TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone know when we hear back from ES? I’m sure at the end of the VI it said before the new year, but not sure if I’m imagining that 🤣

It definitely said that, you're not imagining it! But I'm not sure if they will stick to it.

 

[whyisthissohard]

Guys what do we think the NRF artic shores benchmark is 🥲. They could be sending the VI out in batches but istg this application process has made me crazily paranoid.

 

[applicant457]

Anyone knows what are the VI questions?

 

[legallybrunnette]

Has anyone heard from Dechert post WE?

Could you share what was expected or how you prepared please? It is my first WE and I have no idea what to expect.

 

[Ferran_]

If applied end of November for slaughters vs and haven’t heard back, shld I assume pfo?

 

[llblawstudent]

If applied end of November for slaughters vs and haven’t heard back, shld I assume pfo?

Did you get the holding email last week?

 

[Ferran_]

Did you get the holding email last week?

yeah i did, on xmas eve
i remember opening it up in the car and seeing the word 'apologise' and my heart skipped a beat lmao

 

[AMullin]

I know it’s a bit of a long shot but does anyone know if NRF will have reviewed applications yet or just sent VI invites based on the Arctic Shores scores?

 

[abc124]

I'm confused, Addleshaw Goddard say they 'welcome applications from candidates from all locations' but then they say 'this Placement Scheme/Training Contract role may not meet the Home Office requirements for a Skilled Worker visa'. How can they not know if it meets the requirements 😭 Idk what do to as someone who'd need a visa for the tc

 

[cf26]

I'm confused, Addleshaw Goddard say they 'welcome applications from candidates from all locations' but then they say 'this Placement Scheme/Training Contract role may not meet the Home Office requirements for a Skilled Worker visa'. How can they not know if it meets the requirements 😭 Idk what do to as someone who'd need a visa for the tc

I think this is regarding their regional offices which don't meet the salary threshold for the skilled worker visa. However, I think their London office meets the requirements so I would apply there. But I think it's best to email them to confirm this!

 

[elle woods]

Smh my inbox is quiet asf. I’ve had no updates from firms at all lmfao. I’m just sat here like:

I second this haha, as someone who *cough cough* likes fast-paced environments...this is the worst torture to put me through 😂😭(half joking)

 

[iwatchsuits]

Does anyone know when we hear back from ES? I’m sure at the end of the VI it said before the new year, but not sure if I’m imagining that 🤣

Could be tomorrow...... EEK

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone have an DLA TI insights?

 

[jamsparkle]

From Clifford Chance's application receipt email (applied for SPARK):


"Whilst you wait to hear from us, we have a number of open access resources which we encourage you to complete:

• Our Global Virtual Internships. Applicants are 9.1x more likely to progress to interview and 15.6x more likely to secure a Training Contract having completed at least one Global Virtual Internship."

doesn't that seem insanely high? why might this be the case? esp since they seem to say that they don't take this into account

 

[johnsmith]

Should I lose hope with Reed Smith? Have they got back to anyone else who applied on the deadline? Or is it just an automatic rejection now.

I’m still waiting, they will have had high volume just before finishing for Christmas so maintain hope

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Clyde and Co doesn't ask for anything in the application, not even work experience????? I'm confused

 

[johnsmith]

I swear someone on this forum (who was not a BA or on the FYS) claimed they got an AC in Jan for the summer vac scheme before Christmas, which is a bit strange.

I thought there was an interview stage before assessments or is it all rolled into one?

 

[Wagamamas]

From Clifford Chance's application receipt email (applied for SPARK):


"Whilst you wait to hear from us, we have a number of open access resources which we encourage you to complete:

• Our Global Virtual Internships. Applicants are 9.1x more likely to progress to interview and 15.6x more likely to secure a Training Contract having completed at least one Global Virtual Internship."

doesn't that seem insanely high? why might this be the case? esp since they seem to say that they don't take this into account

I completed a few of their internships, passed WG and still got rejected. Not sure what difference it’ll make given you’ve already submitted your application.

 

[elle woods]

From Clifford Chance's application receipt email (applied for SPARK):


"Whilst you wait to hear from us, we have a number of open access resources which we encourage you to complete:

• Our Global Virtual Internships. Applicants are 9.1x more likely to progress to interview and 15.6x more likely to secure a Training Contract having completed at least one Global Virtual Internship."

doesn't that seem insanely high? why might this be the case? esp since they seem to say that they don't take this into account

Firstly, firms have to pay to have their programmes (that they also worked hard to create) on Forage, soooo

Anyways, I have seen people get onto SPARK or the TC who have done none at all. Most people end up doing at least 1 because of what they say and because it's a good application talking point (as well as just a good general resource to learn about commercial law). That's why it's so high, because most people would have done it anyways - correlation doesn't always equal causation though!

Edit: and like the others have said: from a stats perspective, most successful candidates will have completed at least 1.
I've personally done over 4, but I still got rejected at application review stage ahah, so like the person above said, not sure if it makes a difference truly.

Either way, GVIs are also just good to do. They're good insight into the actual work trainees do. If you complete one and still think commercial law is for you, then that's good for the firm since they can be sure you're committed to and interested in commercial law.

 

[A worried paralegal]

Anyone heard from SPB for Manchester?