will be sending out the tests this week by the sound of that email.

 

[helenaskelton]

Hey,

Has anybody heard from:

Stephenson Harwood
Charles Russell Speechlys
Russell Cooke
Shoosmiths (London)
Marriot Harrison
Simmons (Bristol)
Bevan Brittan ?

None apart from Shoosmiths, got their WG / SJT

 

[Cece176]

I think everyone gets an invite to the BJ online test then

 

[law2026c]

Russell Cooke have sent out Zoom interview notifications.

If you've not got one you're PFO or maybe reserve.

Why do you think this

 

[CharlesT47]

On the final day of a VS, are there often drinks/ a final social event? I just want to know whether it’s possible to book a flight leaving that same night. (I.e the friday the VS ends)

 

[trainee4u]

Do you know when they sent out the invites?

yesterday

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone here done the SQE? I'm self-funding and wanted to know if BPP or ULaw is better! And also if I get a TC (fingers crossed), how easy is it to change if its not at the firm's preferred provider?

 

[wqueens8]

On the final day of a VS, are there often drinks/ a final social event? I just want to know whether it’s possible to book a flight leaving that same night. (I.e the friday the VS ends)

In my (limited) experience, there is usually nothing planned by the firm after the last day because they know people have travel and such booked. However it is quite common for the vac schemers to go for a drink together to say goodbye and celebrate the end of the scheme, which is nice to join in on but has no bearing on anything.

 

[Cece176]

Ulaw sqe1 BPP sqe2 @CharlieandLola

 

[Florencejones]

Has anyone any insight to what the Browne Jacobsons test will involve?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Ulaw sqe1 BPP sqe2 @CharlieandLola

Thank you!