TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Egco]

Still waiting (and losing hope each second) for a call. AC was 12 Feb.

Same here. AC was March 3rd. Do you know if they are only giving out summer offers? I assume if we don’t hear back today its a PFO?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

thank you!! Do you have any tips for VS prep? Which types of tasks should I be prepared for?

Hey!

The exact tasks that you'll be given will vary between firms and teams, but there are a few common ones that I encountered on all of my schemes! For example, you might be asked to do legal or commercial research, proofread or review draft documents, or summarise recent cases or articles for the team. I was often asked to research a particular topic as the team I was in was planning to do a BD article on recent developments for clients, so I'd definitely expect this kind of task too!

You may also get opportunities to sit in on client calls, interviews, or meetings and then write up notes or a short summary afterwards, which is a really interesting way to see how matters progress in practice! I would definitely make sure that you have a clear way of writing notes within a short amount of time, as you might be asked to type/handwrite notes as the meeting is in progress.

It can be tricky to know how to prepare for these tasks, but it might help to practise researching efficiently and summarising information clearly and concisely, as those skills come up quite a lot. However, I'd try not to worry too much - supervisors know that vac schemers are there to learn and will usually explain what they are looking for in the task.

Best of luck with the VS!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all, I have recently been offered a summer vacation scheme and have been offered the choice of 2 different dates during summer. I’m trying to think whether there’s any particular advantage or disadvantage to choosing either date? Is it possible that if the earlier date cohort is very strong, the firm could have given out more than half of its TC offers before the later scheme even starts?

Hey!

Congratulations on the VS offer!

In most cases, firms aren't working with a strict quota for each vacation scheme. Instead, they tend to give TCs to those who meet their benchmark during the scheme and therefore, it is unlikely that the earlier cohort would "use up" the offers before the later one starts (as there isn't always a set amount of TCs on offer).

So you generally won't be disadvantaged by choosing the later scheme, and I would definitely go for the dates that work best for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock if reapplying to macfarlanes for DTC in the same cycle after having gotten a VS PFO, how would one approach the application question? I got rejected at a later stage so my application wasnt the issue, but still wondering to what extent its best to change it since the app has the same exact question as for the VS

Hi!

If the question is exactly the same, I don't think you would be expected to completely rewrite your answer - particularly if your application was strong already! What I would recommend is re-reading your original answer and refining it where you can. For example, you might sharpen the wording, make your motivations a bit clearer, or add any new insights or experiences that you have had since submitting the VS application.

It should still feel genuine and consistent with what you originally wrote, as otherwise you might be trying to force a completely different answer just for the sake of it

 

[Ancika]

Does anyone have any insights from doing the telephone interview call with Blake Morgan? Thanks so much!

 

[yasmars]

Amazing news, congratulations! Which office is this for? I'm also doing the OC vac scheme this summer

Congrats! This is for the London office

 

[Egco]

Baker McKenzie VS offer! AC on 17th Feb, applied to Summer but offered Spring as well! Good luck to everyone!

Congrats! Did you just get a call back now? And do you know if they are offering spring for everyone?

 

[amb303]

Has anyone heard from CRS for London VS today?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone heard from CRS for London VS today?

I think the general consensus is that offers have gone out but like last year they can’t tell us until like next week

 

[amb303]

I think the general consensus is that offers have gone out but like last year they can’t tell us until like next week

Was just curious bc people started reacting that they’d gotten guildford offers only yesterday and no one has positively indicated anything about London—that coupled w the post from Monday by grad rec about making offers “soon” —not sure it’s over yet

 

[T. Rainee]

Long shot but has anyone who’s applied for shepherd wedderburn (Scottish offices) heard back today?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Was just curious bc people started reacting that they’d gotten guildford offers only yesterday and no one has positively indicated anything about London—that coupled w the post from Monday by grad rec about making offers “soon” —not sure it’s over yet

I am so down for that, fingers crossed it’s some good news!!

 

[StudentWP]

no response from spb London today post vi, like this message if in the same position ?

 

[iklawapps]

Congrats to everyone who got the Bakers VS < 3 so happy and proud of you!!

Out of curiosity, anyone else not heard anything yet? Drop a like if you’re on the same boat :’ D

 

[iklawapps]

Also does Anyone know if Bakers gave out all their invites on one day for Spring? Just wondering so I can finally take them off my mind :’ )

 

[corplawperson23]

Hi, just wondering is there no longer a thread detailing peoples interview experiences? I'm not sure if I am just missing this

 

[AryanAgg]

When can we hear about dtc applications from slaughters and linklaters?

 

[user55998384]

cms vi insights would be hugely appreciated!!

 

[soph107048]

what about white & case?

I checked today and apparently you cant apply for a TC in the same cycle

 

[theconfusedlawyer]

Hey guys,

Been invited to a teams interview for Peters & Peters with the firm's HR manager and Senior Talent Development Advisor!

Does anyone have any insights on this or any idea how to prepare?

This cycle has been an uphill battle so anything would be appreciated.