TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Z48]

How do people go about applying for paralegal roles, with previous vac scheme?

Is it not obvious that I actively want a TC if I've been completing vac schemes, if they are asking about my future do I declare that I would want to apply for TCs. (Note the one I am currently applying for is a legal support centre, no trainees, basically no lawyers in the building)

I always say I eventually want to qualify as a solicitor, but would like to build experience and learn more by being a paralegal. I have been asked if I’m currently applying for TCs and I say yes, but they tend to recruit 2 years in advance so I have time now.

I think it shows ambition, which a lot of places like! But I have been doing FTC roles, so may be different for permanent ones

 

[James Wakefield]

Goodwin Vac Scheme!

 

[summersun]

Goodwin Vac Scheme!

congratulations !!!

 

[Steakbake]

Anyone else still not heard from Orrick post WG?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone know if you can reapply for Orrick in the same cycle? I think the answer is no right?

 

[Bbhu19]

Are Orrick sending pfo one by one?? That’s kinda scary

 

[W5690]

I graduated in July and I'm currently a criminal law paralegal. I'm grateful to have a job even though I'm now finding it hard to translate it to commercial law

EDIT: although the transferable skills are really good.

@Jessica Pearson Hello, as an aspiring criminal defence solicitor in London, would you have any recommendations for securing a paralegal role at entry level with a criminal law firm in London? That is something I am highly interested in and I am truly motivated, but I have never applied for any paralegal roles in criminal law yet and I 'only' completed a legal work experience placement with a criminal law firm in London and two mini-pupillages with criminal Chambers in London. I will also be undertaking this year two other legal work experience placements with criminal law firms in London and another mini-pupillage with a criminal Chambers in London.

Many thanks.

 

[Iljjxm]

Yes I spoke to head of recruitment! It’s for Bristol and Reading offices as they had their ACs last week. London will probably be the following week (admittedly didn’t ask as I’m Bristol based) but would likely follow the same time period post-AC. Which office are you applying to?

Man this wait is killing me

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I am delighted to announce that I’ve received my long-awaited post WG PFO from Orrick! Looking forward to absolutely nothing here!

For those interested, I applied 28 Jan, received the WG 10 Feb (1st batch), took the WG a couple of days later and got the PFO earlier today.

This is my 22nd PFO of the cycle. Can’t wait to add Ropes and Sidley to the list to make it 24…​

 

[Topdog0073]

Anyone heard from Clifford Chance? The date was meant to be yesterday…

 

[carrotteacup]

k&l gates online test?!

Congratulations!! Can I ask what kind of test it is? VR + QR or SJT, timed u timed video interview? I can't find anything online

 

[henry1050]

Goodwin vs! They changed it from spring to summer though don't know what that may mean but oh well

 

[Lissa06]

Anyone heard from Clifford Chance? The date was meant to be yesterday…

I think one person on here said they got an interview invite today morning. I haven’t heard yet

 

[bmn45]

Goodwin vs! They changed it from spring to summer though don't know what that may mean but oh well

Hi congratulations!! May I ask when you received the call? I am waiting and starting to lose hope haha.

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Had DLA post AC feedback. Honestly gutted.

They told me that the partner was super impressed w me for the motivation of the firm, but that I lacked structure ( it was a motivational and strength based interview, and they recommended me to use a very structured STAR. ) I did use STAR although not as structured as I would in a competency interview.

Positive feedback for the group, I took ownership and was able to interact well?

Presentation with partner- really good presentation, good commercial awareness, was able to pick up lots of points, lack of structure again. Although it has said not to use formal language so I didn’t give executive summary.. just gave an intro and moved on.

It’s really hard to comprehend that I failed because of the structure. They told me to be more succinct. English is my second language and sometimes it’s hard to express myself properly.

I’m really confused by lack of structure in both interview and presentation. Can someone help me how to improve on this? thanks.

 

[TsulaE]

Goodwin summer vac !!!

 

[alanshore]

I think one person on here said they got an interview invite today morning. I haven’t heard yet

its so odd because on every other platform, nobody has received anything. don't know what cc is up to.

 

[law123456789]

Anyone heard from Clifford Chance? The date was meant to be yesterday…

I know at least 2 people with VIs

 

[alanshore]

also as a general question, i've seen people say on linkedin they had internships at dubai offices of firms like baker mckenzie and nrf, but they dont advertise those positions anywhere. are they just sending out unsolicited applications or is it connections?

 

[user397485]

slaughters vac scheme offer

congrats! r u law or non law