TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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]

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?

 

[Hinkle_dinkle]

When do we hear back from Addlshaw Goddard London?

 

[Harvey Specter]

This is an accurate depiction of me working on this Morgan Lewis vac scheme app (why does it have 5 app questions each 300 words smh):

 

[elle woods]

This is an accurate depiction of me working on this Morgan Lewis vac scheme app (why does it have 5 app questions each 300 words smh):

new pfp!! looking good specter!

although you can't see nor feel it right now, I am empathising and grieving with you in spirit.

Also i didn't notice earlier, but happy 1000th post to you!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

This is an accurate depiction of me working on this Morgan Lewis vac scheme app (why does it have 5 app questions each 300 words smh):

Me when an application has more than two 300 word questions:

 

[Harvey Specter]

new pfp!! looking good specter!

although you can't see nor feel it right now, I am empathising and grieving with you in spirit.

Also i didn't notice earlier, but happy 1000th post to you!

Thank you I thought I’d change things up! Ngl it’s a very long app lowkey played myself here.

Is this basically saying I’m spending too much time on the forum (peak jobless behaviour)…

Tbf over half of these posts will be from when Chris was on the forum but still 400-500 is a lot yikes…

These are pointing at me btw (I need to get back on to the app graft immediately lmao)…​

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

This is an accurate depiction of me working on this Morgan Lewis vac scheme app (why does it have 5 app questions each 300 words smh):

Yeah I asked Gemini AI to find me some extra firms to apply to that align with my current strategy and Morgan Lewis was one...
Took one look at that form and said nope!!! (Better spending that energy on my TW AC prep)

 

[kukubird]

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

Do you know how many people pass from stage to stage?

 

[solicitor_2028]

Does Freeths sponsor visa for international students?

 

[M85672]

Not sure if this has previously been answered somewhere earlier - but what structure should one focus on for the R&G question? I attended the webinar that discussed how to ace the vac scheme but still a bit unsure on how to actually approach the question - content wise/main body wise

 

[kukubird]

Also any insights on Akin TI? I can help with Linklaters AC & Ropes & Gray AC.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Do you know how many people pass from stage to stage?

 

[kukubird]

Hi guys!! Does Cleary not send a confirmation of app email or have I done something wrong lol??

They don’t, I had to email for mine. They do, however, send a follow up diversity form so make sure you complete that.