TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[helenaskelton]

Last year it was just the teams interview for the VS, there were 2 more interviews for the TC but in August/September

So wait, the VS doesn’t automatically lead to a TC?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

does anyone know why DACB extended the deadline from 8th March to 15th for the vac scheme

I thought I was imagining seeing the 8th deadline haha. No clue why though

 

[elizabethkate]

Congratulations! May I ask when you applied for FD?

like day before deadline

 

[Z48]

So wait, the VS doesn’t automatically lead to a TC?

You don’t have to reapply for the TC, but there are only 2 TCs available so they have the extra stages to decide (I think most firms have final interviews after/at the end of the VS? But I guess usually just 1)

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Does anyone know if GD send out rejection in batches?

 

[kysharsh]

no Slaughters news today either then?

 

[helenaskelton]

You don’t have to reapply for the TC, but there are only 2 TCs available so they have the extra stages to decide (I think most firms have final interviews after/at the end of the VS? But I guess usually just 1)

So you have two separate interviews? I’d like an AC at the end of the scheme with a case study? Is it just two competency interviews? How does it work haha

 

[LH4]

does anyone know why DACB extended the deadline from 8th March to 15th for the vac scheme

I was wondering this too i thought i wrote the date down wrong lol - I'm not sure why they changed it tho

 

[carrotteacup]

k&l gates grad rec interview!

Congrats !! I'm assuming you did well on the online test Do you have any advice for completing it, tips for prep etc... is it just VR and QR or is there an SJT component?

 

[Z48]

So you have two separate interviews? I’d like an AC at the end of the scheme with a case study? Is it just two competency interviews? How does it work haha

The interviews are after the scheme. First stage is an hour interview with a partner + grad rec (sort of competency/motivation/commercial, but also just getting to know you). Didn’t get to the final stage but I think it’s another interview with 2 more senior partners (office heads) and a written task.

Things may have changed since last year so I’m sure they’ll explain the process

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone else still not gotten the K&L Gates online test.....

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Russell Cooke updates?

 

[amb303]

has anyone else not heard back from charles russell speechlys yet?

They posted a TikTok this evening (feat. This is What Dreams are Made Of from the Lizzie McGuire movie ) saying they were reviewing final applications and would make placement scheme offers soon

 

[elliece]

Bristows first round interview! (for DTC, post-WE)

 

[nonliquetagain]

Congrats !! I'm assuming you did well on the online test Do you have any advice for completing it, tips for prep etc... is it just VR and QR or is there an SJT component?

It is just a verbal analysis, like short paragraph comprehension. lowkey reminds me of lnat but much more time pressured, there is a practice test that i feel like is broadly accurate of the level of difficulty of the actual one. they also tell u if u got the answers right in the practice test which was so so helpful.

 

[lalalailovelife]

hi guys i'm getting paid for a scheme and i have to find my national insurance number, but as an international student idk how to find it or if i even have one. but as i'll be getting paid i think i need to find it. does anyone have any clue what to do in this situation?

 

[tc2026]

Hi does anyone have any advice for wfw video interview please?

 

[yellowbirds008]

Does anybody know if the Cooley diversity fellowship is opening this year? I emailed them twice but no response

 

[amb303]

hi guys i'm getting paid for a scheme and i have to find my national insurance number, but as an international student idk how to find it or if i even have one. but as i'll be getting paid i think i need to find it. does anyone have any clue what to do in this situation?

I’m international as well and I had to apply for one the first time I worked in the UK! You can apply online

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie, I am also interested in this - could you please explain more about why the AC etc stage takes longer for DTC? Many thanks.

Hey!

Of course! I would say that there are a couple of main reasons why preparation for a DTC AC can take longer than for a vac scheme AC.

The first is that DTC ACs often include a wider range of assessed tasks, as others have mentioned. This will vary between firms, but it is quite common to see additional written exercises, case studies, or multiple interviews. As the firm only has a few hours to assess candidates (as opposed to a week or two on a vacation scheme), they tend to test more competencies within that shorter timeframe. As a result, you often need to prepare for a broader range of assessments, which naturally takes more time.

The second reason is that the AC is usually your only opportunity to demonstrate your motivation for the firm. On a vacation scheme, the firm can observe how you work over several days, see how you interact with others, and hear your thoughts in more informal settings. For a DTC AC, they do not have that extended exposure to you, so it is particularly important to be able to articulate clearly why you want to train at that specific firm and what draws you to their work. I found that this required doing more in-depth research beforehand so that I could communicate my interest convincingly in interviews.

A related point is that, on a vacation scheme, you are often learning about the firm as you go and can tailor your understanding throughout the week (before the final TC interview). With a DTC AC, you generally need to have that level of understanding before you arrive, which can mean spending more time preparing in advance.

I hope that makes sense!