TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AGB2060]

may i ask when did you apply and when did you hear back? and for vs or tc? Congrats!

Thanks! I applied mid-November and heard back yesterday, it's for the VS

 

[johnsmith]

Deadline^ 19th Dec

Same my side, I think the volume will be huge so don't write it off

 

[Applicant3728299643]

Same, I haven't seen any spring ACs, what's going on 😭 maybe spring is full with the people who got fast-tracked 😭

My friend who did lathams open day just got their invite for their spring vacation scheme!

 

[Winter]

My friend who did lathams open day just got their invite for their spring vacation scheme!

Omg I'm gonna spiral !! This is an excruciating wait. </3

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Have there been any more Latham rejections recently?

 

[EfficientBag123]

Don’t spiral, that was an early AC.

 

[Novaa]

What’s the best approach for putting VS you didn’t manage to convert on your work experience section?

Do firms look at this sideways especially if it was a couple cycles ago 💀

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Me answering video interview questions.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Don’t spiral, that was an early AC.

there aren't early AC's for those who did the open day.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Have there been any more Latham rejections recently?

Have there been any?

 

[EfficientBag123]

there aren't early AC's for those who did the open day.

I’m almost certain there are.

 

[Indigo71]

Okay thank you so much. It’s just that they gave the AC dates so less than a week to prep seems counter intuitive.

If there is an AC next week, when will

 

[Indigo71]

Are we hearing back this week if Baker McKenzie have an AC next week for spring?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I’m almost certain there are.

I did one of the OD's lol. We don't get 'fast-tracked' as such or get an early AC. only brand ambassadors and first-year schemers do.

 

[msclm]

Does anyone know if it’s still worth applying to Sidley?

Yes apply. I applied an hour before applications closed and got the vac and tc. GR reads every single app!

 

[Novaa]

Me answering video interview questions.

HELPP!! 😭😭💀

Me saying “Offices in London, New York, Hong Kong… [goes blank]… Brazil” praying they don’t notice I went from city to country

 

[lawstudent2]

Are these Latham ACs coming out in batches or is it time to accet the pfo 😫

 

[EfficientBag123]

Are these Latham ACs coming out in batches or is it time to accet the pfo 😫

i think in batches

 

[sadlawyer01]

Omg Congrats!! Did you/they complete the Open Day?

no OD, she applied for summer!

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

@Ijustwanttobealawyer this is a feeling most on here, and many in the legal industry will understand - so know that you’re not alone.

Many will have their own ways of dealing with this feeling and it would probably be useful for everyone to pitch in, but for me, it personally worked to simply understand the fact that it wasn’t a race - and I would eventually get to where I needed to be, whether that’s this year, or the next, or the year after.

All of a sudden, I stopped taking the rejections personally, and instead started framing my mindset in a “their loss” kind of way. Of course, I know none of the firms cared, but the delusion within me required at least a little ego.

I’m not going to lie, it was hard to reframe my anxiety, but with that little power trip (made easier with a killer playlist, and daydreaming) I started focusing on the positives, and kept telling myself okay - well I don’t have any TC which means all options for any firm are still within my grasp, so I’m not pigeonholed by one particular firm so I could realistically aim higher.

Aside from that little ego boost (which was essential btw because of how much confidence is knocked during this entire journey) what was most important, was learning to take a break. Whether that be a few days, or a few weeks, it was critical to making sure that mentally I stayed happy. So, I didn’t say no to any socials or I didn’t lock myself way trying to do more and more applications. I simply took a break, recharged, and came back when I felt ready.

You’ll find your own way to deal with this, it really is a journey you’ll look back on and laugh about one day.

Thank you so much Afraz, I really appreciate it! It’s just been quite demoralising feeling like as years go on, things only become more competitive. I failed to convert two VSs to TC (one American and one MC firm) and it’s been a real knock to the confidence.

I hope we all end up where we’re meant to be! Thanks again Afraz