TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

true! you have a point haha - I'll look into it then, thank you!

@ any community admin - on this note, I was wondering what your thoughts on including "future" work experience in the work experience section are? For example, can I put any future vac schemes I am to do in there to help substantiate my lack of legal work experience in DTC applications? On one hand, it seems wrong since I haven't actually done the experience yet, but on the other, this experience is confirmed and will be something I will have undertaken by the time my TC starts (if I am successful that is) and can help make the application more competitive right?

I’m actually putting mine to tell how competitive it was to get it + what kind of clients I’ll be working with !! Don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, but I feel like a “prestigious” name can’t harm

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, quick question about Farrer, are you assessed for a TC on the vac scheme? I know it seems slightly odd to ask, but the website states that the training contract and VS processes are separate but I can see a large proportion of their trainees were recruited through their VS

Hello!

I completed the Farrers vacation scheme last year, so can confirm this for you! During the vacation scheme, you complete an interview with a partner which assesses whether they invite you back for a final TC interview. Therefore, it is possible to continue to be considered for a TC, but not all vacation schemers are offered a final interview.

From my experience at the final TC interview last cycle, and from what I heard on my scheme, it’s usually a pretty even split between DTC / post vacation scheme TC offers.

I hope that clarifies

 

[Legal12345]

I have ABC at a-level and have progressed with firms both AAB and ABB. I do have mitigating circumstances, but to be honest they are quite weak circumstances and I'm not sure how much they're being considered. Definitely worth applying if you really like the firm, and depending on how they word their requirements.

If they say they strictly require AAB, unless you have mitigating circumstances, then it is probably not worth it. If they "We typically look for AAB/ABB at a-level, but we review every application holistically" or something like that then then definitely go for it.

Thanks so much this is very helpful. Do you have any examples of firms that are lenient and that you progressed with?

 

[llblawstudent]

Hello!

I completed the Farrers vacation scheme last year, so can confirm this for you! During the vacation scheme, you complete an interview with a partner which assesses whether they invite you back for a final TC interview. Therefore, it is possible to continue to be considered for a TC, but not all vacation schemers are offered a final interview.

From my experience at the final TC interview last cycle, and from what I heard on my scheme, it’s usually a pretty even split between DTC / post vacation scheme TC offers.

I hope that clarifies

Lifesaver, thanks a bunch Abbie! I’m just in two minds as to whether to apply for VS v DTC considering the VS deadline is next week and the TC deadline is in 3 months, just because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do a vac scheme if I had to go through the same DTC process anyway (like at Paul Hastings) so it’s good to know they at least fast track you to an interview if they like you and don’t make you submit another app lol

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Sorry if this has been answered before - but I'm looking at applying to Milbank since there isn't a VI - does anyone know what OT they use? Cappfinity? Amberjack?

 

[maylawwww]

Sorry if this has been answered before - but I'm looking at applying to Milbank since there isn't a VI - does anyone know what OT they use? Cappfinity? Amberjack?

neither! its a SJT on 'shortlister' itself so its a little different but imo much nicer than either cappfinity or amberjack (much much shorter as well!)

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Anyone know about Ropes & Gray Vac scheme application, I can't find the 2026 one?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Anyone know about Ropes & Gray Vac scheme application, I can't find the 2026 one?

Candid Applicant Tracking System

Rare Candid Applicant Tracking System

ropesgray.app.candidats.io

I think it’s this link here. You do have to scroll down towards the bottom of their GR webpage for it tbf.​

 

[cookedlawstudent]

It is officially one month since I've heard from Freshfields after doing the stage 2 assessment. Imagine waiting this long to hear back about whether you got to the Assessment Centre for a Vacation Scheme with a low conversion rate .

 

[wqueens8]

Thanks so much this is very helpful. Do you have any examples of firms that are lenient and that you progressed with?

For sure. Either this year or last I've progressed with Taylor Wessing (AAB), Goodwin (AAB), Bird and Bird (AAB), Fieldfisher (ABB) and Eversheds (ABB).

 

[noahsmiit01]

Did anyone go to the Paul Hastings insight day? Do you mind sharing your notes/ can you share what the PHirst steps scheme even is? Is it just one week long experience where you get to see one of their core practice areas? Then you have to separately apply fr a TC?

Yeah, Phirst is like the First-year scheme; applying for their TC is a different app, and you don't get fast-track. However, they've been advised only to submit one application.

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, general question here. What is generally the lower limit for an application response? Like at what point do you think you stop being really concise and verge on not being detailed enough

 

[Deleted member 43292]

neither! its a SJT on 'shortlister' itself so its a little different but imo much nicer than either cappfinity or amberjack (much much shorter as well!)

Oh I see!! Thank you so much! And there’s no VI? I just did a VI today on shortlister so I associated the website with videos hahaha

 

[noahsmiit01]

Do you guys think Grad team are working tomorrow and on Fri? Wonder whether I will hear anything from them over the next 4 days.

 

[maylawwww]

Oh I see!! Thank you so much! And there’s no VI? I just did a VI today on shortlister so I associated the website with videos hahaha

Yup no VI but written responses for motivation/firm knowledge instead

 

[plsgivemetc]

Do you guys think Grad team are working tomorrow and on Fri? Wonder whether I will hear anything from them over the next 4 days.

are you actually asking if they’re working on Christmas Dayguys PLEASE SWITCH OFF FOR ONE DAY THIS IS NOT HEALTHY

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Yup no VI but written responses for motivation/firm knowledge instead

oh wow in the initial SJT assessment? Ive never done a written response before haha this is interesting - would it be timed like a VI?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Anyone else hoping to find a vac scheme and TC under their tree tomorrow morning?? Like Santa, I'll even take an AC at this point !

 

[BobThebIlly]

should I take the L and assume a PFO from Reed Smith? Applied on the deadline

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hey guys, general question here. What is generally the lower limit for an application response? Like at what point do you think you stop being really concise and verge on not being detailed enough

I think it really depends on the word limit. For Stephenson Harwood, I wrote 450 words for their app qs which had a 600 word limit and progressed to the SJT and VI. For firms that give a 250-300 word limit, I try to reach as close to the limit as possible. I avoid fluff and extra detail by structuring my answers to 2-3 points per question.

Hope this helps