I started going to loads last year and I’m settling down on the idea of training at a firm with a particularly strong corporate transactional focus. But I feel as though this is too general as a lot of firms have this some it’s a money maker. What are other important things to consider?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
@FutureTraineeMaybe this is actually more common than people think, it's definitely happened to me a few times, AC or standard job interview. I think the way to navigate this is to first ask for some time to consider the question, don't be afraid of taking a few seconds to gather your thoughts. If it's definitely something you don't know or can't even think of, then let them know you hadn't considered it before but you're still willing to give it a try and attempt the answer.
I think they'll admire your honesty and actually may try guiding your answer for you as you stumble.
All in all, they want to see your thought process. You're may come to the wrong conclusion, but who knows how impressed they could be with the thought process you used to get there.
now that im done writing apps lets give an update:
PFOs:
A&O WVS post AC
HSFK spring post SJT (passed benchmark)
BCLP spring (post SJT)
Latham summer (post stage 2 VI)
Pinsent Masons (post SJT/VI) summer
AC:
PW spring
2nd stages:
NRF VI summer
W&C SJT summer
Waiting:
Akin (probs PFO cos I applied after Christmas)
Sidley
Covington
TS
SH
gotta leave this cycle with something
PFOs:
A&O WVS post AC
HSFK spring post SJT (passed benchmark)
BCLP spring (post SJT)
Latham summer (post stage 2 VI)
Pinsent Masons (post SJT/VI) summer
AC:
PW spring
2nd stages:
NRF VI summer
W&C SJT summer
Waiting:
Akin (probs PFO cos I applied after Christmas)
Sidley
Covington
TS
SH
gotta leave this cycle with something
for folks doing travers smith apps: does anyone remember if Tara Davidson was at the recent online Travers legal cheek event?? I've got her name down and def remember speaking to a member of the grad recruitment team but literally cannot remember if it was her or someone else who just told us that she was the recruitment manager lol.
Isn’t W&C SJT automatic for everybody ? I’d say the VI is the second stage. Has anyone who applied for summer gotten VI at W&C please ?
Travers deadline at noon people!!!!!!
Anyone who applied to W&C on deadline day received VI?
You are definitely not. If I was to secure a TC this cycle I’d be 41 by the time I’m qualified.I’ve been getting in my head about this, especially because I had more successes whilst at university with these cycles.
It’s weird because I know people older than me who have managed to get TCs. But I’m convincing myself that I’m “aging” out, which isn’t the case… I feel like I need to take a step back and reevaluate my approach. But I feel like I don’t have the time to… sigh
I feel sorry for the Grad Rec who will be reviewing my video interview for Reed Smith because this was horrific performance. Mental note of a PFO now because I like this firm so much that I'd rather anticipate the rejection. On that note, which firms dont do an VI as part of their process? I actually hate them so much.
I applied shortly after christmas and still haven’t received a VI
It's kinda ambiguous
This Summer Vacation Scheme process will involve three stages - you need to pass each stage to reach the next:
- Written application (deadline midday 14 January 2026)
and then
Applications open at midday on Monday 3 November 2026 and close on Friday 14 January 2026 at midday.
Please note, we respond to all applications made, and will get back to you by March 2026. Once you have submitted your application there is no further action required by you.
Application deadline:
14 January 2026 at 18:00 Greenwich Mean Time
(i) Times are displayed in your local time zone
so like maybe it's midday in Bermuda!?
@Bread sorry you're feeling this way, as you get older the efforts to get a TC definitely become a little more frustrating BUT age is not a factor in the process at all
With vacation schemes, they're typically for those that perhaps don't have enough experience to display a strong enough interest/capability for commercial law, and so some firms may specifically designate internships for first-years, penultimate years etc. Instead, those with more experience and perhaps after graduation, are encouraged to apply through the DTC route. However, that doesn't mean to say they wouldn't consider you for a vacation scheme if that's what you want - it's still a chance to learn more about the firm, develop some skills, and where they recruit predominantly through these, a better shot at getting a TC. So, nobody is looking at your application thinking "too old... reject".
Truthfully, the average age of a trainee solicitor is 28, I just don't think you see it much because nobody really talks about the struggles they went through, or how long it took them to get to where they wanted to be. Just because it's not publicised, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
It's hard to say at this stage what it is that's holding you back, but I can imagine with older candidates it becomes trickier to explain motivation, because you get to that stage where you think your experience is obvious enough and with more of a reality of working life, you tend to be less "driven" about why it is you're doing this. I'm not saying that is definite, but I can see how that could happen. Whereas, for those still in university, that drive and passion is still relatively new and exciting - so it may translate into words. So, I'd consider reflecting on the quality of your applications, and maybe considering if the "self-inflicted pressure" of getting a TC before the clock runs out is actually chipping away at your writing.
Lastly, at this stage, don't be afraid to apply for any DTC's as well as VS's. Given the fact you're academically qualified, with a wealth of experience behind you, you may be what they're looking for in that particular route at that moment in time - and more often than not, there are still TC's available after a VS e.g. different academic years, different start dates, last-minute drop-outs, SQE fails etc. Leverage the opportunity.
Sorry if this isn't much of a help, but don't write yourself off from anything!
acc this is a useful post for you:
Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025
Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
No news is good news at least!Just me or is the Latham wait actually insane?
Completed Stage 2 in early November and still no email whatsoever.
The silence is killing me
Like almost the full 1000 - it was 2 a4 pages
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