TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

Does anyone know how to go about asking to switch schemes/how to phrase it in an email? any advice would be really appreciated!

@panda1989 although switching schemes isn't common, it's not impossible - and there are a variety of reasons why a candidate would request this (made easier if there is ample time before the scheme begins). I think, to facilitate it properly, you need to be honest with the law firm about why it is you want to switch e.g. academic, personal circumstance, or competing internships.

I do think the latter isn't the most strongest, however, they will find out if the competing firm posts a LinkedIn picture of the cohort and your face/name is somewhere in there.

I'd be direct, and ask if there is any possibility for changing onto an alternative scheme, or if it's possible to be considered under a DTC as the situation as changed for XYZ reason. Reiterate your interest in the firm, and ensure them that they are still a top contender for you, but this is purely circumstantial.

Hopefully they respond with good news.

 

[elle woods]

I'm getting kinda nervous now...why don't the nerves come like a week earlier???

The closer I get to my last AC the more scared I get...it's the last chance this cycle since I've not many firms left to hear back from.
How do people deal with the feeling of coming up to your very last AC of any given cycle? I feel insane pressure but also slight burnout lol

 

[a114]

a

tnx for this its rly insightful, is the camera on? I just wanna do it from my bed😭

yeah there was no camera or anything, have at it

 

[yasmars]

I'm getting kinda nervous now...why don't the nerves come like a week earlier???

The closer I get to my last AC the more scared I get...it's the last chance this cycle since I've not many firms left to hear back from.
How do people deal with the feeling of coming up to your very last AC of any given cycle? I feel insane pressure but also slight burnout lol

Well you’ve got a VS, so even if these two ACs don’t work out then this cycle would not have been a complete failure.

 

[Raees_Khan]

Links Summer VS AC coming up - first AC so would appreciate any insights 🙏

 

[alphabravocharlie]

@elle woods who did you get the VS for?

 

[panda1989]

@panda1989 although switching schemes isn't common, it's not impossible - and there are a variety of reasons why a candidate would request this (made easier if there is ample time before the scheme begins). I think, to facilitate it properly, you need to be honest with the law firm about why it is you want to switch e.g. academic, personal circumstance, or competing internships.

I do think the latter isn't the most strongest, however, they will find out if the competing firm posts a LinkedIn picture of the cohort and your face/name is somewhere in there.

I'd be direct, and ask if there is any possibility for changing onto an alternative scheme, or if it's possible to be considered under a DTC as the situation as changed for XYZ reason. Reiterate your interest in the firm, and ensure them that they are still a top contender for you, but this is purely circumstantial.

Hopefully they respond with good news.

Thank you so much Afraz!!

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

May I ask - you an international candidate

Domestic

 

[lma112]

HSF ac SVS

Congrats! Which dates did they offer for the AC?

 

[alex0410]

I've seen a few linklaters summer vac ACs (congrats to u guys!!!!)...does that mean that spring ACs are already all given out

 

[elle woods]

I've seen a few linklaters summer vac ACs (congrats to u guys!!!!)...does that mean that spring ACs are already all given out

I think so...

they finish ACs at the end of Feb (and currently the dates being given out are in Feb) so I think they've moved onto summer now

 

[elle woods]

Well you’ve got a VS, so even if these two ACs don’t work out then this cycle would not have been a complete failure.

true! still a tad bit frustrating though haha, but it's important to look on the bright side I guess! 🤞

@elle woods who did you get the VS for?

it was with AOS

 

[sadlawyer01]

I'm getting kinda nervous now...why don't the nerves come like a week earlier???

The closer I get to my last AC the more scared I get...it's the last chance this cycle since I've not many firms left to hear back from.
How do people deal with the feeling of coming up to your very last AC of any given cycle? I feel insane pressure but also slight burnout lol

don't you have ACs at like 6 firms girl you will be fine

 

[ilikelaw]

does anyone have any tips on how to start preparing for a zoom interview because i’m not sure how much you’re meant to cover in prep 😭😭😭

 

[WillKitchen]

when did you apply?

Early in December, just after their open day.

 

[plshireme]

Should I be concerned that people have received VIs for AG? I completed the critical thinking test the day before the deadline - has anyone heard post-test (for Manchester) who also submitted close to the deadline?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

does anyone have any tips on how to start preparing for a zoom interview because i’m not sure how much you’re meant to cover in prep 😭😭😭

ideally...everything.....

 

[elle woods]

didn't you have ACs at like 6 firms girl you will be fine

😭 nah not that many tho I wish
Haha having more ACs does not mean I will be successful tho! Could very well fail all of them... 😖

 

[firmfirm]

don't you have ACs at like 6 firms girl you will be fine

Yeah but people are still allowed to be worried about converting any AC they get, whether that’s 1 or 6. When you think about the amount of time and effort it takes just to get an AC in the first place, it’s completely understandable. It’s that feeling of not wanting all the sacrifices you’ve made to go to waste and really wanting to do well for yourself.

 

[vweewcvew]

I haven't heard back from DLA since my application which was sent in early Nov, so its like been almost 3 months despite others moving on or rejected etc? I'm not sure if they have just forgotten my app. Is anyone else in the same shoes?