TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

ikr man... I sometimes wonder what it is that I'm lacking aaaa

I know what I’m lacking… trying to compensate it with my written answers

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

I have no doubt she will be getting more too... won't be surprised if she ends up with like 6 or more offers this cycle, genuinely she is so goated

thats crazy, im here over the moon with one, just so happens she has also got the firm which i have

 

[a1289]

Is the Mishcon de Reya AI chat assessment automatic, or does receiving it mean you've actually been progressed past the application stage?

I think they said automatic and they look at the chat assessment and our app together

 

[llblawstudent]

Hi, When did you receive the invite for FF AC? I completed the stage 2 assessment about a month ago but haven't heard back from them yet.

same situation think bc it’s rolling we’re fucked

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

which firm is that? I also share a firm with her I'm a bit scared to do the scheme with someone as goated as her LMAO

macfarlanes.. wbu?

 

[yk1906]

which firm is that? I also share a firm with her I'm a bit scared to do the scheme with someone as goated as her LMAO

If they chose you it means you’re at least as good! Think about it this way

 

[BealMcAlly]

Thanks so much for this! Agosh I'm getting a little nervous for the test..
All the best to you!

Honestly wouldn't overthink it. It's just a test, just make sure you understand what is being tested and how to identify it for each question and you will do better than you think.

 

[adh3]

how has someone obtained three vac schemes by mid december. just saw this on linkedin and started laughing thats ridiculous. well done to them fr

Funny story, I was talking to somebody this summer who told me they were considering moving from finance into law. That person secured a WVS (and, subsequently, a TC) at a US firm. This was one of their first applications, in their first application cycle.

To answer your question, some people simply have what firms are looking for (experience, grades, etc.). Others don't. That's why you'll see a handful of people who get multiple vacation schemes, and others who struggle to get a TC across multiple cycles.

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

AOS ...

lets just hope our firms arent her first choice !

 

[yk1906]

Funny story, I was talking to somebody this summer who told me they were considering moving from finance into law. That person secured a WVS (and, subsequently, a TC) at a US firm. This was one of their first applications, in their first application cycle.

To answer your question, some people simply have what firms are looking for (experience, grades, etc.). Others don't. That's why you'll see a handful of people who get multiple vacation schemes, and others who struggle to get a TC across multiple cycles.

tbh I love stalking TC offer holders on LinkedIn (sorry) and they do have a lot in common

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Funny story, I was talking to somebody this summer who told me they were considering moving from finance into law. That person secured a WVS (and, subsequently, a TC) at a US firm. This was one of their first applications, in their first application cycle.

To answer your question, some people simply have what firms are looking for (experience, grades, etc.). Others don't. That's why you'll see a handful of people who get multiple vacation schemes, and others who struggle to get a TC across multiple cycles.

that is so true haha, some people find the application cycle so easy! Never been more envious hahah
I guess what we need to do is start building up what the firms are looking for, but as someone from a lower class background I genuinely don't know what's needed or where to start haha

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

hahah I don't think that matters, I don't know if grad rec would turn around and offer the place to someone else if she rejects it
But best of luck! I'm sure you'll do great, regardless of the above or not! There are plenty of offers to go around anyways - head up and shoulders back, we can do it!

yeah true. not a competition either way, just gotta be our best versions of ourselves and im sure we will be fine

 

[lawyersum]

that is so true haha, some people find the application cycle so easy! Never been more envious hahah
I guess what we need to do is start building up what the firms are looking for, but as someone from a lower class background I genuinely don't know what's needed or where to start haha

can’t lie the worst is when you’re at open days and you ask one of the trainees what their journey was like, and they respond ‘I didn’t really know what I wanted to do I just thought law would be a good idea so I made a couple of apps and here I am’ - a couple of apps????

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

that is so true haha, some people find the application cycle so easy! Never been more envious hahah
I guess what we need to do is start building up what the firms are looking for, but as someone from a lower class background I genuinely don't know what's needed or where to start haha

Sometimes I just wish I was born a nepo baby with partner contacts at elite US/MC firms. That would make life so much easier lmao.​

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

Funny story, I was talking to somebody this summer who told me they were considering moving from finance into law. That person secured a WVS (and, subsequently, a TC) at a US firm. This was one of their first applications, in their first application cycle.

To answer your question, some people simply have what firms are looking for (experience, grades, etc.). Others don't. That's why you'll see a handful of people who get multiple vacation schemes, and others who struggle to get a TC across multiple cycles.

finance into law is a pretty good transition tbh. especially for big banking and finance firms. its when you get to know of the people from chemical engineering etc who get TCs that you start to wonder if there is a "mold."

 

[yk1906]

that is so true haha, some people find the application cycle so easy! Never been more envious hahah
I guess what we need to do is start building up what the firms are looking for, but as someone from a lower class background I genuinely don't know what's needed or where to start haha

Right!!! I’ve been to many events but fail to fully grasp what’s needed precisely. But what really helped me is attending Willkie’s events on applications, at least in terms of how to present your experience and motivations.

 

[futuretrainee22]

DLA Piper TI invite, if anyone has any inisghts I would be very grateful!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

can’t lie the worst is when you’re at open days and you ask one of the trainees what their journey was like, and they respond ‘I didn’t really know what I wanted to do I just thought law would be a good idea so I made a couple of apps and here I am’ - a couple of apps????

YESSS omg, I often wonder if there's just something wrong with me like they make it sound so easy and I'm sitting there like, woah maybe it really isn't that bad, and then I get thrust back into reality and realise that something isn't adding up here

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

Right!!! I’ve been to many events but fail to fully grasp what’s needed precisely. But what really helped me is attending Willkie’s events on applications, at least in terms of how to present your experience and motivations.

contrary to what i literally just posted, i do sort of believe there isnt a mold sometimes tho. they hire from all diff backgrounds and i think authenticity is really valued. ive been to lots of events and i cant remember one where they havent said "just be yourself." theres defo some truth to it and i think being interested and curious as ur own self goes a long way

 

[Madison Pinewall]

What is it that firms are looking for though? I am extremely pessimistic at my chances, and I have a very reasonable level of work experience and a first-class law result in first year. I got rejected from a LOT of open days etc but this was before we had first year grades so I'm wondering if this might make a big difference!