TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[iklawapps]

Sorry just seeing a bunch of this now, but for anyone asking about the TS cover letter length, I wrote exactly 1,000 words and made it past their application round pretty okay, I think. I do think I remember them saying in an event or on their socials or something that you don't need to write much, and like focus on being concise and relevant, like 750 words should be fine (and makes their lives easier). but I know that me and other people did 1,000 and were chill

Disclaimer, don't listen to me and trust your gut!! I hope that helps, and good luck with submitting < 3 you've got this!!

 

[Bread]

i really wish jessica were back sometimes. i think i need a reality check. i'm a very well-educated person with legal and non-legal work experience but i graduated from the gdl last year. am I too old to be applying for vac schemes? i just have a hard time understanding what i'm doing wrong, when seemingly loads of second/third year students are doing everything right. How big of a factor is age?

 

[nbjani]

Ima need everybody to do an AC dance for tomorrow (inbox still silent 😅🫣)

 

[Bread]

Honestly, I don't think age makes or breaks anything. My friend secured four vacation scheme offers from US law firms last year and he was the youngest one on 2/4 schemes (23 years old)!

drop the names of the firms 😂

 

[Jennifer2003]

I’m a penultimate year non-law student so I don’t have much choice this year. But for next year, how do you lot choose firms to target?

I'm a STEM student and chose firms that rank highly in life sciences/IP of that area, but that also have a lot of range so that I can try out different practice areas that aren't associated with my degree at all. However, I knew I definitely wanted a sector focused firm, and with one of those being life sciences. Sorry if that's not helpful! Also, you can normally apply to a bunch of first year schemes (I didn't realise until this year - I'm a final year non-law - but definitely look at first year schemes and open days so you don't have to cram loads into your first semester of final year)

 

[Novaa]

i really wish jessica were back sometimes. i think i need a reality check. i'm a very well-educated person with legal and non-legal work experience but i graduated from the gdl last year. am I too old to be applying for vac schemes? i just have a hard time understanding what i'm doing wrong, when seemingly loads of second/third year students are doing everything right. How big of a factor is age?

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 💔

 

[KuriTH]

Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:

1. Does NRF offer DTC?
2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?

I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!

Google

Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

www.google.com

great username btw

 

[ACHat8r]

Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:

1. Does NRF offer DTC?
2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?

I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!

I only know 1 and 6. NRF only do vac schemes and Stephenson Harwood is rolling (last time I checked)

 

[KuriTH]

Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:

1. Does NRF offer DTC?
2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?

I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!

actually this is a good post to read:

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

 

[EfficientBag123]

I'm a STEM student and chose firms that rank highly in life sciences/IP of that area, but that also have a lot of range so that I can try out different practice areas that aren't associated with my degree at all. However, I knew I definitely wanted a sector focused firm, and with one of those being life sciences. Sorry if that's not helpful! Also, you can normally apply to a bunch of first year schemes (I didn't realise until this year - I'm a final year non-law - but definitely look at first year schemes and open days so you don't have to cram loads into your first semester of final year)

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?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

What's a good phrase to use when you don't know the answer to something in an AC? @Afraz Akhtar

@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.

 

[ACHat8r]

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

 

[veek30]

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.

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Hey guys, new on here! Had a few questions I couldn't find the answers to online, please answer if you know:

1. Does NRF offer DTC?
2. Is King & Spalding DTC rolling?
3. Does Pinsent Masons have DTC?
4. Does Eversheds have a DTC?
5. Is Womble Bond Dickinson DTC rolling?
6. Is Stephenson Harwood VS rolling?

I appreciate this is a mix of VS/DTC related questions!

K&S non-rolling

 

[Afuturetrainee]

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

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 ?

 

[Eudora]

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 🫠

 

[legal18]

Travers deadline at noon people!!!!!!

 

[Winter]

Anyone who applied to W&C on deadline day received VI?

 

[johnsmith]

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 💔

You are definitely not. If I was to secure a TC this cycle I’d be 41 by the time I’m qualified.

 

[abc124]

Travers deadline at noon people!!!!!!

OMG THANK YOU you just saved me