TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawyersum]

Couldn't agree more.

I got rejected after an AC from an MC firm earlier this cycle and was absolutely kicking myself about it, particularly as the feedback was really positive.

Afterwards, I thought about what they said and thought about the firm itself and realised it simply was not a good fit for me as a character. It was also something I remember feeling when talking to GR, the partners, and the trainees.

This!! There's been so many times where I felt like I did everything right and still didn't progress, and on reflection, it's clear it was just not meant for me. I really do feel like what is meant for you will not pass you by and the circumstances will align in your favour. Not to get philosophical but it's a healthy way to view things imo.

I really appreciate this and it has actually given me a lot of peace of mind! As some of the others have said that is a great way of thinking about it and will keep that in mind going forward😊

Wishing you the best for your applications!!

Woke up to all these replies to my post - so glad I was able to help and resonate! Admittedly, I probably should practice what I preach a little bit more as I do obsess over outcomes as much as the rest of us, but this has really been a useful way of shifting my mindset recently. Thank you @c.t.tc for the well wishes and I wish you (and everyone else on the forum) the same!!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Does anyone have some insights into the below. Interested to hear everyone’s thoughts in prep for interviews etc;

- What are some threats facing law firms?
- What are sone threats facing their clients?
- What are some opportunities for clients currently?

Thanks all!

 

[Dannie]

Good morning! Happy to help with V&E VI if anyone can give insights on W&C WE from last year/this one!!

 

[Dannie]

summer or spring? and may I ask when you've completed the VI

Hey im not sure summer or spring but i did the VI on Dec 24

 

[WillKitchen]

DACB VI complete!

It was very, very nice to have the option of re-recording video responses. They allow you to record three takes, and you can choose which one you'd like to submit. Fantastic idea.

Strangely, my first recording was often the best one! But I guess that if you try to re-take it, you start becoming too self-conscious or wondering if you're repeating yourself.

Very nice to have the option to review and select your best answer, however.

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

Do Weil AC people think there is still a chance of an offer, having sat the AC in the first week?

 

[elle woods]

Do Weil AC people think there is still a chance of an offer, having sat the AC in the first week?

yes

i think they said they were planning on getting back to everyone on Friday, but it seems like they weren't able to. I'm assuming Monday now.

the people who have gotten offers already are just the minority - they were that good that the firm wanted to lock them in first haha (that's what grad rec told us more or less anyways)

 

[HAHAHA]

Hi just need some clarity on this deadline if something says “The deadline to complete your assessment is 4 calendar days from receiving this invite” and it was sent on the 30th of January what would the due day be?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Anyone heard from KE

 

[Chelsea101]

Does anyone know how long people usually get to accept/decline a TC offer from when they are offered

 

[maylawwww]

Does anyone know how long people usually get to accept/decline a TC offer from when they are offered

Depends on the firm! I know linklaters is willing to give you basically the rest of the cycle with an open offer, whereas others only give you like a month tops

 

[johnsmith]

Hey, I do! Does anyone have any info on the format this year? Their website says commercial research and presentation but the interview slot is only 45min long and they didn't provide any more details in the email.

They changed it! Did you not get an email about it?

Further to our recent emails I am writing to let you know of a change to the structure and format of your upcoming virtual assessment centre.

The exercise that you'll be completing has changed from a research exercise and presentation to a commercial interview. In place of the preparation time you will be given all the required information 5 minutes before your interview starts. We appreciate that this is a change from what you were expecting; it has been introduced to allow us to assess your own real-time reasoning and to give you a greater opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, knowledge of Osborne Clarke and the legal sector, verbal communication and business awareness and understanding.

This change also reduces the amount of time that you need to allocate to the virtual assessment centre.

My guess is they had a much higher volume of applications this year (each AC I’ve been too they have said they had at least 1,000 more applicants than normal, thanks AI) and they want to halve the time to screen more people.

