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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

I believe it’s 80 people for the ACs (5 ACs total so probs 16 per AC), 30 VS spaces and 15 TCs.

So it’s like a 35-40% chance of converting AC to a VS, although it’s 8-9 hours long so it’s rough! 😬
Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash it 🙏
 
Non VS related question but: Do firms only really value the PGDL from ULaw or BPP. Only asking as there are some cheaper options out there (I suppose cheaper for a reason) but as someone potentially self-funding it would be good to know if there are any other options out there.
lots of firms do Barbri, but perhaps not the higher paying ones.
The SRA has a really crappy SQE course finder you could take a look at.
The PGDL is IMO of somewhat fading relevance - it depends if you're going to do SQE yourself
College of Legal Practice is cheapest option that's not an immigration scam, AFAIK (it's online, and a big provider in Aus)
 
Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash it 🙏
The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!

Scared Kermit The Frog GIF
 
Yeah College of Legal Practice is what I was looking at as it is significantly cheaper... I just wondered if it is 'looked down upon' by some firms. Main reason for considering is I am in my late-20s and a career changer so am kind of just looking to get the ball rolling now (if I don't secure a TC this cycle).
It’s not looked down upon. I know Reed Smith uses them as their SQE provider.
 
Yeah College of Legal Practice is what I was looking at as it is significantly cheaper... I just wondered if it is 'looked down upon' by some firms. Main reason for considering is I am in my late-20s and a career changer so am kind of just looking to get the ball rolling now (if I don't secure a TC this cycle).
I think sometimes it's best maybe not to overthink - some firms state specifically they welcome both law and non-law graduates even if you haven't done the PGDL, some specify that they look at grades only (sometimes only undergrad) and not the school you attended. And given someone above said Reed Smith uses it I'd not worry about which uni you go to. Perhaps more important question to think about is the quality of teaching.
 
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I think sometimes it's best maybe not to overthink - some firms state specifically they welcome both law and non-law graduates even if you haven't done the PGDL, some specify that they look at grades only (sometimes only undergrad) and not the school you attended. And given someone above said Reed Smith uses it I'd not worry about which uni you go to. Perhaps more important question to think about is the quality of teaching.

I kinda feel like the teaching isn't even that important - like.... you can learn this stuff off of youtube and textbooks. I did PGDL (actually MA) at Ulaw and SQE on my own and mostly the PGDL was just a way to set fire to £15k.
 
The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!

Scared Kermit The Frog GIF
It helps calm my nerves to remember that however difficult an AC is, it's just as hard for all the other people interviewing.
 
Anyone received any further news from White & Case following yesterday’s round of offers?

Just trying to give myself hope that I might still get an offer despite the fact that it’s very likely to be pfo
Its deffo not over, myself and some others only did the WE a few days back so theres deffo gonna be another round :)
 

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