• Hey Guest, Have an interview coming up? We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week. Book here
  • TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Can someone clarify if this should be disclosed as a resit or not? Due to clashing moot commitments, I was permitted to write my exams later but as per exam policy it shows on my transcript as an I (Improvement) since I gave it alongside others who wrote it as improvement, even though it was my first attempt. Do I say it was a resit simply because it shows it as such even if it was a first attempt?
Not a resit IMO. When required to provide transcripts, I would just explain it.
 
Definitely look at all options. I have a one week scheme coming up, and have booked a travelodge which only cost me £400 in central london for 6 nights sunday-saturday. This isn't a summer scheme so student accom and airbnbs are less available, but even if those that are I'd still rather a hotel. Don't have to worry about clean sheets, safety, sharing a bathroom or anything like that. Of course for a longer scheme you might prefer something more permanent with your own kitchen etc

For me the firm is providing £200 towards accom, in addition to £600 pay for the week which isn't bad at all. But yeah some firms don't cover anything. I had a 3 week scheme last year, payed just over £500 per week, with no additional support for accommodation. Pretty much everyone who didn't live in London ended up many hundreds out of pocket.
Hey! For my winter vac they didn’t specifically mention that they’d cover accommodation but I asked them if they’d have any recommendations and then they offered then and there to pay for my hotel! So definitely ask even if it’s not something they specifically promote :)
thank you both this is super helpful to know!!!
 
Just got home to find letter from CMS. Huh? A PFO by post?!

Open it and turns out they're representing an airline I'm suing for a modest three figure sum.

(They want an extension to file defence, ok whatever guys, can I have that for my TC application too?)
Chef Read GIF
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chelsea101 and RSK
Can someone clarify if this should be disclosed as a resit or not? Due to clashing moot commitments, I was permitted to write my exams later but as per exam policy it shows on my transcript as an I (Improvement) since I gave it alongside others who wrote it as improvement, even though it was my first attempt. Do I say it was a resit simply because it shows it as such even if it was a first attempt?

I answer the questions that are asked.

For example,
"Have you ever had to resit an exam?" A: "No"
"Have you ever voluntarily resat an exam?" A: "Yes, because Ulaw made a SNAFU."

In your case, the answer is clearly "no".
 
  • Like
Reactions: givemeaTCalreadyT^T
I received a TC from my dream firm!! It still feels surreal to say. But thank you to the TCLA forum for supporting and being a great resource throughout- this was my 3rd cycle as an international student. I’ve done 50+ applications across the years so don’t give up because it all it takes is one yes! And what’s meant to be will be!
 
Last edited:
Licked my wounds from the Akin rejection after meeting a managing associate from Orrick today who said and I quote "You would make a great funds lawyer" and will put in a good word with recruitment since I've already submitted for Orrick. This is my new target firm, does a lot more VC which I'm interested in moreso than PE mid market.
 
well. 2nd post ac PFO of this cycle. maybe I didn’t do the ac dance enough? Time to lock in on uni and pause VS apps until I have way more time and dedication to give it 100% not just 70%.
on a related note advice from ppl in a similar situation would be much appreciated !!
And before I get attacked on this I am very very grateful to have received two AC invites at great international firms but it is disappointing to come out with nothing
 

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.