TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[strollinthepark]

does anyone have any insights into bristows WE? I can provide ac insights into a lot of firms.

 

[lowkeyloser]

Thank you for applying to Lewis Silkin.



We wanted to let you know that we are currently running slightly behind schedule with our review process. We’re working through applications as quickly as we can, and we expect to be in touch with an update early next week.



Thank you for your patience, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions in the meantime.

At least they sent an update - Debevoise said they'd get back by today but haven't.

 

[lowkeyloser]

At least they sent an update - Debevoise said they'd get back by today but haven't.

Has anyone received a Debevoise PFO yet?

 

[SKJ]

Anyone who is doing Goodwin Summer AC - what dates are you doing urs?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

I’ve got a few 2:2 modules too with mit circs and I’ve progressed with a few US firms post app like Akin, Debs, Gibson, Weil and Willkie (a few other firms too). Like you most of my modules are over 65% with a good number of 1sts, so I think these module marks are not gna look bad at all. It obvs depends on the wider app though whether you’ll progress beyond the initial app stage.​

I honestly think this is such a non-issue. Unless a firm explicitly specifies they look for consistent 2.1s, I don’t think a firm will disregard your app when it’s stated they look for a 2.1 overall. Obviously better grades help, but degree marks are also not graded the same as say A-levels or GCSE’s are, so the value of a 2.1 differs depending on the uni. But it’s really not the be all and end all.

 

[elizabethkate]

Anyone else heard back from Bristows post VI partner review?

yes got WE 2 days ago

 

[Teletubbies]

Milbank ACers, do you know what time is the AC going to end? Have work commitments after so just wanted to get some assurance.

 

[Teletubbies]

Milbank ACers, do you know what time is the AC going to end? Have work commitments after so just wanted to get some assurance.

 

[sbbusybee]

Does anyone else question whether they really want to work at a firm that isn't able to respond in a reasonable timeframe, or within a deadline they themselves have set? I also question if firms truly understand how much work and effort is required to apply to these schemes.

I tend to detach the grad rec team from the firm/training contract itself. Although if grad rec are heavily involved with trainees, that would put me off.

 

[startupgeek]

its for summer! the email said 'We have now concluded interviews for our spring vacation scheme'

Dechert’s structuring of the diff app stages is so odd… u did ur WE for the summer batch on 19th Jan but I did my WE for spring on 21st and they told u that they concluded spring interviews in 3weeks after the spring WE… considering the fact that they probably needed at least a week to mark and release the WE results that leaves 2 weeks for ppl to book + prep + attend the Spring ACs 🥹

 

[Rads]

Hi, I have a vac scheme in the summer and wanted to ask what all documents do I need to keep ready to submit for proof? For reference, I had added a few extra-curriculars in the work experience and dont have documentation for those, how should I go about these?

 

[trainee4u]

Hi, I have a vac scheme in the summer and wanted to ask what all documents do I need to keep ready to submit for proof? For reference, I had added a few extra-curriculars in the work experience and dont have documentation for those, how should I go about these?

That's dependent on the firm - I was only asked for British passport (or other proof of right to work).

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Sidley PFO. That's over half my firms PFO post app. Starting to lose hope I'll ever make it to AC.

 

[aria_d]

If I haven't heard from Dechert or V&E post app for summer, it's a PFO right?

 

[user333]

Hi, does anyone have any insight into Dechert’s written exercise?

 

[Novaa]

Hi, I have a vac scheme in the summer and wanted to ask what all documents do I need to keep ready to submit for proof? For reference, I had added a few extra-curriculars in the work experience and dont have documentation for those, how should I go about these?

Congratulations!! 🤩

From memory, I had to provide right to work documentation, A-Level and University transcripts and I then did a DBS check. I actually don’t remember them asking for proof of each of my employment examples.

I’ve just looked at my offer letter to confirm and it says:

“This offer is subject to our receiving corroboration of your academic achievements, a satisfactory reference and evidence that you have all the necessary permissions to work in the UK.”

 

[corplawperson23]

I'm a bit stuck on how to answer this question what 3 skills makes a good commercial trainee, how would this differ from what 3 skills makes a good trainee?

 

[Rads]

Congratulations!! 🤩

From memory, I had to provide right to work documentation, A-Level and University transcripts and I then did a DBS check. I actually don’t remember them asking for proof of each of my employment examples.

I’ve just looked at my offer letter to confirm and it says:

“This offer is subject to our receiving corroboration of your academic achievements, a satisfactory reference and evidence that you have all the necessary permissions to work in the UK.”

Got it thank you Novaa!

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone heard from OC post virtual-AC?

I haven’t but I feel like I bottled mine

 

[Bbhu19]

I haven’t but I feel like I bottled mine

Why is that?