TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[M85672]

If I haven’t got a WG from Cooley yet, is it over?

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone else gotten an AC with a firm and then realised it may not be right for them? I know this is an extremely lucky position to be in overall, but I’m genuinely a bit torn.

I’ve got an in-person AC for a City firm’s spring vac scheme in a couple of days. It is technically full service, but in reality it’s pretty specialised. I actually did a first-year scheme with them and they’re a perfectly fine firm, it’s just that they don’t really do much of what I’m keen to train in.

I come from a biotech background, so I’m really drawn to firms with a strong life sciences / tech focus, and I’ve become particularly interested in IP and patent litigation after another vac scheme last summer. Obviously I don’t pretend to know exactly what I want to qualify into yet, but I do have a general direction that this firm does not practice in at all really.

I keep hearing totally conflicting advice: some people say “just train anywhere and get qualified”, others say “follow what genuinely interests you”. Normally I’d just suck it up and go to the AC anyway. But I’m completely bogged down right now, I’ve got two assignments due the day after the AC. I’m also at a very northern uni, so attending would mean about £100 out of pocket (not reimbursed), around 8–9 hours of travel, and then a 6-hour shift at work that night 😫. I’d basically be awake for 24+ hours straight.

On top of that, I’m really fortunate to have already secured a summer vac scheme with a firm I’m genuinely excited about, and I’ve still got a few other applications/processes ongoing. I really don’t want to sound ungrateful, I know ACs are valuable and hard to come by, but I’m struggling with the idea of spending so much time, money and energy on something that I’m not sure is right for me. Now I'm spending all day trying to prep for it, when I could be working on my assignments or my diss.

Has anyone else been in a similar position? What did you do?

I know someone who declined an AC for very similar reasons - exams the same week and already had another vac scheme at a firm that they were far more keen on. They never regretted it as they got the TC at the other firm and are incredibly happy there.
Obviously whatever works for you but wanted to share the similar experience if it helps

 

[pepsicola96]

Has anyone else gotten an AC with a firm and then realised it may not be right for them? I know this is an extremely lucky position to be in overall, but I’m genuinely a bit torn.

I’ve got an in-person AC for a City firm’s spring vac scheme in a couple of days. It is technically full service, but in reality it’s pretty specialised. I actually did a first-year scheme with them and they’re a perfectly fine firm, it’s just that they don’t really do much of what I’m keen to train in.

I come from a biotech background, so I’m really drawn to firms with a strong life sciences / tech focus, and I’ve become particularly interested in IP and patent litigation after another vac scheme last summer. Obviously I don’t pretend to know exactly what I want to qualify into yet, but I do have a general direction that this firm does not practice in at all really.

I keep hearing totally conflicting advice: some people say “just train anywhere and get qualified”, others say “follow what genuinely interests you”. Normally I’d just suck it up and go to the AC anyway. But I’m completely bogged down right now, I’ve got two assignments due the day after the AC. I’m also at a very northern uni, so attending would mean about £100 out of pocket (not reimbursed), around 8–9 hours of travel, and then a 6-hour shift at work that night 😫. I’d basically be awake for 24+ hours straight.

On top of that, I’m really fortunate to have already secured a summer vac scheme with a firm I’m genuinely excited about, and I’ve still got a few other applications/processes ongoing. I really don’t want to sound ungrateful, I know ACs are valuable and hard to come by, but I’m struggling with the idea of spending so much time, money and energy on something that I’m not sure is right for me. Now I'm spending all day trying to prep for it, when I could be working on my assignments or my diss.

Has anyone else been in a similar position? What did you do?

I've not been in exactly the same situation, but I think it's so valid to feel this way. This process is so so intense that we end up feeling like every bit of it is a prize. It's easy to forget we're ultimately applying for jobs. Any AC, or scheme, is ultimately an interview for a job, we are also interviewing the firms and deciding if it's where we want to dedicate a lot of our time and energy to as well. It doesn't seem to be what you want, you're not obligated to follow through with something just because it is coveted, especially with so much else going on.

I remember reading a linkedin post from a while back, cannot remember her name now. But she did a winter vac scheme with linklaters, received the TC offer and declined because she simply knew it wasn't right for her even though most people would kill for that and she had no other offers. I thought she was insane at the time, but I really understand now. Believe she ended up at Bird and Bird which was much more aligned to what she wanted similar to you.

I've also heard multiple qualified lawyers express that they wished they'd been more selective with their firms. It is far from easy to work in a practice area that you didn't train in. Especially more niche ones like IP. You may well complete several seats in random areas, end up a real estate lawyer and resent that you didn't try harder for your interests. Better to take the risk imo, even if it needs another cycle, and that's assuming the worst. You may very well convert one of your other firms this year!

