TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[vhuskl]

Has anyone else not heard back from Bakers since submitting their application?

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Burges salmon Bristol AC!!! I'm sooo sooo happy!! This is my first AC <33 yippee!!! Mills & Reeve PFO though hahaa!

 

[cos]

Can’t believe I made this mistake again but I somehow thought my Reed smith vi was due today but it was due the 14th. Gen hate myself this is the second time this has happened (can u tell a lot is going for me rn)

Also has anyone heard back from Gowling Birmingham post their vi?

I just checked my portal and its a pfo for me!! Check your portal because it doesnt look like they have sent any emails yet...

 

[M_m]

Does Reed Smith provide personalised feedback for the VI if you’re rejected? Or is it just general tips

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

I'm now nervous. People are getting both ACs and PFOs for Mills & Reeves and Burges salmon... expecting responses soon for both.

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Still nothing from Cooley …

 

[LaDiva]

Are the Mills&Reeve AC invites this afternoon just for regional offices? Applied to London and was told I’d hear back w/c 19th Jan so next Monday..

Was this info in an email?

 

[zonnonomo]

I got a PFO:

Scores: Verbal high, Numeric High
SJT:
Collab: "natural passion and capability"
Getting things done "consistent showcase"
Client focused "some strengths but missed some opportunities"
Business and commercial mindset "requires further development"
Analysis & problem solving : "outstanding"

I assume the AC is more based on the VI performance than the SJT.

i digress but i love the way u speak and structure all ur posts there's something so mathematical about ur vibe

 

[spamelinazoid]

Any comms from Reed Smith?

 

[maylawwww]

Still nothing from Cooley …

Automated reply from asking for reasonable adjustments says theyre still working through all applications (for both spring and summer) because they received a 34% (!) increase in applications this year

 

[tc2026]

urgenttt I’ve been invited to a Bank of England video interview due tomorrow. However, I’ve just been emailed about amended eligibility criteria from the University of Law, which the Bank of England uses for its programme, now requiring Trusts. I achieved a first-class law degree at a top Russell Group university but did not take Trusts as it wasn’t required for my course. I’m unsure how to proceed, especially as the email arrived at 5pm today and I may not receive a response in time. Should I still complete the video interview? Any advice would be appreciated, im sooo upset by this. sigh I wish they disclosed this before.

 

[elizabethkate]

mills & reeve pfo damn i thought my sjt was decent ?

 

[bangarangbass39]

when an application says this

"Have you ever been under investigation for any matters or criticised, censured, suspended or the subject of any disciplinary activity by a professional/regulatory body?"

does this mean I have to declare that I have been investigated and deducted points by my uni for plagiarism in an essay? How far does the term "professional/regulatory body" apply in this instance? I'm assuming that the board which reviews undergraduate work within a given academic department is classed as a "professional/regulatory" body surely?

 

[trainee4u]

urgenttt I’ve been invited to a Bank of England video interview due tomorrow. However, I’ve just been emailed about amended eligibility criteria from the University of Law, which the Bank of England uses for its programme, now requiring Trusts. I achieved a first-class law degree at a top Russell Group university but did not take Trusts as it wasn’t required for my course. I’m unsure how to proceed, especially as the email arrived at 5pm today and I may not receive a response in time. Should I still complete the video interview? Any advice would be appreciated, im sooo upset by this. sigh I wish they disclosed this before.

Who emailed you, Ulaw or BoE?
What is the specific programme?
Generally Ulaw just want your money, and wouldn't be fussy about minor details like that.
I certainly would not skip the VI.

 

[tc2026]

urgenttt I’ve been invited to a Bank of England video interview due tomorrow. However, I’ve just been emailed about amended eligibility criteria from the University of Law, which the Bank of England uses for its programme, now requiring Trusts. I achieved a first-class law degree at a top Russell Group university but did not take Trusts as it wasn’t required for my course. I’m unsure how to proceed, especially as the email arrived at 5pm today and I may not receive a response in time. Should I still complete the video interview? Any advice would be appreciated, im sooo upset by this. sigh I wish they disclosed this before.

id appreciate any advice please

 

[Erin Brockovich]

Burges Salmon Bristol PFO

 

[tc2026]

Who emailed you, Ulaw or BoE?
What is the specific programme?
Generally Ulaw just want your money, and wouldn't be fussy about minor details like that.
I certainly would not skip the VI.

BoE:
Thank you for applying to the Trainee Solicitor Development Programme (TDSP). Congratulations on your invite to the Video Interview stage!

The University of Law, who we partner with to provide this programme, has amended its eligibility criteria. In addition to the programme’s published requirements, you must now meet both of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Completion of the following seven “black letter law” subjects at Level 4 or aboveas part of your degree or postgraduate qualification:
   • English Legal Systems
   • Tort
   • Contract
   • Public Law
   • Criminal
   • Trusts
   • Land Law

These core subjects form the foundation of SQE assessments and are therefore essential for progressing in the programme.

 

[trainee4u]

when an application says this

"Have you ever been under investigation for any matters or criticised, censured, suspended or the subject of any disciplinary activity by a professional/regulatory body?"

does this mean I have to declare that I have been investigated and deducted points by my uni for plagiarism in an essay? How far does the term "professional/regulatory body" apply in this instance? I'm assuming that the board which reviews undergraduate work within a given academic department is classed as a "professional/regulatory" body surely?

Deducted points? It depends on the specifics of the plagiarism, but are you aware of this from the SRA?

You have committed and/or have been adjudged by an education establishment to have committed a deliberate assessment offence, which amounts to plagiarism or cheating, in order to gain an advantage for you or others.

As far as the specifics of the question, a professional and regulatory body is something like the SRA, the Teaching Regulation Agency, etc. A university board is an educational body, it's neither professional nor regulatory.

 

[TCComingSoon]

I feel Mills Reeve and Burgess decided togther let's update them this evening. They went to lunch together today and made this master plan.

 

[trainee4u]

BoE:
Thank you for applying to the Trainee Solicitor Development Programme (TDSP). Congratulations on your invite to the Video Interview stage!

The University of Law, who we partner with to provide this programme, has amended its eligibility criteria. In addition to the programme’s published requirements, you must now meet both of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Completion of the following seven “black letter law” subjects at Level 4 or aboveas part of your degree or postgraduate qualification:
   • English Legal Systems
   • Tort
   • Contract
   • Public Law
   • Criminal
   • Trusts
   • Land Law

These core subjects form the foundation of SQE assessments and are therefore essential for progressing in the programme.

Hmm odd that you didn't do trusts in your LLB. Fwiw, the firms talk about "qualifying law degrees", and the definition is those seven subjects, essentially. However this term is obsolete for solicitor qualification and only relevant for barristers.
In addition, the SQE covers those seven subjects, and a pass at SQE is deemed by the BSB to be equivalent to a qualifying law degree.
I do not think that Ulaw would be fussy about this and unless your degree is something obviously 'off', I doubt anyone would scrutinise it anyway.