I applied shortly after christmas and still haven’t received a VI
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
It's kinda ambiguous
This Summer Vacation Scheme process will involve three stages - you need to pass each stage to reach the next:
- Written application (deadline midday 14 January 2026)
and then
Applications open at midday on Monday 3 November 2026 and close on Friday 14 January 2026 at midday.
Please note, we respond to all applications made, and will get back to you by March 2026. Once you have submitted your application there is no further action required by you.
Application deadline:
14 January 2026 at 18:00 Greenwich Mean Time
(i) Times are displayed in your local time zone
so like maybe it's midday in Bermuda!?
@Bread sorry you're feeling this way, as you get older the efforts to get a TC definitely become a little more frustrating BUT age is not a factor in the process at all
With vacation schemes, they're typically for those that perhaps don't have enough experience to display a strong enough interest/capability for commercial law, and so some firms may specifically designate internships for first-years, penultimate years etc. Instead, those with more experience and perhaps after graduation, are encouraged to apply through the DTC route. However, that doesn't mean to say they wouldn't consider you for a vacation scheme if that's what you want - it's still a chance to learn more about the firm, develop some skills, and where they recruit predominantly through these, a better shot at getting a TC. So, nobody is looking at your application thinking "too old... reject".
Truthfully, the average age of a trainee solicitor is 28, I just don't think you see it much because nobody really talks about the struggles they went through, or how long it took them to get to where they wanted to be. Just because it's not publicised, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
It's hard to say at this stage what it is that's holding you back, but I can imagine with older candidates it becomes trickier to explain motivation, because you get to that stage where you think your experience is obvious enough and with more of a reality of working life, you tend to be less "driven" about why it is you're doing this. I'm not saying that is definite, but I can see how that could happen. Whereas, for those still in university, that drive and passion is still relatively new and exciting - so it may translate into words. So, I'd consider reflecting on the quality of your applications, and maybe considering if the "self-inflicted pressure" of getting a TC before the clock runs out is actually chipping away at your writing.
Lastly, at this stage, don't be afraid to apply for any DTC's as well as VS's. Given the fact you're academically qualified, with a wealth of experience behind you, you may be what they're looking for in that particular route at that moment in time - and more often than not, there are still TC's available after a VS e.g. different academic years, different start dates, last-minute drop-outs, SQE fails etc. Leverage the opportunity.
Sorry if this isn't much of a help, but don't write yourself off from anything!
acc this is a useful post for you:
Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025
Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Like almost the full 1000 - it was 2 a4 pages
Any updates on the following firms?
- HSFK post passing benchmark
- Davis Polk post app
- Simmons & Simmons post SJT + VI
- Willkie post grad email saying they will get back by 19th
- Goodwin post VI
Tysm in advance!
- HSFK post passing benchmark
- Davis Polk post app
- Simmons & Simmons post SJT + VI
- Willkie post grad email saying they will get back by 19th
- Goodwin post VI
Tysm in advance!
Have not heard back from Mischon, submitted the AI chat interview on 10 November.
Nothing from P, W for Summer
Of these I've only applied to Goodwin, looking at last year's thread it seems people heard back around early Feb so fingers crossed!
yh tbf havent heard anything about the vi yet
Omg I'm so tempted to risk it because I'm so out of it today...but then why would they give us a Bermuda deadline :')
I’ve just finished one of my law exams for the year and I’m absolutely knackered.
If you’re in first or second year and applying to firms (whether for FYS or VS/TCs), please, please focus on your grades and studies. I really can’t stress how important this is. My life would've been so much smoother if I’d prioritised my academics more in first and second year. I would’ve met the grade requirements for a lot more firms, built the work ethic I now need to finish my law degree strong, and been better equipped to juggle revising and applying to firms in my final year. Instead, I’ve had to work extremely hard in my final year to make up for lower first and second year grades.
Applying to firms is obviously important because you need a job, but don’t let it come at the expense of your academics.
That said, if you don’t end up with stellar grades like I did in first and second year, don’t lose hope. You can absolutely still make it. There are firms like Gibson that, despite requiring “strong” grades on paper, take a very holistic approach when assessing candidates. However, I can say with confidence that life is a lot easier with solid grades, so if you can prioritise them early on, it will make a huge difference.
And if none of this applies to you, then take it as a sign that you’re doing a stellar job! 😊
If you’re in first or second year and applying to firms (whether for FYS or VS/TCs), please, please focus on your grades and studies. I really can’t stress how important this is. My life would've been so much smoother if I’d prioritised my academics more in first and second year. I would’ve met the grade requirements for a lot more firms, built the work ethic I now need to finish my law degree strong, and been better equipped to juggle revising and applying to firms in my final year. Instead, I’ve had to work extremely hard in my final year to make up for lower first and second year grades.
Applying to firms is obviously important because you need a job, but don’t let it come at the expense of your academics.
That said, if you don’t end up with stellar grades like I did in first and second year, don’t lose hope. You can absolutely still make it. There are firms like Gibson that, despite requiring “strong” grades on paper, take a very holistic approach when assessing candidates. However, I can say with confidence that life is a lot easier with solid grades, so if you can prioritise them early on, it will make a huge difference.
And if none of this applies to you, then take it as a sign that you’re doing a stellar job! 😊
for winter they released all invites at once, and then said if the first group didnt fill the interview slots then they would send more invites!
The Burges Salmon email for Edinburgh lowk had me thinking I got an AC invite for a sec 😭
Feeling: catfished
Feeling: catfished
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