 

[Prudentia]

If I haven’t got a WG from Cooley yet, is it over?

Didn’t they say they would get back to everyone by 27 Jan?

I did the WG test and in that email they said they’ll let everyone know by this Thursday if they’ve progressed to the Zoom interview.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Has GD progressed all the people it wanted to for Summer? Or are any spots left for interviews and ACs?
edit: applied 18 dec, finished SJT 24 dec

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Has GD progressed all the people it wanted to for Summer? Or are any spots left for interviews and ACs?
edit: applied 18 dec, finished SJT 24 dec

I’m not too sure tbh but I applied on 23 Dec and I also finished the SJT/WG on 24 Dec. I got invited to VI on 8 Jan and have it very soon.​

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I’m not too sure tbh but I applied on 23 Dec and I also finished the SJT/WG on 24 Dec. I got invited to VI on 8 Jan and have it very soon.​

Ya but I figured you did it for Spring and not Summer? Does that make a difference or not really...

 

[futuretraineeihope]

1. Understand the structure of the day and what is being assessed at each part of the day.

2. Review your application to understand and remember why you are doing this.

3. Brush up on your STAR examples but make sure you’re being authentic and yourself. The competency part is also a part to show your personality as well as skills.

4. For the case study, try to remain calm and it’s okay to show you’re not confident on something. “I’m not sure if I’m on the right page but would ____________ work?” and if the partner challenges you, even if it’s a trick challenge. Show that you considered what they said challenged “Hmm let me have a think”. Case studies test how flexible your thinking is and how you perform under pressure.

5. If there’s a group task, do not fall into the trap of thinking it’s you versus them. Please do not do this, LOL it is very easy to spot and works in others favours.

6. Some personalities at ACs can be interesting… 😍 IGNORE THEM!! Go in with a clear mind and don’t let anyone try sway your confidence. Remember you’ve made it and you can smash it!

thank you so so much! I needed this before my AC tomorrow! Love seeing the support on here!😁

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Ya but I figured you did it for Spring and not Summer? Does that make a difference or not really...

People have alr gotten GDC Summer VS offers so idk if it makes a big diff. I doubt they’ve made all their offers for either yet though. It’s just they do seem serious about the rolling basis stuff but idk.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

I’m not too sure tbh but I applied on 23 Dec and I also finished the SJT/WG on 24 Dec. I got invited to VI on 8 Jan and have it very soon.​

I think I failed the SJT / WG LMAO they have not said a word to me since then (like since a week or two ago lmao)

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Honestly i'd love to do that but not bcs I am that typical gay man, but my skin is just too sensitive to break up (I've tried couple of times). I'd rather to use basic skincare only like moisturizer, serum, facial wash, mask, toner etc

Make up it's not for me especially many are formulated for women

I'm in the same position, but the sensory feel of makeup is really difficult for me to handle and not be constantly aware of. I guess maybe there are other brands I haven't tried, but at the same time it doesn't feel worth the time investment to me until my mirrors start cracking 🤣

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

man links better get back to me for summer what r these firms even doing.. why haven't i heard back at all - omg am i getting collectively PFO'd or is this cos all i did was apply for summers..

 

[solicitor_2028]

guys, i was looking to apply for some DTC apps and was wondering how probable is it to succeed thru that route, having interned at only two firms (not vs) + one mini pupillage so far (ik that doesn’t come into commercial law). i work part time alongside uni and have some committee roles so i can showcase a bit of transferrable skills. any insight would be helpful!!

 

[Novaa]

guys, i was looking to apply for some DTC apps and was wondering how probable is it to succeed thru that route, having interned at only two firms (not vs) + one mini pupillage so far. i work part time alongside uni and have some committee roles so i can showcase a bit of transferrable skills. any insight would be helpful

Sounds like a solid profile. I’d use the mini pupillage as a way to frame why you realised you want to be a solicitor as opposed to a barrister.

I previously got to MC AC for DTC with one VS, two university roles, and retail experience. So it’s possible as firms care about your transferable skills more than how much you’ve done.

 

[Bbhu19]

Is akin test selective? Or are they just late to send like Weil

 

[Kenomy]

I have applied but not heard anything back yet

Thats a real shame. I applied back in November thereabouts and was invited to do a SJT but have heard nothing since November 2025

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Is akin test selective? Or are they just late to send like Weil

It’s selective. If you pass the SJT/WG then they will invite to the TI. Passing the TI, you get to AC.​

 

[Bbhu19]

It’s selective. If you pass the SJT/WG then they will invite to the TI. Passing the TI, you get to AC.​

Ok small wins I’ll take it

 

[trainee4u]

Hi guys, have an odd questions. Where do you guys usually place your hands in an interview?

👀

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Akin PFO. Turns out it got sent yesterday and straight to my spam.

post app? test? TI?