Edit: to add, I think we will see these short prep time exercises more to overcome the AI issues. The job really does demand us to be able to think on our feet after all!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Hi just need some clarity on this deadline if something says “The deadline to complete your assessment is 4 calendar days from receiving this invite” and it was sent on the 30th of January what would the due day be?

3rd Feb at whatever time you received the invite

 

[Chelsea101]

Depends on the firm! I know linklaters is willing to give you basically the rest of the cycle with an open offer, whereas others only give you like a month tops

Thanks! On the back of this do you think firms who offer a TC would prohibit you doing a vacation scheme elsewhere as a result of accepting? I was wondering (if) i get offered a TC at a firm I have a Spring vac scheme at accepted it and then later did a possible summer scheme would that be possible? Or does it depend on the firm?

 

[HAHAHA]

3rd Feb at whatever time you received the invite

Thank you that’s what I thought much appreciated!!!

 

[maylawwww]

They changed it! Did you not get an email about it?

Further to our recent emails I am writing to let you know of a change to the structure and format of your upcoming virtual assessment centre.

The exercise that you'll be completing has changed from a research exercise and presentation to a commercial interview. In place of the preparation time you will be given all the required information 5 minutes before your interview starts. We appreciate that this is a change from what you were expecting; it has been introduced to allow us to assess your own real-time reasoning and to give you a greater opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, knowledge of Osborne Clarke and the legal sector, verbal communication and business awareness and understanding.

This change also reduces the amount of time that you need to allocate to the virtual assessment centre.

My guess is they had a much higher volume of applications this year (each AC I’ve been too they have said they had at least 1,000 more applicants than normal, thanks AI) and they want to halve the time to screen more people.

Edit: to add, I think we will see these short prep time exercises more to overcome the AI issues. The job really does demand us to be able to think on our feet after all!

Bruh omg I never got this email no wonder the invite was so confusing

 

[Novaa]

Thanks! On the back of this do you think firms who offer a TC would prohibit you doing a vacation scheme elsewhere as a result of accepting? I was wondering (if) i get offered a TC at a firm I have a Spring vac scheme at accepted it and then later did a possible summer scheme would that be possible? Or does it depend on the firm?

I think once you’ve accepted a TC, it gets a bit complicated if you get offered another TC, as you’ve entered an agreement with Firm #1.

I would suggest asking Firm #1 if you can wait to accept once you’ve completed your remaining schemes.

 

[elle.brokovitch]

These are the firms still taking VS apps but I’m not sure if they’re rolling or non rolling tbh:

Russell Cooke (deadline 6 Feb)
Simmons Bristol (deadline 15 Feb)
Bevan Brittan (deadline 17 Feb)
Michelmores Bristol/Exeter (deadline 17 Feb)
Brabners Liverpool/Manchester (deadline 26 Feb)
Faegre Drinker (deadline 28 Feb)
Pinsent Masons Dubai (deadline 1 Mar)
Moore Barlow (deadline 29 Mar)
Ashfords Bristol/Exeter (deadline 31 Mar)
Express Solicitors Manchester (deadline 17 May)​

You’re a legend for this thank you!!!!

 

[johnsmith]

Bruh omg I never got this email no wonder the invite was so confusing

It did come a few days after so perhaps an automated workflow! Anyway happy I could share it with you all.

 

[maylawwww]

Thanks! On the back of this do you think firms who offer a TC would prohibit you doing a vacation scheme elsewhere as a result of accepting? I was wondering (if) i get offered a TC at a firm I have a Spring vac scheme at accepted it and then later did a possible summer scheme would that be possible? Or does it depend on the firm?

Again depends on the firm haha but this time both of them! I'd check agreements with firm 1 and 2-- there are plenty of firms that are explicit about not being able to do the vac scheme after you have accepted an offer (bird & bird and addleshaw two that I know) but given others are less explicit they may allow it !
At the same time I have a friend who did this (a scheme with an accepted offer bc she wasn't certain about firm 1) and shes fine - tho this may be a question of them just not finding out about it lol, perhaps not a great idea!