TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I wanted to ask about networking? Do you think it's incredibly important for the early careers teams to remember you or for a partner to remember you? Or is it much better when networking to focus on what you can learn about the role?

Hi!

Personally, I wouldn't approach networking with the aim of being remembered by early careers or a partner. It is obviously great if this happens, however, it is generally not the purpose of networking and is unlikely to make or break an application in itself.

I would say that it is much more valuable to focus on what you can learn - for example, asking about their work, the firm's culture, what they enjoy about their practice area, or what surprised them about working in commercial law. This tends to lead to much more natural conversations, and if you ask these types of thoughtful questions, that is likely to make a lasting impression naturally! It can also be helpful from an applications perspective as you might gain useful insights you can reference later (e.g. understanding the firm's culture, types of work, or trainee experience).

Overall, I think the best approach is to just be curious, engaged, and genuinely interested, as that is likely to leave the strongest impression anyway

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Farrer & Co TC app how much are we expected to change it if we were successful in vs?

Hey!

I thought I'd share my thoughts on this as someone who completed a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co but had to then submit a separate TC application as I forgot to tick both boxes in my original application (oops!). I was invited back for the final TC interview post-VS, so hopefully that means the (small) changes that I made to my application were acceptable!

Generally, I kept my application answers quite similar to my original VS application. I would definitely recommend that you re-read your original application and make any changes that feel appropriate (for example, any new experiences that you have gained since then or rewording sections), but I don't think it is necessary to change your entire answer to each question. There are also additional questions for the TC application that were not in the original VS application, so you definitely have an opportunity to provide new answers there!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Tell us about a personal achievement outside of law that you’re proud of. What did it teach you? (250 words) - Really struggling with this as I feel most of my achievements are somewhat law related e.g things I've done in my legal work experience or degree. I've got non-legal work experience but nothing is standing out as to what i'm proud of

Hey!

This is a question that I used to struggle with, so I can totally understand! It is important to remember that the achievement doesn't need to be something huge or obviously impressive, and firms are generally more interested in what it says about you and what you learned. It could be something quite simple from outside law, for example:

• A challenge you overcame in a part-time job
• Organising or helping run a society or event
• A sport, hobby or extra-curricular goal
• Balancing work alongside university
• Volunteering or helping your local community

Often, the strongest answers come from situations where you had to show traits such as resilience, initiative, or responsibility. This could be handling a difficult situation at work, taking on extra responsibility in a job, or committing to something over a long period of time. I would focus less on whether the achievement sounds impressive, and more on what it demonstrates about you as a person and the skills you developed.

Sometimes it helps to think about moments where you felt challenged or grew personally, rather than just "achievements" in the traditional sense!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

anyone else get the open day invite from slaughters after getting pfod?

i did. would be nice to know if we all got one or not haha

 

[sapphireoreos]

Debevoise PFO

 

[sadlawyer01]

debevoise PFO after AC...that's it for my cycle ig...

 

[Erin Brockovich]

if we have not heard from CRS after VI is it likely to be a PFO?

 

[amb303]

if we have not heard from CRS after VI is it likely to be a PFO?

Has someone said they've heard? Grad rec said on Monday that they would make offers soon but I haven't heard nor have I seen any PFOs

 

[Joey green]

sorry to ask again… any news from Baker post ac for summer? I still haven’t heard anything!

 

[Erin Brockovich]

Has someone said they've heard? Grad rec said on Monday that they would make offers soon but I haven't heard nor have I seen any PFOs

Oh nice ok I had no idea grad rec said that! I just assumed cause it's been a while

 

[MET21]

sorry to ask again… any news from Baker post ac for summer? I still haven’t heard anything!

Hey, I haven't heard either.

 

[amb303]

Oh nice ok I had no idea grad rec said that! I just assumed cause it's been a while

They posted a video on TikTok with a caption that said: Our recruitment team are reviewing final applications and look forward to making our offers soon! We are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to meet you for an interview or Placement Scheme shortly.

 

[Joey green]

Hey, I haven't heard either.

Ok, that settles my mind a bit. If anyone does hear either positively or negatively please let me know because, well, I’m desperate

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

do you think Kennedys have given out offers and waiting for people to accept/reject before sending us PFOs? T-T

In their reply, the recruitment team said that they were still interviewing for the role. I think they're waiting to send offers/rejections all at once.

 

[user397485]

anyone not heard from slaughters yet

 

[AryanAgg]

anyone not heard from slaughters yet

I did the non law dtc application, haven't heard back yet.

 

[kna]

why not reject us then...

I am.. but I heard they've already given out all ACs....

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know the policy of orrick on reapplying for dtc in the same cycle if vs application is rejected?

 

[user397485]

I did the non law dtc application, haven't heard back yet.

oh okay i applied for the vac

 

[sapphireoreos]

Has anyone heard post-SJT for withers summer? I’m not feeling hopeful as I’ve seen people get ACs, but thought I’d ask anyway