TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Madison Pinewall]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

 

[hanahana]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

 

[Prudentia]

I was speaking to one of the lawyers in my organisation about applying for VS and TCs. He said that he applied to almost every single law firm for a VS as a student (he went to Oxbridge) He was rejected from every regional and national firm, but ended up securing VSs with Baker McKenzie, Slaughter & May and Freshfields, and getting TC offers from BM and FF. Not sure where I’m going with this, but as the wave of offers/PFOs are coming through, don’t let rejection knock you back too much. Being rejected from one firm can sometimes lead to you getting an offer from a much better one.

 

[lawyersum]

Had a mini heart attack seeing the email

I didn't get anything...strange

 

[stew99]

I didn't get anything...strange

Me neither

 

[lawyersum]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

 

[radssss]

I didn't get anything...strange

Same

 

[kukubird]

Anyone heard from Morgan Lewis post TI for summer?

They said they'd get back this time next week.

 

[Donuttime]

Same

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

 

[Jennifer2003]

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[lawyersum]

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

I also checked my junk - not there.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

Same

Oh I thought they were like Fieldfisher

If they didn't send you a holding email, it could be (with examples of firms) :
• Firms haven't reviewed your app yet, it really depends on when you submitted your app (Gibson Dunn, Sullivan & Cromwell)
• Firms won't progressed you further (Cooley, Slaughter and May)

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

I usually include all of them in my application form if they have no dedicated sections for ECAs or have not specifically asked me not to include them. I got progressed by international and national firms so I don't think it's an issue. Some even encourage you to put ECAs, volunteering, open days, and everything else in work experience

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Back to say I sadly got a Sidley PFO..,after going to an insight day yesterday LMAO

 

[lawyersum]

Oh I thought they were like Fieldfisher

If they didn't send you a holding email, it could be (with examples of firms) :
• Firms haven't reviewed your app yet, it really depends on when you submitted your app (Gibson Dunn, Sullivan & Cromwell)
• Firms won't progressed you further (Cooley, Slaughter and May)

Not sure what's going on

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Guys please send me your thoughts and prayers in this trying time. I am on edge waiting and barely been here to distract myself. Happy Friday 13th!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Back to say I sadly got a Sidley PFO..,after going to an insight day yesterday LMAO

Hate to be that one guy right now but was this post app or TI and was it Spring or Summer? Did yous apply early or closer to the deadline?​

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Back to say I sadly got a Sidley PFO..,after going to an insight day yesterday LMAO

Really sorry to hear that, may I know when did you submit your app? Mine was sent in October and radio silence

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Burges Salmon PFO post AC really upset as I really liked the firm