TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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Has anyone heard back from DACB yet?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I was just looking for advice on the types of firms i should apply to.

I achieved a 63% overall grade during my undergrad at Aston University, with some poor grades in first year including 42 and 49 (i got 66 and 65 in other first year modules)

I did much better in my final year with my grades ranging from 64-70.

I have also completed an LLM at a decent RG where i achieved a mark of 72 in three of my modules (I did get two 55's in other modules), I am hoping this shows academic improvement.

For my experiences, I have started my own law society at the RG Uni, I did a legal internship in St Lucia working with senators of their parliament on a legal project, I have a years worth of paralegal experience in Real Estate, and I also volunteer with disadvantaged children. I have also worked as a waiter and as an operations specialist for Jaguar Land Rover. I also run my own business with my parents.

I'm from Birmingham for context and would ideally like to apply to London firms like BCLP and CMS, i'm also considering less prestigious firms like DAC Beachcroft, DWF, Shoosmiths. I'm also very interested in Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons and Gowling WLG.

I just wondered if someone could offer me any realistic advice as to my prospects, especially in terms of applying to BCLP or CMS, is it even worth it?

Many thanks!

Hiya @Zaine1010

Thanks for sharing your background for context!

Your academic record won’t automatically disqualify you from firms like BCLP or CMS. While firms may sometimes look closely at applicant's performance in key modules like Contract or Tort, I think your improvement over time and strong LLM marks will help offset early weaker grades. I think what matters most now is how well you can present your experiences and motivations in a written application. This is especially important for firms like BCLP, where longer application form questions will give you the opportunity to demonstrate strong research, commercial awareness, and a clear interest in commercial law.

As I'm sure you already appreciate, there’s also lots in your own background that you could successfully rely on to articulate/demonstrate a genuine interest in the profession (e.g. founding a law society, gaining international legal experience, paralegalling, volunteering, and balancing part-time work with running a business). Over the next few weeks, I'd encourage you to really reflect on how these experiences have shaped your interests and skills in a way that makes you well-suited to a career in commercial law.

So yes I think it’s worth applying! I'd now just focus on the quality of your applications and how well you tailor them to the firms you're targeting

 

[EG3]

Unrelated to TCs - I received an invite to do an assessed mini-pupillage at 1cor. I’ve not done one before so if anyone has any insight, even if it’s just general tips, that’d be great (feel free to DM me).

 

[Legalstalker]

Hello everyone,

I used to have an account on here in which I documented my journey navigating the application cycle but deleted it a few months ago.

I just wanted to come back on here and say I’ve accepted a TC. I’ve made soo many connections from this forum who I now call friends and it wouldn’t be right to not give a slight update.

Many saw the journey I had, the amount of firms I applied to the constant rejection I faced as well as the wins. I had many highs and lows these past two cycles, I nearly didn’t apply this cycle due to not converting any last year but I persevered.😀

My advice - Comparison is a thief of joy! Take a breather. Deactivate LinkedIn temporarily if you need to.

For reference I’m a non-RG law graduate, RG masters (soon to be graduate), mitigating circumstances for mediocre A level grades and required extra time whilst on my schemes. This was not a barrier!

I’ve been exposed to several firms with many people gunning for a TC, it’s a very subjective process. Some of the strongest candidates don’t convert every VS.

Good luck to all battling another cycle, it only takes one yes 🤩​

 

[SamiyaJ]

Not a comprehensive guide but I think sometimes, in ranking questions, people identify the best thing to do, but can't identify the worst between a few unattractive options. I think there are a few things that you should never, ever do, and these will always go to the bottom: Never avoid taking responsibility, never entirely give up a chance to learn something new, never miss a deadline or leave work undone, never refuse feedback from anyone, never give legal advice without asking someone if you're a trainee.

Super helpful, thank you!

 

[lawyersum]

Hello everyone,

I used to have an account on here in which I documented my journey navigating the application cycle but deleted it a few months ago.

I just wanted to come back on here and say I’ve accepted a TC. I’ve made soo many connections from this forum who I now call friends and it wouldn’t be right to not give a slight update.

Many saw the journey I had, the amount of firms I applied to the constant rejection I faced as well as the wins. I had many highs and lows these past two cycles, I nearly didn’t apply this cycle due to not converting any last year but I persevered.😀

My advice - Comparison is a thief of joy! Take a breather. Deactivate LinkedIn temporarily if you need to.

For reference I’m a non-RG law graduate, RG masters (soon to be graduate), mitigating circumstances for mediocre A level grades and required extra time whilst on my schemes. This was not a barrier!

I’ve been exposed to several firms with many people gunning for a TC, it’s a very subjective process. Some of the strongest candidates don’t convert every VS.

Good luck to all battling another cycle, it only takes one yes 🤩​

So so glad to see your update and that you've been successful, your advice to me and others was simply invaluable and gave me confidence at my lowest points! Celebrate well

 

[studenttolawyer]

Hello everyone,

I used to have an account on here in which I documented my journey navigating the application cycle but deleted it a few months ago.

I just wanted to come back on here and say I’ve accepted a TC. I’ve made soo many connections from this forum who I now call friends and it wouldn’t be right to not give a slight update.

Many saw the journey I had, the amount of firms I applied to the constant rejection I faced as well as the wins. I had many highs and lows these past two cycles, I nearly didn’t apply this cycle due to not converting any last year but I persevered.😀

My advice - Comparison is a thief of joy! Take a breather. Deactivate LinkedIn temporarily if you need to.

