TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[startupgeek]

Does anyone know whether its still worth applying to Cleary or Ropes & Gray? I know they're rolling but not sure how much that matters at the same time.

i always apply to rolling VS apps unless they have DTC routes with a later deadline. if they want to they would ya know

 

[zonnonomo]

Does anyone know whether its still worth applying to Cleary or Ropes & Gray? I know they're rolling but not sure how much that matters at the same time.

as others have (resoundingly) said: apply! i progressed to cleary ac after applying on deadline last year + ropes is not rolling i think

 

[Donna Paulsen]

But under the SQE route it says
"or...To have passed SQE1 and SQE2 prior to the start of your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with the relevant department."

"You must have successfully completed, or be due to complete, the Law Practice Course or Solicitor Qualifying Exams 1 and 2 to be able to start the legal trainee scheme in October 2027."

and "Applications are welcome from...those who have not yet completed SQE and who will complete SQE1 and SQE2 under departmental SQE provision."

Could it mean then that on the condition I receive an offer, I can start and complete SQE by October2027 w/o needing the PGDL?

‘

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours in an undergraduate qualifying law degree (see below), or
• A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a non-law subject (or overseas equivalent in any subject) and a minimum of a pass in a GDL/PGDL/CPE (law conversion course) that covers the foundational topics (see below), or
• Equivalent qualifications at level 6 (e.g. a CILEx Level 6 qualification) that covers the seven foundational legal topics. Note: if your qualification does not cover all of the seven foundational areas of legal knowledge, you will normally be required to study the remaining legal topics on a PGDL or equivalent
• To have passed SQE1 and SQE2 prior to the start of your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with the relevant department.’

The SQE requirement seems to be separate from the GDL requirement. The ‘or’ refers to equivalent CILEx qualifications.

 

[bangarangbass39]

‘

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours in an undergraduate qualifying law degree (see below), or
• A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a non-law subject (or overseas equivalent in any subject) and a minimum of a pass in a GDL/PGDL/CPE (law conversion course) that covers the foundational topics (see below), or
• Equivalent qualifications at level 6 (e.g. a CILEx Level 6 qualification) that covers the seven foundational legal topics. Note: if your qualification does not cover all of the seven foundational areas of legal knowledge, you will normally be required to study the remaining legal topics on a PGDL or equivalent
• To have passed SQE1 and SQE2 prior to the start of your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with the relevant department.’

The SQE requirement seems to be separate from the GDL requirement. The ‘or’ refers to equivalent CILEx qualifications.

No, you're wrong. You're supposed to say yes and let me live my delusions out. I'm desperate for an offer can't you see?

 

[ilikelaw]

well reed smith finally got back… pfo 💔

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

For the Orrick cover letter, what would you guys recommend for the structure? There's already a separate 300-word "Why Orrick" question, so I'm wondering if the letter should focus more on the "why law" and "why me" and not mention why Orrick?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

For the Orrick cover letter, what would you guys recommend for the structure? There's already a separate 300-word "Why Orrick" question, so I'm wondering if the letter should focus more on the "why law" and "why me" and not mention why Orrick?

There has been a lot of advice on that on other parts of the forum. Summary - basically why me. There is a separate why law question as well.

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Reed Smith PFO my soul can slightly rest (waiting for Bakers)

 

[M85672]

Finally got my Cooley rejection

 

[lawyersum]

No, you're wrong. You're supposed to say yes and let me live my delusions out. I'm desperate for an offer can't you see?

is the GLD Training Contract open for apps?

 

[legallybrunnette]

well reed smith finally got back… pfo 💔

Same, at least they gave some feedback.

 

[blcnko]

Congrats! may I ask whether it was spring or summer (GD and V&E) Thanks!

hii GD was for Summer, but they are still conducting first stage interviews so don't worry about it. I did the AC at V&E last year, but the format of the interview remains the same Could you let me know if you know anyone who is doing / has done the GD interview this cycle?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

No, you're wrong. You're supposed to say yes and let me live my delusions out. I'm desperate for an offer can't you see?

Sorry mate xx

 

[spamelinazoid]

Is this the day Reed Smith breaks my heart…

Still waiting but expecting atp

 

[BealMcAlly]

RS PFO
I genuinely thought I did much better this cycle both on the Amberjack and VI...🥴🫠

 

[M_m]

Did you attempt all ques? I am worried now as I didn’t manage to finish 2

Also how do you know your score?

Nah, I think I skipped 1-2 questions. As in, I gave a random answers because if I remember correctly, not answering carries negative marking (not really sure). Also, I was told my score as part of my feedback after their VS.

 

[M_m]

And when did you hear back for the virtual AC if you don’t mind me asking?

In about two weeks. They send the invited in batches.

 

[Bread]

Damn the votes - Long live democracy 🫩🫩🫩🫩

While I think the sense of community is cute and wholesome I would really appreciate being able to see information on the forum.

The jokes and support messages are very nice and that’s why I think there should be a dedicated space for that kind of discussion

If people’s posts get deleted for “derailing the forum” when they discuss eg the fairness of contextual offers, they should also be deleted when people make 20 posts on fake law firms. For consistency’s sake.

 

[Hopeful applicant]

The orrick application asks for a 300 word cover letter, is this correct or should i email to confirm

I think it is (you can cover other "cover letter points" in the following questions - I treated it as a summary meant to answer "why should i continue reading your application".

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

hii GD was for Summer, but they are still conducting first stage interviews so don't worry about it. I did the AC at V&E last year, but the format of the interview remains the same Could you let me know if you know anyone who is doing / has done the GD interview this cycle?

are they still sending out first stage invites post-app for summer?