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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

abc124

Legendary Member
Aug 9, 2025
209
189
Donna has come to motivate:
‘If a person waits for perfect weather, he will never plant his seeds. And if he is afraid that every cloud will bring rain, he will never harvest his crops. You don’t know where the wind will blow.’ (credits to the Bible xx)
You truly never know!! Like you said, do it unmotivated - every step is a step closer in the grand scheme of things x
No because you just motivated me to read my compilation of motivational Bible quotes and drag myself back to applications 😭
 
Donna has come to motivate:
‘If a person waits for perfect weather, he will never plant his seeds. And if he is afraid that every cloud will bring rain, he will never harvest his crops. You don’t know where the wind will blow.’ (credits to the Bible xx)
You truly never know!! Like you said, do it unmotivated - every step is a step closer in the grand scheme of things x
Well it’s official you’re gna deliver the inaugural 2026 TCLA Awards guest lecture and opening ceremony motivational speech, sponsored by Pepsi, Cadbury, Lloyds Bank, TCLA LLP, Pearson Specter Litt, The Co-op Live, Liverpool F.C. and Barclays. More sponsors to be announced soon.

This has given me the boost of motivation to get up and continue grafting these apps/AC prep. :)
 
Last edited:
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They do at the recruitment day (it’s 2 hours long)
Would this be the same during the VS? So would there be the same written exercise or interviews during the VS that you’d do on the DTC AC? I’m not entirely sure what their process is cos surely it’s not just the one partner interview pre-VS?​
 
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Donna Paulsen

Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
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    982
    Well it’s official you’re gna deliver the inaugural 2026 TCLA Awards guest lecture and opening ceremony motivational speech, sponsored by Pepsi, Cadbury, Lloyds Bank, TCLA LLP, Pearson Specter Litt, The Co-op Live, Liverpool F.C. and Barclays. More sponsors to be announced soon.

    This has given me the boost of motivation to get up and continue grafting these apps/AC prep. :)
    Taylor Swift Grammy GIF by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
     

    jagath

    Active Member
    Jul 16, 2025
    16
    38
    does anyone have any ideas on how to show an interest in finance/PE related law since so many firms specialise in this? i mean apart from attending open days and hearing people talk about it. like more concrete things that show you might enjoy that type of law?
     

    Novaa

    Legendary Member
    Dec 2, 2022
    362
    1,347
    Well it’s official you’re gna deliver the inaugural 2026 TCLA Awards guest lecture and opening ceremony motivational speech, sponsored by Pepsi, Cadbury, Lloyds Bank, TCLA LLP, Pearson Specter Litt, The Co-op Live, Liverpool F.C. and Barclays. More sponsors to be announced soon.

    This has given me the boost of motivation to get up and continue grafting these apps/AC prep. :)
    I’ve heard that Kris Jenner will also be sponsoring the event!

    Keeping Up With The Kardashians Sunglasses GIF
     

    msclm

    Valued Member
  • Oct 22, 2024
    110
    410
    Would this be the same during the VS? So would there be the same written exercise or interviews during the VS that you’d do on the DTC AC? I’m not entirely sure what their process is cos surely it’s not just the one partner interview pre-VS?​


    Good point! I’m not entirely sure. I did apply for the DTC and was told the process is the same as the vac scheme, but it may very well be that the exercises we did on the recruitment day are like spread out over the vac? I presumed the same as you that it isn’t just an interview pre vac offer but not 100%.
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
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    Would this be the same during the VS? So would there be the same written exercise or interviews during the VS that you’d do on the DTC AC? I’m not entirely sure what their process is cos surely it’s not just the one partner interview pre-VS?​
    Hi!

    When I completed their VS last cycle, you had to complete two written exercises - one before the scheme starts (sort of like a mini-essay) and then a typical written exercise during the scheme itself! However, this was after you had already been offered a place on the scheme (i.e. to assess you for the TC) - I believe that it is only the interview pre-VS :)
     

    Abbie Whitlock

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    Sep 11, 2025
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    Hi @Abbie Whitlock !

    I hope you are doing well.

    I was wondering how best to approach the question of "why commercial law rather than social justice-focused work" when it comes in interviews. I've also been asked directly if it's because of money. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer it and got rejected as expected.

    Any advice would be very appreciated and thank you so much in advance!
    Hello!

