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)
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
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 💔
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great username btw
I only know 1 and 6. NRF only do vac schemes and Stephenson Harwood is rolling (last time I checked)
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
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?
@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 ?
You are definitely not. If I was to secure a TC this cycle I’d be 41 by the time I’m qualified.
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.
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