TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ali-k]

Right!!! I’ve been to many events but fail to fully grasp what’s needed precisely. But what really helped me is attending Willkie’s events on applications, at least in terms of how to present your experience and motivations.

contrary to what i literally just posted, i do sort of believe there isnt a mold sometimes tho. they hire from all diff backgrounds and i think authenticity is really valued. ive been to lots of events and i cant remember one where they havent said "just be yourself." theres defo some truth to it and i think being interested and curious as ur own self goes a long way

 

[Madison Pinewall]

What is it that firms are looking for though? I am extremely pessimistic at my chances, and I have a very reasonable level of work experience and a first-class law result in first year. I got rejected from a LOT of open days etc but this was before we had first year grades so I'm wondering if this might make a big difference!

 

[elle woods]

Sometimes I just wish I was born a nepo baby with partner contacts at elite US/MC firms. That would make life so much easier lmao.​

haha I know of someone who's parent is an equity partner at K&E in NY or smth - that person does so many internships every summer! I was so shocked to hear about it as it just didn't seem fathomable to me ahah it's a whole different world

 

[Amgrad]

how has someone obtained three vac schemes by mid december. just saw this on linkedin and started laughing thats ridiculous. well done to them fr

Definitely he/she is a GOAT. Huge respect! 🫡

 

[yk1906]

contrary to what i literally just posted, i do sort of believe there isnt a mold sometimes tho. they hire from all diff backgrounds and i think authenticity is really valued. ive been to lots of events and i cant remember one where they havent said "just be yourself." theres defo some truth to it and i think being interested and curious as ur own self goes a long way

100%. Apart from seeing people from very similar backgrounds, I saw some international students with non-UK unis. Gives me lots of hope

 

[TCLA0322]

how has someone obtained three vac schemes by mid december. just saw this on linkedin and started laughing thats ridiculous. well done to them fr

I felt we probably looked on the same page lol

 

[lawyersum]

on another note, Winston Taylor is giving WW2 vibes x

 

[ali-k]

I felt we probably looked on the same page lol

this person does have about a million connections tbf

 

[elle woods]

Mark my words guys, I WILL get one more VS this year even if my life depends on it 😤 (self motivation)

Future elle come back to this by the end of this cycle

 

[yasmars]

YESSS omg, I often wonder if there's just something wrong with me 😂 like they make it sound so easy and I'm sitting there like, woah maybe it really isn't that bad, and then I get thrust back into reality and realise that something isn't adding up here 🤣

But you have a VS which means you are doing something right.

 

[TCLA0322]

on another note, Winston Taylor is giving WW2 vibes x

Maybe Taylor Winston still abbreviates as "TW", Winston must battle for this name for Winston stayed at the front.

 

[ali-k]

100%. Apart from seeing people from very similar backgrounds, I saw some international students with non-UK unis. Gives me lots of hope

yeah theres a whole variety. i think the reasons trainees seem so unaware of what it is firms want is because they were literally just themselves. ofc they are intelligent, dedicated and show a lot of interest in commercial matters and are able to apply that knowledge but apart from that, they are unique. as far as what firms people end up at and who accepts and rejects them, a lot of it I think is the firm assessing whether this person would "fit" at their firm.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

DLA Piper TI invite, if anyone has any inisghts I would be very grateful!

Well done!!! Did you get the invite today?

 

[elle woods]

But you have a VS which means you are doing something right.

Truly think the one offer I have is somewhat a fluke or A LOT of luck since it doesn't seem to be working for any other firm I've applied to 😭 but genuinely super grateful to the firm for taking a chance on me 🙏 will not let them down

 

[yk1906]

Truly think the one offer I have is somewhat a fluke or A LOT of luck since it doesn't seem to be working for any other firm I've applied to 😭 but genuinely super grateful to the firm for taking a chance on me 🙏 will not let them down

Have you completed the WVS yet? Sorry I’m a bit slow if you already wrote that you have

 

[Ferran_]

Has anyone received slaughters vac scheme PFO?

 

[_hashirm1]

macfarlanes.. wbu?

Congrats! When did you do their AC? I am still waiting to hear from them..

 

[ali-k]

Has anyone received slaughters vac scheme PFO?

me

 

[ali-k]

Congrats! When did you do their AC? I am still waiting to hear from them..

i did it in november. they are holding another round of ACs in jan so dont lose hope

 

[elle woods]

Have you completed the WVS yet? Sorry I’m a bit slow if you already wrote that you have

it's the summer one for me, so unfortunately won't know if I will be offered a TC this year until after the summer (hence why I'm still fervently applying)