    I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too! :)

    I'd say that when asking this question, interviewers are looking for self-awareness and a realistic understanding of the job. A good approach could be:
    • Acknowledge that social justice work is important, but explain that it doesn't align as closely with your interests or skill set day-to-day
    • Be specific about what draws you to commercial law (e.g. problem-solving, working with businesses, the scale of the impact, the pace and variety, etc.)
    • On money, I wouldn't necessarily deny it outright - it is usually fine to say financial stability matters, but I'd make it clear that it isn't the sole driver
    • If helpful, you could mention that pro bono work is a way to stay engaged with access to justice issues.

    If the question is asked and you don't expect it, I'd aim to stay calm and balanced - defensiveness is likely to hurt more than honesty! I probably would've reacted the same way as you (as it's quite a harsh question), but I'd try to answer as honestly and transparently as possible.

    I hope that assists! :)
     
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    Abbie Whitlock

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    Sep 11, 2025
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    Do we have a list of Direct TCs still open somewhere on TCLA?
    Hey!

    I have quoted the thread that outlines the Direct TC list we have on the forum - from what I can see, most are still open! Best of luck :)

    Hello everyone,

    Training Contract application season is upon us! To make things easier for individuals preparing to apply, I have put together a list to track all the applications and their due dates. I will keep this list updated, so do ensure to keep an eye out for any latest deadlines! Additionally, please feel free to drop any suggestions to better utilise this thread.

    It is worth noting that many firms have varying training contract start dates, ranging from 2026, 2027, and 2028. For more information, click on the specific link in each row to be directed to a law firm's graduate recruitment page.

    Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

    (This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Friday 17th October, 2025


    Training Contract Deadlines 2025/26:

    Specific Dates Released​

    Opening DateClosing DateFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
    29 September 202517 November 2025A&O ShearmanTBC
    1 November 202531 March 2026AshfordsNon-Rolling
    5 January 2026TBCAshurstNon-Rolling
    1 February 20261 April 2026Baker McKenzieTBC
    5 January 20263 April 2026Bates WellsRolling
    June End 2025 (TC starting 2027)TBCBirkettsTBC
    1 November 2025TBCBoodle HatfieldNon-Rolling
    1 October 202529 March 2026BP CollinsTBC
    5 September 20252 January 2026BristowsTBC
    TBC31 May 2026BCLPTBC
    3 September 202519 November 2026Clifford ChanceNon-Rolling
    29 September 2025TBCCMSTBC
    1 September 202531 January 2026DentonsRolling
    Presumably Open Now19 December 2025DWFNon-Rolling
    1 November 202527 March 2026Farrer & CoNon-Rolling
    4 December 20251 February 2026Fox WilliamsTBC
    1 October 20251 December 2025FreshfieldsRolling
    1 December 2025TBCFried FrankTBC
    12 September 202512 December 2025GoodwinNon-Rolling
    Open Now16 January 2026Greenberg TraurigNon-Rolling
    1 November 202531 January 2026Harbottle & LewisTBC
    Open Now16 July 2026HFWRolling
    1 October 2025TBCHill DickinsonRolling
    10 September 202531 January 2026Hogan LovellsTBC
    13 October 20251 December 2025Irwin MitchellTBC
    1 November 202531 July 2026K&L GatesTBC
    Open Now28 November 2025KennedysRolling
    17 November 2025TBCKing & SpaldingTBC
    14 October 202514 January 2026Lewis SilkinNon-Rolling
    1 September 20253 December 2025LinklatersNon-Rolling
    5 January 202626 June 2026MacfarlanesRolling
    1 September 202531 March 2026Mayer BrownTBC
    12 January 202627 March 2026PenningtonsTBC
    23 March 202622 June 2026RPCTBC
    7 November 2025TBCRussell-CookeTBC
    Open Now28 November 2025Slaughter & May (1st TC opening for law and non-law finalists and graduates)Rolling
    June 2026TBCSlaughter & May (2nd TC opening for for penultimate year law students, law finalists and law graduates)Rolling
    1 October 202531 May 2026TLTNon-Rolling
    3 October 20257 November 2025Travers SmithNon-Rolling
    1 October 20255 January 2026Trowers & HamlinsNon-Rolling
    1 November 20251 May 2026Wedlake BellTBC
    Open Now24 May 2026Watson Farley & WilliamsTBC
    Open Now12 July 2026White & CaseNon-Rolling
    2 January 202622 May 2026WigginTBC
    November 2025TBCWilkin ChapmanTBC
    1 October 202527 February 2026WithersTBC
    29 November 202523 January 2026Womble Bond DickinsonTBC
    1 May 202512 June 2026Sullivan & CromwellRolling
    1 October 202515 January 2026Osborne ClarkeTBC
    2 January 202630 April 2026OrrickRolling
     

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