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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

pepsicola96

Esteemed Member
Jul 11, 2024
83
228
2nd cycle - did a legal placement year in my 3rd year at uni (didn’t convert at that firm and it was also my dream silver circle firm as I flopped the ac at the end of the scheme). Started applying again in my fourth year at uni (no offers) which was technically my first cycle as I only applied to two placement scheme law firms in my second year, was lucky to get one offer!

Now applying as a recent graduate!
I’m an international so I have only two years left to get a tc as my visa will expire so also applying for other sponsored jobs to buy myself more time just incase!

Sorry for the rant, I was so heartbroken 😢
I think it’s crazy that placement year students still have to undergo an AC at the end! A year of working for the firm is a far better indicator of your ability than an arbitrary group exercise or case study.
 
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radssss

Legendary Member
Aug 16, 2024
596
866
I think it’s crazy that placement year students still have to undergo an AC at the end! A year of working for the firm is a far better indicator of your ability than an arbitrary group exercise or case study.
This firm was strict with acs. They don’t even hire paralegals working at the firm for 3+ years until they pass the ac regardless of their work to make it fair for external candidates. I have seen this happen to very competent paralegals there..

I agree with you it’s very stupid.
 
This firm was strict with acs. They don’t even hire paralegals working at the firm for 3+ years until they pass the ac regardless of their work to make it fair for external candidates. I have seen this happen to very competent paralegals there..

I agree with you it’s very stupid.
Bruh if an internal paralegal of 2-3 years can’t pass the AC what hope is there for us regulars if we make it to their AC. This lowkey sounds like it’s Macfarlanes but I’m probs wrong. Imagine all the paralegals grafting their AC prep and after 3 long years of hard work the partner says:

Discover No Way GIF by ADWEEK

donald trump rnc GIF by Election 2016
 
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Afuturetrainee

Legendary Member
Mar 11, 2025
148
171
Hi all! Looking for some advice :)
For background, I've been slightly stalking this forum without an account for a few months now!

I am incredibly grateful to have secured a TC and VS at two different firms over the past few weeks (unfortunately under confidentiality agreement with both atm!). I am absolutely going to accept the TC offer, since it is probably my 1st choice firm. However, the VS offer is at my 2nd choice firm, and in a completely different area of law to the 1st choice! Therefore, I would love to gain the experience offered at the VS firm for my future career.

I have received my VS firm contract which does not say anything about having a TC at another firm, but I am yet to receive my TC contract whilst they check references. I need to sign my VS offer by Wednesday. I am also unsure what to do when it comes to the AC at the end of the VS.

I would love your advice about what to do in this position!

P.S. I truly hope this doesn't come across as showing off or tone deaf; I have really enjoyed the insights on this forum so far so would love your POV. Thank you!! <3
Don’t do the VS

Not worth it especially if you’re gonna accept the TC anyway.
 

sbbusybee

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2025
21
19
Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?
First where I’ve actually applied to multiple firms - last year I applied to one open day, got it, and applied to one VS and got the final interview (did not get it lol), but I wasn’t too fussed last year as I knew I was doing a year in industry and the TCs on offer last year wouldn’t work with my grad year.

I’m not under toooo much pressure this year as I could probably stay at my current firm as a paralegal after uni, and I also wouldn’t be opposed to a year off (this is all wishful thinking that it doesn’t take me multiple cycles to get a TC though lol).
 

lelezb1

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jan 6, 2025
78
113
Same with me!!!! I was really happy w my application too, so I will be super disappointed if I am PFO'd

Has anyone else still not heard from FieldFisher? They said my application was on hold while they assess the first batch of applicants, but I haven't heard back since and I can see people getting offers.
Should I just assume PFO, although I'm slightly confused as they said they were non rolling...
(This is for Pathways to Practice)
I think they are semi rolling for their vac scheme. This is what I’ve found from their website -
“We’ve made our application process fair but rigorous - we want to see you at your best! Applications are reviewed as they come in, so you might hear back before the deadline. We may also close applications early, so don’t leave it too late.

Take your time to put together a strong application, but if you’re keen, get ahead of the game and beat the rush!”

PS: I finally understood how people reply to several posts all at once
 

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lividowl03

Active Member
Dec 2, 2025
14
62
Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?
Second! But my first cycle taking it semi seriously. Last year I had zero clue what I was doing and didn't put too much effort into my applications. Seriously hoping for the TC this cycle, but also recognising I haven't taken it as seriously as I should because final year is kicking my arse. If a third cycle is the way it goes I will be shooting off applications like no tomorrow.
 

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