For reference I’m a non-RG law graduate, RG masters (soon to be graduate), mitigating circumstances for mediocre A level grades and required extra time whilst on my schemes. This was not a barrier!

I’ve been exposed to several firms with many people gunning for a TC, it’s a very subjective process. Some of the strongest candidates don’t convert every VS.

Good luck to all battling another cycle, it only takes one yes 🤩​

Huge congratulations! What a journey, you must be so proud And good luck with your graduation!

 

[thelawstudent]

hi all, do A&O use the same VI questions every year? one firm motivation, and one competency? if so, is anyone able to share last year's VI questions as I think you have to sit all of the SJT and VI in one go...

 

[smiah]

I wonder what the mess-up will be this year👀

If the winter vs isn't available this year then, how different is the direct process (it looks like they're changing it though...)

I'm so gutted about Freshfields lack of transparency on their winter vac scheme. I had Aug 4th saved in my calendar for a while so this change had to be recent. I don't feel confident enough to apply for the direct TC/ feel like my chances are much slimmer. They announced they're releasing the changes to their process in Early September, which makes me assume the winter scheme is scrapped.

 

[amrita6399]

I can only see a posting for the Summer VS.

I'm so gutted about Freshfields lack of transparency on their winter vac scheme. I had Aug 4th saved in my calendar for a while so this change had to be recent. I don't feel confident enough to apply for the direct TC/ feel like my chances are much slimmer. They announced they're releasing the changes to their process in Early September, which makes me assume the winter scheme is scrapped.

 

[floral.tcla]

Yeah, exactly that. Any competitiveness between schemes (which can vary between years) is so marginal that it’s a matter of personal preference.
The only real advice is to try and apply to a mix of winter, spring, and summer (if you can / are eligible).

hi! Just curious about why you’d recommend applying to a mix?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

hi! Just curious about why you’d recommend applying to a mix?

Hi! No real reasons as such. Just helps hedge your bets (no eggs in one basket kinda thing) and prevents the likelihood of clashing schemes, if you’re fortunate enough to receive multiple vac scheme offers

 

[jojo23]

I'm so gutted about Freshfields lack of transparency on their winter vac scheme. I had Aug 4th saved in my calendar for a while so this change had to be recent. I don't feel confident enough to apply for the direct TC/ feel like my chances are much slimmer. They announced they're releasing the changes to their process in Early September, which makes me assume the winter scheme is scrapped.

Me too... I'd already written my application answer in advance. Might as well apply for the tc and see what happens. Worst thing they can do is reject me or, make the mistake of hiring me 🤣🤣

Honestly, just go for it and apply for the tc, you miss the shots you don't take (this sounds more like ill-fated dating advice, call me your wingman)

 

[jojo23]

Yeah, exactly that. Any competitiveness between schemes (which can vary between years) is so marginal that it’s a matter of personal preference.
The only real advice is to try and apply to a mix of winter, spring, and summer (if you can / are eligible).

I think in my case I can apply to most, with the exception of a few summer schemes due to being a grad. Most of the firms I plan on applying to should be ok. If i remember correctly only a few of them run winter schemes anyway e.g hsf, HL

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Has anyone heard back from DACB yet?

I keep checking this forum and the reddit to see if anyone has heard anything haha. But alas nothing!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

I'm so gutted about Freshfields lack of transparency on their winter vac scheme. I had Aug 4th saved in my calendar for a while so this change had to be recent. I don't feel confident enough to apply for the direct TC/ feel like my chances are much slimmer. They announced they're releasing the changes to their process in Early September, which makes me assume the winter scheme is scrapped.

I am not sure they ran one last year either. Remember too that they merged so I suspect it may be a new system based on the two firms becoming one

 

[MaryAra299]

Does anyone have any idea whether graduates can apply for winter vacation schemes? I've been hearing they can't anymore, but how does that work for firms like sidley austin which only recruit trainees from their vacation schemes. So, does that mean that once you've graduated without a contract you're basically doomed now and can never apply to firms like these???

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Does anyone have any idea whether graduates can apply for winter vacation schemes? I've been hearing they can't anymore, but how does that work for firms like sidley austin which only recruit trainees from their vacation schemes. So, does that mean that once you've graduated without a contract you're basically doomed now and can never apply to firms like these???

It varies by firm and there are only a couple that don't let graduates apply. Indeed for many undergraduates the winter ones clash with term time still.

 

[TortillaTC]

Does anyone have any idea whether graduates can apply for winter vacation schemes? I've been hearing they can't anymore, but how does that work for firms like sidley austin which only recruit trainees from their vacation schemes. So, does that mean that once you've graduated without a contract you're basically doomed now and can never apply to firms like these???

Anyone can appy to Sidley according to their website. Most firms that only hire or hire most of their trainees from vac schemes allow graduates to apply.

 

[confusedbird]

Does anyone have any idea whether graduates can apply for winter vacation schemes? I've been hearing they can't anymore, but how does that work for firms like sidley austin which only recruit trainees from their vacation schemes. So, does that mean that once you've graduated without a contract you're basically doomed now and can never apply to firms like these???

If I'm not wrong, most firms state if you're eligible to apply as a graduate or not. I rechecked Sidley and it seems to allow graduates to apply so I think it just differs firm to firm and rather than assuming all firms would follow that trend, I am planning to just check that before applying or emailing grad rec if there is any confusion as a recent graduate myself.