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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

The SQE would be done in Sept 27 and would last a year before commencing the TC in 2028. I think the timeline would look like this:

July 2026: graduate from university
Sept 2027: start the SQE
Aug 2028: finish the SQE
September 2028: start the TC
September 2030: qualification

Some larger firms tend to have spaces for earlier intakes so you could start the SQE in Sept 2026 and the TC in Sept 2027, but it’s not guaranteed.

But if you’re a non-law student, you’d be doing the GDL from Sept 2026 to July 2027, before the SQE in Sept 2027 to Aug 2028. Then TC Sept 2028.​
Thank you!
 
had an AC at a US firm...during the group exercise, 3 ppl kept talking and dominating the conversation and i could barely get a word in...it was really hard to find opportunities to speak because i didn't want to interrupt, will i be marked down heavily cos of this?
 
I have an AC coming up and includes a debate / group exercise and I have never ever done such a thing esp in assessed AC environment. Does anyone have any insights or advice pretty please
I did a negotiation for Macfarlanes which was pretty tough but in the feedback they said that I excelled in it even though I thought I did trash. I guess from my experience the best advice would be to just say things. Anything that comes to mind say it in a way that is professional, well structured, and concise. If you know of any technical terms or contractual terms etc the be sure to sprinkle those in to your speech as well. Just make sure whatever you do that you are never sitting there for silence for longer than say 30-60 seconds. It’s really important that you make all your points heard, but still also allow others to speak. Acknowledge when somebody makes a good point, and build on their point if you find it appropriate — but of course don’t do that every time you speak, you should bring something original to the table too.
If you follow all that you should be fine. Don’t overthink it, don’t over prepare, just learn your key commercial terms inside out and you’ll be fine
 
serious question for all of you on here - idk how many of you are out of uni but do you seriously recommend paralegalling if you’re still without a tc? I’ve heard mixed thoughts about it and have heard the horror stories where people get stuck in their role with no chance of progression please let me know your thoughts for what jobs I should realistically be looking to do / what to apply for come September 🫶🏻
 

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