TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

This may be an ultra dumb question but when firms ask for a personal/professional reference, what would “personal” entail? Would a family member or mate do?

Hmm interesting ques! For personal I usually put my uni tutor/ any professor I am still in touch with. For professional - my supervisor at work.

I have seen most firms asking for 2 references mostly tho - academic and professional.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

No no pls don't assume you didnt get it because of what I said, I honestly have got no clue how they operate and if they may still invite some people to VI they defo can still invite some people to WE

No no no worries at all!!
It's just nice to have some sort of clarification ❤️

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any tips regarding BCLP's online test? If anyone has any pointers (no matter how small!), I'd be super grateful!

 

[shadowboxer909]

Why do some firms take on so many vacation scheme candidates but only take on less than 50% of scheme candidates?

It's almost like you're so close but not quite there.

 

[tc2026]

Does anyone pls know how many offers are given to ppl via DTC? for Osborne Clarke 🥹 unsure if I should take the risk...

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

BCLP interview

 

[floral.tcla]

Why do some firms take on so many vacation scheme candidates but only take on less than 50% of scheme candidates?

It's almost like you're so close but not quite there.

aurafarming?

 

[amayad2004]

Hey @amayad2004 I don’t think we have any exemplars of this, although I’ll have a little look. Do you have any idea of the type of written exercise it is you’re looking for, as they can take different forms such as memos, emails to clients, emails to partners, letter of advice etc.

I’ll do some digging on my end to see what I can find, it may not be an exemplar but at the very least some advice on how to figure out a structure.

Hi, thank you so much! I have a WE coming up but I have not been given an indication of the style it will be. I am looking for an understanding of how to structure all the ones you have just mentioned, even the smaller things like 'I hope this email finds you well', if/when that is needed. Also, I would be interested in how a due diligence would be structured.

 

[ilikelaw]

BCLP interview

nice! spring or summer scheme?

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

nice! spring or summer scheme?

Spring! i applied on the deadline

 

[Sharkfin]

Bakers AC, I can't believe it 🥲🥲🥲
Slots were 15th and 22nd of Jan
Submitted my int on the 23rd dec

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hmm interesting ques! For personal I usually put my uni tutor/ any professor I am still in touch with. For professional - my supervisor at work.

I have seen most firms asking for 2 references mostly tho - academic and professional.

What if I don’t have a professional reference 😀

 

[Bbhu19]

What if I don’t have a professional reference 😀

Have you ever had a job or volunteered somewhere? If so it’s worth asking your supervisor 9/10 they will say yes.

 

[Bbhu19]

What if I don’t have a professional reference 😀

Worst case scenario if you played a sport or did an extra curricular activity ask your coach or team leader.

 

[radssss]

What if I don’t have a professional reference 😀

Part time job supervisor maybe like working in a restaurant, hospitality, retail etc
Otherwise volunteer work

I know someone who had no paid work experience and then volunteered for a couple of months and got a reference from them!

 

[xMontmorency]

Why do some firms take on so many vacation scheme candidates but only take on less than 50% of scheme candidates?

It's almost like you're so close but not quite there.

I mean what's the point of the vacation scheme if everyone gets the TC?

If everyone got the TC it would be a big waste of time and money to throw on the VS, since vac schemers really don't get much valuable training or work done on the scheme itself. The benefit of advertising to prospective candidates is marginal since there are so many candidates to choose from anyways.

MC firms have started to realise that and slowly reduced the conversion rates on vac schemes as a result.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Part time job supervisor maybe like working in a restaurant, hospitality, retail etc
Otherwise volunteer work

I know someone who had no paid work experience and then volunteered for a couple of months and got a reference from them!

I gen don’t have a professional reference. I have some positions but they’re student societies. I’ve never had a part-time job

Is this gonna put me at a detriment ?

 

[Novaa]

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown?

 

[user123987]

Bakers AC, I can't believe it 🥲🥲🥲
Slots were 15th and 22nd of Jan
Submitted my int on the 23rd dec

Is this for Spring?

 

[xMontmorency]

I gen don’t have a professional reference. I have some positions but they’re student societies. I’ve never had a part-time job

Is this gonna put me at a detriment ?

Put N/A and offer to give an additional academic reference.

'Personal' reference means friend or family (but it is frowned upon to give parents or immediate siblings)