TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[tc2026]

Who emailed you, Ulaw or BoE?
What is the specific programme?
Generally Ulaw just want your money, and wouldn't be fussy about minor details like that.
I certainly would not skip the VI.

BoE:
Thank you for applying to the Trainee Solicitor Development Programme (TDSP). Congratulations on your invite to the Video Interview stage!

The University of Law, who we partner with to provide this programme, has amended its eligibility criteria. In addition to the programme’s published requirements, you must now meet both of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Completion of the following seven “black letter law” subjects at Level 4 or aboveas part of your degree or postgraduate qualification:
   • English Legal Systems
   • Tort
   • Contract
   • Public Law
   • Criminal
   • Trusts
   • Land Law

These core subjects form the foundation of SQE assessments and are therefore essential for progressing in the programme.

 

[trainee4u]

when an application says this

"Have you ever been under investigation for any matters or criticised, censured, suspended or the subject of any disciplinary activity by a professional/regulatory body?"

does this mean I have to declare that I have been investigated and deducted points by my uni for plagiarism in an essay? How far does the term "professional/regulatory body" apply in this instance? I'm assuming that the board which reviews undergraduate work within a given academic department is classed as a "professional/regulatory" body surely?

Deducted points? It depends on the specifics of the plagiarism, but are you aware of this from the SRA?

You have committed and/or have been adjudged by an education establishment to have committed a deliberate assessment offence, which amounts to plagiarism or cheating, in order to gain an advantage for you or others.

As far as the specifics of the question, a professional and regulatory body is something like the SRA, the Teaching Regulation Agency, etc. A university board is an educational body, it's neither professional nor regulatory.

 

[Suii]

I feel Mills Reeve and Burgess decided togther let's update them this evening. They went to lunch together today and made this master plan.

 

[trainee4u]

BoE:
Thank you for applying to the Trainee Solicitor Development Programme (TDSP). Congratulations on your invite to the Video Interview stage!

The University of Law, who we partner with to provide this programme, has amended its eligibility criteria. In addition to the programme’s published requirements, you must now meet both of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Completion of the following seven “black letter law” subjects at Level 4 or aboveas part of your degree or postgraduate qualification:
   • English Legal Systems
   • Tort
   • Contract
   • Public Law
   • Criminal
   • Trusts
   • Land Law

These core subjects form the foundation of SQE assessments and are therefore essential for progressing in the programme.

Hmm odd that you didn't do trusts in your LLB. Fwiw, the firms talk about "qualifying law degrees", and the definition is those seven subjects, essentially. However this term is obsolete for solicitor qualification and only relevant for barristers.
In addition, the SQE covers those seven subjects, and a pass at SQE is deemed by the BSB to be equivalent to a qualifying law degree.
I do not think that Ulaw would be fussy about this and unless your degree is something obviously 'off', I doubt anyone would scrutinise it anyway.

 

[trainee4u]

I feel Mills Reeve and Burgess decided togther let's update them this evening. They went to lunch together today and made this master plan.

They had a romantic lunch of Mills & Boon and Burger Salmon

 

[user55998384]

is anyone still waiting on latham for spring

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Im literally at the edge of my seat waiting for this Mills & Reeve PFO. I hope they dont extend my suffering by making me wait longer

 

[Suii]

I got a PFO:

Scores: Verbal high, Numeric High
SJT:
Collab: "natural passion and capability"
Getting things done "consistent showcase"
Client focused "some strengths but missed some opportunities"
Business and commercial mindset "requires further development"
Analysis & problem solving : "outstanding"

I assume the AC is more based on the VI performance than the SJT.

Wow that is impressive and think it might be because of your VI response. I got similar feedback to that for Pinsents and still got rejected.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Deducted points? It depends on the specifics of the plagiarism, but are you aware of this from the SRA?

You have committed and/or have been adjudged by an education establishment to have committed a deliberate assessment offence, which amounts to plagiarism or cheating, in order to gain an advantage for you or others.

As far as the specifics of the question, a professional and regulatory body is something like the SRA, the Teaching Regulation Agency, etc. A university board is an educational body, it's neither professional nor regulatory.

apologies but is the SRA quote supposed to carry on?

It wasn't determined as deliberate, just poor practice which constitutes plagiarism. That's why I was "deducted points". My essay was capped at a specific mark.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

For those progressed by Burgess Salmon (congratulations!) were any for Edinburgh?

 

[elizabethkate]

Those who got Mills Reeve AC can you share what you got in your feedback report and was it for London you guys applied for?

london and


maths and verbal above average


collab - natural passion
getting things done - considerable room for growth
client focused- exceptional capability
busines midnsrt - further development needed
analysis - real strength

maybe in hindsight there was some low points

 

[Legalfreak212]

Reed Smith AC OMG!!!! First AC, any tips??

 

[trainee4u]

apologies but is the SRA quote supposed to carry on?

It wasn't determined as deliberate, just poor practice which constitutes plagiarism. That's why I was "deducted points". My essay was capped at a specific mark.

No, it's an example of behaviour that they would take into account and which you would need to disclose to them. Complete sentence.

 

[lawstudent2]

Ashurst WE!
I've never done one of these before, any advice?

 

[ilikelaw]

Still nothing from Cooley …

Automated reply from asking for reasonable adjustments says theyre still working through all applications (for both spring and summer) because they received a 34% (!) increase in applications this year

it’s fr the hunger games out here 😓

 

[zonnonomo]

Ashurst WE!
I've never done one of these before, any advice?

write good 👌

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

is this for spring or summer? also congrats!

heya this is for spring thank you!!

 

[Adnanlone]

anyone knows what the OC test is?

 

[TortillaTC]

Reed Smith AC OMG!!!! First AC, any tips??

Congrats!! Do you mind sharing what the available AC dates are? (Spring already or still the pre-winter scheme ACs)

 

[tc2026]

Hmm odd that you didn't do trusts in your LLB. Fwiw, the firms talk about "qualifying law degrees", and the definition is those seven subjects, essentially. However this term is obsolete for solicitor qualification and only relevant for barristers.
In addition, the SQE covers those seven subjects, and a pass at SQE is deemed by the BSB to be equivalent to a qualifying law degree.
I do not think that Ulaw would be fussy about this and unless your degree is something obviously 'off', I doubt anyone would scrutinise it anyway.

Yeah I think my law school removed it as a requirement due to it only being relevant for barristers. So I should do the VI anyway? Do you think that I should email to explain this to BoE that its no longer a requirement? I am inclined to sit the VI regardless but just not sure how or who I should explain to. its quite odd as I have never had this issue with other firms, sigh.

BTW I really appreciate your responses!🥹