TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

Any advice?
Just had a feedback call w a firm post AC rejection and they said it was mainly due to lack of structure in case study interview and confidence. I get the confidence thing cos ik I struggle with that. But the structure thing did upset me cos I did go through the questions methodically but was conscious of the fact that earlier in this cycle I had a different feedback call with a different firm who legit said the interviewer called me robotic and that the presentation was too organised and structured?? Like HUH?? So I tried to make this one more talkative but now it's been thrown back in my face idk

Hey Meredith!!

Congrats on getting to AC. The annoying thing with firms and what you’ve highlighted here is how what they want can differ.

One thing I’ve found helpful is being conversational in my structuring. So rather than “XYZ is the first issue at hand due to _____” which I may use in an essay, I opt for “I think ____ could be an issue for the client because _____.”

Also, I’m not sure if they threw any questions your way during the discussion. But if they do, saying things like “Let me have a think about that” even if you already know the answer, can also help show how you’re thinking about what you’re being asked rather than giving them a structure.

It’s annoying because I think there is a big pressure applied during case studies to show you know the content, but they ultimately just want to see how you think.

 

[sbbusybee]

Just had a feedback call with a firm post ac rejection. Essentially, we really liked you and thought you done really well, but 1 answer out of like 60 questions wasn’t that strong so we couldn’t choose you 😀 what the helly

I had the same last year, it’s insane lol

 

[meredithgrey]

I hate the fact that it is true but ultimately so much of this process is down to luck.
If you can try to balance that structure without sounding too 'robotic' and keep that human element then you are doing the right thing and you just have to keep going. It really is just a numbers game.

Definitely agree. Even the early careers told me it's the luck of which partner is interviewing you and what they prefer...

 

[theconfusedlawyer]

Hey,

Has anybody heard from:

Stephenson Harwood
Charles Russell Speechlys
Russell Cooke
Shoosmiths (London)
Marriot Harrison
Simmons (Bristol)
Bevan Brittan ?

 

[qwerty123a]

For Hogan, can I ask when you completed the Online Test and when you were invited for an AC?

sorry - i worded this awkwardly, but i meant i havent received ac invitations, not that i did those acs and didnt hear back

 

[pepsicola96]

at what point before a scheme can you expect to receive information about the scheme😀?

I have a scheme starting with a virtual induction this Friday and I have not heard a thing in a like a month lol.

 

[ApplicationConfusiongConundrum]

Hey! Has anyone who did their Latham AC last week heard back yet? And does anyone know how long they usually take post-AC?

 

[KuriTH]

Has anyone heard from Baker McKenzie post spring AC this week?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

For the AC, if the interview is strength based, do we need to bring up STAR? For example, if they ask me how I deal with a stressful situation? @Abbie Whitlock i would appreciate your insight! Thank you.

 

[Cece176]

Has anyone else received that email from Browne Jacobson about their policy changes for the TC?

 

[Ernesto]

Hey,

Has anybody heard from:

Stephenson Harwood
Charles Russell Speechlys
Russell Cooke
Shoosmiths (London)
Marriot Harrison
Simmons (Bristol)
Bevan Brittan ?

Nothing from Russell Cooke or Marriott. Test deadline was only yesterday for Marriott

 

[TCComingSoon]

Has anyone else received that email from Browne Jacobson about their policy changes for the TC?

I have not received an email. Do you mind sharing what it mentioned.

 

[trainee4u]

Nothing from Russell Cooke or Marriott. Test deadline was only yesterday for Marriott

Russell Cooke have sent out Zoom interview notifications.

If you've not got one you're PFO or maybe reserve.

 

[trainee4u]

I have not received an email. Do you mind sharing what it mentioned.

When applications for both the SVS and Trainee Solicitor Pathway opened in December 2025, people applied with the expectation that the firm’s training contract offer was via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway (if you have completed the LPC you will be exempt from SQE1)
• The firm will fund the full cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

If you would like your SVS application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application.

 

[Anon145]

Does anyone know roughly when Orrick conduct their ACs?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Russell Cooke have sent out Zoom interview notifications.

If you've not got one you're PFO or maybe reserve.

Do you know when they sent out the invites?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I know exactly who you’re oab as well cos I’ve got them on LinkedIn. They’ve acc smashed it out the park. That Kirkland guy has some competition now he might get overtaken soon lmao.​

is that the guy who looks a bit like prince William when he was younger lmaooooo

 

[Cece176]

I have not received an email. Do you mind sharing what it mentioned.

Just that Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route is discontinued and they are doing "Pass First" instead. It doesn't sound like a radical change - Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway

 

[TCComingSoon]

When applications for both the SVS and Trainee Solicitor Pathway opened in December 2025, people applied with the expectation that the firm’s training contract offer was via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway (if you have completed the LPC you will be exempt from SQE1)
• The firm will fund the full cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

If you would like your SVS application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application.

Thanks and just received it.

 

[TCComingSoon]

Just that Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route is discontinued and they are doing "Pass First" instead. It doesn't sound like a radical change - Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway

I personally think it is to ease the pressure of the SQE during the GSA. Basically you start the GSA after completing SQE2 or what it is called is the TC.