TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DavidJC]

Hi guys, I submitted my Latham’s app dec 1 23:05pm. It says I have 72 hours after submission to complete the OA. So am I correct to understand that I need to do the OA by dec 4 23:05pm?? 😭

Yes, you're correct

 

[maylawwww]

Hi, thank you! I believe they started progressing applications around one month after the applications opened (as stated on their website), but in an irregular pattern. I believe I received the SJT in late October, then got the invitation to the proof-reading test yesterday, and was invited for an interview today.

omg that is so cheeky they must have changed their website without announcing it -- i copied into my notes a while ago that they review applications approximately 1 month before the application deadline (ie starting in mid-Dec) but now it says approximately one month after applications open (i.e. late Oct/Early Nov) !!
nevertheless huge congrats for ur interview !!!!

 

[Lizardlaw]

It was a VI last year but they have now changed it to a short telephone interview (10-15 minutes) that assesses your motivation and alignment to the firm’s values

Oh my god, that is such a short interview – can I ask you (or anyone else who reached this stage) what that was like? They must have only asked one or two questions with no time to be friendly at first and build rapport? Did it feel quite sudden? How soon after receiving the email to schedule the phone interview was the day you did it?

 

[p2bv]

Oh my god, that is such a short interview – can I ask you (or anyone else who reached this stage) what that was like? They must have only asked one or two questions with no time to be friendly at first and build rapport? Did it feel quite sudden? How soon after receiving the email to schedule the phone interview was the day you did it?

I reached the TI stage, I was given a warm up question at the start which wasn’t assessed just generally about myself, the interviewer did ask questions about this so there was a little bit of a rapport. I was asked quite a few questions I think around 5 or so, and I did mine a few days after getting the email

 

[kn]

is anyone else yet to receive the freshfields stage 1 assessment? submitted my app on the 29th

 

[Amgrad]

Not sure, but at the Open Day GR said they only hire 2 trainees each year for Cambridge office and 4-5 VS each scheme, so it must be competitive. I saw a guy applied to Cambridge here (https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-222508), but idk whether he progressed to WE or not

Did anybody who got Taylor wessing WE apply for the Cambridge summer vac scheme?

 

[Amgrad]

hi everyone, i hope someone can help me with this

I am wanting to apply to Law firms around London and in the midlands, but I have quite a lot of trouble finding firms specialising in what I am interested in. I am not entirely interested in commercial & business, but what I really do like is medical negligence, PI, Civil lit and also maybe environmental and sustainability. I have tried to shop around for firms that offer these but I am struggling to find firms that offer these as seats in the TC process as I would like to apply to their vac schemes now and next year. If anyone has similar interests I would love to hear what firms you have applied for !!

I don't quite remember, but I attended PMC selective OD last night and they're excellent in the clinical negligence. Couple weeks ago I also attended Clyde & Co non-selective open day and it's band 1 in the UK chamber too. You can always check it on the UK Chamber & Legal 500 England I guess to see the other practice areas you most sought after!

 

[amayad2004]

Does the Latham test need to be completed before the deadline as well?

 

[Meringue]

Hi! They’re looking for extra-curricular activities, hobbies, volunteering, or other experiences that helped you develop relevant skills.

Hi! I was a Programme Representative at my uni, do you think I can talk about this or not?