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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

AMullin

Distinguished Member
Nov 18, 2025
67
195
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’m 36 and applying for vac schemes 🤷‍♂️

I’ve got so much respect for people that absolutely smash it at Uni and then get through the process first time round but that isn’t the path for everyone. Run your own race and if this is really what you want to do, then just focus on doing something every day to make you a slightly stronger candidate. If you seem to be getting stuck at the same stage then focus all of your attention on that particular stage until you get past it, then rinse and repeat for the next stage. Just keep going 💪
 
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)
Someone here said ‘AC’ in the status column likely means application complete
 

BealMcAlly

Legendary Member
Feb 3, 2025
278
392
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?
As a 31 year old, no, you're not too old for vac schemes... don't forget the average age of qualification is 30. You are nice and early in your journey lol
 

TS.Law

Star Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 6, 2022
38
58
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?
Hi - as a career changer, I also find myself worried about age sometimes. However, this year I went to Aspiring Solicitors and networked with people who were successful in this same journey a couple of years ago, and are now working in big law. I would say that, by getting their support is very encouraging and I have gained plenty of insight not just about my applications but also my career, the martket etc . If you and anybody reading this want to have a chat about changing career to law, please, feel free to DM. We are all on this together. Cheers
 

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