TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[abc124]

Why is Withers emailing me at 1:30am 😭😭

 

[user123987]

Anyone heard from Baker McKenzie post application for Summer VS?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

A the Pitt gif in this economy ? hot dang

only show i have the time/energy/interest in watching right now. gotta get through this

 

[Eudora]

Ive heard that Baker releases AC invites in different batches!!! So hopefully not all is lost.
Also on the online platform has anyone written AC next to their application (in the application stage bit on the right)? Just wondering if it means anything (trying to hold on hope lol)

Same here, mine also says "AC" on the system.
Not sure if it means anything, but maybe it just means we're in an AC pool waiting to be picked up.

 

[Lawlawland]

There goes that dream for Reed Smith. What a SJT, man!😔

I thought I figured amberjack with 30/36 for Mishcon, but turns out, I still suck at it. It is what it is.

We learn, we move.

 

[user397485]

I am confused I am in my penultimate year non-law but have got an AC for baker spring? even though it states final year on their website so should i email grad rec

 

[Winter]

I am confused I am in my penultimate year non-law but have got an AC for baker spring? even though it states final year on their website so should i email grad rec

Hey, you're definitely eligible !

 

[lelezb1]

Not silly at all, I’d probably wear them for the commute and then change into formal shoes just before going in. They’ll have a cloakroom so you can leave your things there.

Thank you!!

 

[user397485]

View attachment 7666
Hey, you're definitely eligible !

thank you! my ac is for spring though not summer scheme

 

[Winter]

thank you! my ac is for spring though not summer scheme

If you scroll down on the Spring Vac Scheme page to the FAQ's it'll say penultimate can apply.

Spring Vacation Scheme • Baker McKenzie

uk-graduates.bakermckenzie.com

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

some of the firms I have been PFO'd from vs next stage applications seems so random LMAO

 

[Serendipity2026]

Anyone heard from Skadden post WE?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

There goes that dream for Reed Smith. What a SJT, man!😔

I thought I figured amberjack with 30/36 for Mishcon, but turns out, I still suck at it. It is what it is.

We learn, we move.

Same boat here😭

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

Not me seeing people get Baker and Withers SJT 💀
Im hoping they come in waves

 

[BealMcAlly]

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.

Is this the Tax and Private Capital event? If so, Tara was there and briefly spoke at the beginning.

For the networking thing I didn't go to early careers' breakout room so not sure if she was still there. She most likely was though

 

[oliviabeijing]

Does anyone know what time Osborne Clarke, CRS and Cov are actually due tomorrow?

 

[Chak]

Guys, do you have any advise on how to improve your Amberjack scores? I know it has been discussed here extensively, but I would really appreciate your advise. I have tried different strategies to develop my skills and I have succeeded a little bit - by going to like 6666 max. I feel like I understand the meaning behind each question but still cannot score higher than this. Do people encounter same issue and does anyone have any advise to it?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

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 feel you! In a similar position 😭

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Literally me, if you know the context for the Ted rain dance scene 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭

Make it happen.

 

[shadowboxer909]

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?

The average age on qualification is 30.

My logic is, if they're willing to interview you, you're not too old. I graduated 3 years ago and I've still had interviews with a US firm and a regional firm so they're clearly open to it. The law receives lots of career changers as well - also, lots of people take gaps in their career (particularly women who go on maternity leave) so it won't be as hard to catch up.

Entry trends

Demographic information about entrants to the solicitors' profession.

www.lawsociety.org.uk