TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[cooked2000]

@elle woods who did you get the VS for?

 

[sparkleunicorn]

@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

 

[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.....

 

[Deleted member 42704]

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?

 

[user24710026]

Has anyone who applied for HFW on the deadline heard back?

If it helps, in a truly professional manner on their LinkedIn, they essentially said that sometimes applications get "lost in the pile". It also heavily implies that they don't review all applications ("the more likely it is to be reviewed"). They were not a firm I had any real interest in, but it has rather ticked me off seeing this haha

I've never heard such an awful excuse before - genuinely unacceptable imo. For reference the post is here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7287134477825241089/

 

[akcyp123]

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?

i passed WG end of November. haven't heard anything since. emailed grad rec last week and they said they are still going through apps.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

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.

haha thank you for conveying what I was too scared to say - didn't want to come across as ungrateful (I am really grateful, but also just super anxious now)

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi! If you have already accepted a competing VS, is it best to let the second firm know and ask about switching schemes once (if!) you receive the second VS offer or before/during the AC?

@nansies I would advise approaching this in two ways:

1. Let them know if you have been offered another Vacation Scheme with conflicting dates, and you wanted to know if your AC place could be considered for a different scheme instead. This gives them the chance to move you over into another pool, and offer the current AC space to somebody else instead
2. If that doesn't work - I'd still attend the AC, and if an offer is made, ask both firms if either can move you to another scheme - and if so, great. If not, go with the one that you prefer the most.

It's not going to reflect badly on you, so long as you make sure you sound interested in both equally.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

If it helps, in a truly professional manner on their LinkedIn, they essentially said that sometimes applications get "lost in the pile". It also heavily implies that they don't review all applications ("the more likely it is to be reviewed"). They were not a firm I had any real interest in, but it has rather ticked me off seeing this haha

I've never heard such an awful excuse before - genuinely unacceptable imo. For reference the post is here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7287134477825241089/

Completely understand your frustration, however, I find it quite refreshing to see a bit of honesty and clarity with regard to a firm's recruitment process. Each firm will have their own way of dealing with applications, at least HFW let you know what that is in order to best position yourself when applying.

 

[user24710026]

Completely understand your frustration, however, I find it quite refreshing to see a bit of honesty and clarity with regard to a firm's recruitment process. Each firm will have their own way of dealing with applications, at least HFW let you know what that is in order to best position yourself when applying.

100% agree - also love it when firms are transparent. But should they not therefore switch to rolling applications if everything about their process says the earlier you apply, the better?

For reference, my frustration is not from applying late; I applied well before the deadline, and was presumably simply lacking. I just dislike the flippant disregard for the effort many put into their applications.