TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[R2D2]

Could anyone please let me know what I can expect in the Macfarlanes second stage assesment? Kinda clueless as to what kind of questions should i prepare for.

 

[lost456]

Hi! Sure. I'll send this to all of you as soon as possible Just remember that it's just one successful application, not the best or definitive way to do it

Hi, would you mind sharing the example with me too please?

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Did anyone else not receive a confirmation email after submitting the Macfarlanes simulate test?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone know roughly when the Spring VS and Summer VS ACs usually take place? I’ll be away for part of Feb/March and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d be more likely to miss the Spring or Summer ACs during that time. I’ll apply to whichever option gives me the best chance of avoiding clashes, though I know I may miss some regardless.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Does anyone know roughly when the Spring VS and Summer VS ACs usually take place? I’ll be away for part of Feb/March and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d be more likely to miss the Spring or Summer ACs during that time. I’ll apply to whichever option gives me the best chance of avoiding clashes, though I know I may miss some regardless.

Good question! I'd say that the majority of assessment centres for spring vacation schemes start in mid-January and continue through late February. In March, you might still have the occasional spring VS AC, but they would mostly be for the summer intake.

I'd say that February and March are the prime assessment centre times. If you find yourself getting an AC invite during the time that you're away, it is always worth asking the firm if they have any earlier/ later dates available! Some firms can be quite accommodating, but others may not necessarily allow such changes - it's always worth asking regardless

Hope this helps!

 

[Sharan]

I need help about the Norton Rose Fulbright online application

for the university and A-level grades, it says that we need to provide our grades as GPA, so for a levels, I’ve used an online converter and got a ‘4’, but i just want to make sure has anyone who is applying to NRF done the same thing?

 

[bh.sa]

If a vac scheme application asks "Have you previously applied to us for any position?", does this include open days? It asks to give details if I tick yes, so if I was unsuccessful for the open day, would I tick yes and just say I was rejected?

 

[Ancika]

Hi! Does anyone know what Pinsent Mason's two video questions are that they ask. If so, I would be so grateful if you could share.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone know the eligability for the reed smith London summer vac scheme? I am not sure if I interpreted this right as it doesn't seem to mention final year law degree students?
"Are you in the penultimate year of a law degree or the final year of a non-law degree or a graduate, and eligible to start a training contract in 2027 or 2028? For further clarification, please visit our website."

 

[ZNadeem]

If a vac scheme application asks "Have you previously applied to us for any position?", does this include open days? It asks to give details if I tick yes, so if I was unsuccessful for the open day, would I tick yes and just say I was rejected?

Hi! I wouldn’t worry too much about mentioning open days, but yes — to be on the safe side, you can tick “yes” and just note that you applied for an open day and weren’t successful.

 

[ZNadeem]

Is the reed smith London summer vac scheme just for penultimate year students and graduates? I am not sure if I interpreted this right as it doesnt seem to mention final years for law degrees?
"Are you in the penultimate year of a law degree or the final year of a non-law degree or a graduate, and eligible to start a training contract in 2027 or 2028? For further clarification, please visit our website."

Hi! No, it isn’t just for penultimate-year students. It’s open to anyone who is in the penultimate year of a law degree or above (so final years and graduates are all eligible too).

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi! No, it isn’t just for penultimate-year students. It’s open to anyone who is in the penultimate year of a law degree or above (so final years and graduates are all eligible too).

Thanks a lot, I just wanted to check

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

is dechert wvs rolling? can’t find any info online

Dechert are indeed rolling, however, this is only revealed upon starting their application process: "We recruit on a rolling basis and make offers to successful candidates before the final application deadlines, so we encourage candidates to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment."

 

[lawyersum]

Jones day interview! If anyone has any specific experience pls dm x

 

[Shahenshah]

Just got my Jones Day interview!

 

[Shahenshah]

Jones day interview! If anyone has any specific experience pls dm x

I see we both got the same email ! xD

 

[CharlesT47]

I see we both got the same email ! xD

Hi was wondering whether you did the forage internship for Jones day?

 

[CharlesT47]

Jones day interview! If anyone has any specific experience pls dm x

Hi was wondering whether you did the forage internship for Jones day?

 

[Shahenshah]

Hi was wondering whether you did the forage internship for Jones day?

Yes I did, for each of my applications I try and attend an Open Day/Application Webinar and complete the Forage wherever possible - makes writing the application much much easier

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Does Linklaters review Vac scheme apps on a rolling basis? I think NO - but cannot see on their website