TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[deejaykay]

not sure if this is a sign I apply to too many roles but like how many squares do you click here? I chose B234 C234 D34 and they were like "no fam" and gave me some bikes to click on as well.
View attachment 7655

If you can do these on the first try, you are definitely a robot.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Grad rec dreaming of all the PFOs they're gonna send out rn

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Covington is non rolling and I think BCLP is rolling but could be wrong on that one

For anybody looking to apply to covington, I'd start working on the app earlier. I don't know about others, but I definitely spent longest on this app researching and fighting out how I should answer the questions.

 

[LawAspirer]

People that have previously applied to Vacation Schemes and Direct Training Contracts
Are Direct TC applications more competitive on average? What are the differences and is there anything particular that one should take note of when applying to TC instead of VS?

My Graduate visa is expiring so my only real chance is TC going forward if I get nothing this cycle.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

People that have previously applied to Vacation Schemes and Direct Training Contracts
Are Direct TC applications more competitive on average? What are the differences and is there anything particular that one should take note of when applying to TC instead of VS?

My Graduate visa is expiring so my only real chance is TC going forward if I get nothing this cycle.

It's not about how competitive it is; it's how many places they allocate to VS vs TC. Some firms have a set number of places per year. Vacation Schemes happen first, so they give x places during that and then have y places for DTC applicants. Conversion rate of the VS and the total places available are factors.
The other thing is that VS gives you the opportunity to prove your ability. Firms are therefore more likely to offer a VS place than a DTC (Less to lose), and then high-performing candidates have more opportunity to prove themselves than they would have during a DTC application. However, that works both ways if you have a bad showing.

If you have no legal experience, then VS is much more likely (firms will want you to prove you know what the job entails, etc., and also be sure it's something that you as a candidate really want). If you have been to vacation schemes, done internships, legal work etc then this isn't as big as a factor (although some firms prefer it as you can see if you match well with the firm and will follow through the TC).

TLDR: depends on the firm and the candidate.

 

[soph107048]

has anyone heard from Taylor Wessing post WG for the Summer Vacation Scheme? Re the written exercise I mean

 

[MeWantTCPlz]

Hey everyone. Is it still worth applying for BCLP summer or should I apply for DTC since they’re rolling? Don’t want to cut it too fine tbh since deadline is the 16th, but ik they recruit primarily via VS

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Dropping off another message from Novaa’s fyp, Happy Tuesday (I’m really showing why I act how I do LOL)

View attachment 7656

OMG I BEEN SAYING this! it’s the year of HORSE Nova “insert Digits by Young Thug”

 

[LaDiva]

I have a genuine hatred for AmberJacks.

2 Assessments over 2 days and completely different results (7/9 for applied intellect on one day and 2/9 on another????? 4/9 for grit one day and 8/9 for another???? which one is it???)

Where do you find these ratings? On my report there's just various paragraphs on strenghts/areas to improve?

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Skadden - please get back to us today!

 

[fta2024]

Since today was linklaters AC information session, should I assume a PFO

Wondering the same

 

[spamelinazoid]

Where do you find these ratings? On my report there's just various paragraphs on strenghts/areas to improve?

Its the graphs you would get in the reports! They measure you out of 9 on grit, applied intellect, digital thinking and and creative force.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

these emails are getting out of hand

woke up to an email saying "you're invited to" (the rest was cut off) and I got excited for a very very split moment and then realised it said "you're invited to our biggest event of the year!"

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Wondering the same

I attended their ACs last year, they run ACs for the entire month of January through to February.

I believe that ACs for spring only just started this week as the first week of January is reserved for winter VS Training contract interviews

 

[LaDiva]

Its the graphs you would get in the reports! They measure you out of 9 on grit, applied intellect, digital thinking and and creative force.

No graph in mine perhaps not all firms give the graphs outcome, thanks!

 

[fta2024]

I attended their ACs last year, they run ACs for the entire month of January through to February.

I believe that ACs for spring only just started this week as the first week of January is reserved for winter VS Training contract interviews

Tysm

 

[lawyersum]

anybody heard from arnold & porter? - apps closed 5 dec!

 

[WillKitchen]

New year, new round of open days. Still waiting to hear from several firms for VS/TCs, but it's worth planning ahead, of course.

If anyone is going to Linklaters in London on the 27th, I hope to see you there!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

anybody heard from arnold & porter? - apps closed 5 dec!

I don't think I know anybody who has. On the bright side, it might mean they are actually carefully reading/considering the applications...