TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DennyCrane]

Also is anyone still waiting to hear from BJ? Was it just the London office that got TI invites?

Still waiting too

 

[Isobel.liddle]

I think we are going to hear this week

How come you think that? But exciting and scary at the same time!

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Not vac scheme related but has anyone on this forum applied to the MoJ Summer Internship Scheme? (I've applied as I think it would be a great legal experience working in the tribunals and courts).

 

[user123987]

Is this post app or test ?

Post test

 

[Phoenix006]

Not vac scheme related but has anyone on this forum applied to the MoJ Summer Internship Scheme? (I've applied as I think it would be a great legal experience working in the tribunals and courts).

Yep I applied too! Not heard anything back yet but still very early days so wouldn't really expect to

 

[TCchaser]

Does anyone know any large corporate firms (MC/SC/US/international) that offer placement years that can be converted to TCs?

 

[radssss]

Does anyone know any large corporate firms (MC/SC/US/international) that offer placement years that can be converted to TCs?

Bclp (I’ve done one there in 2023). I don’t know if they still offer it but worth checking!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

can you add upcoming vac schemes to training contract apps?

Hi!

When I submitted my direct training contract application to Reed Smith last cycle, I included my upcoming vacation schemes to give context that I'd be gaining further legal experience between applying and any later stages. I didn't usually include them for vacation scheme applications themselves, but it felt more relevant in the DTC context.

That said, I think either approach is absolutely fine - you won't be penalised for including them, but they're unlikely to add significant weight to your application either

 

[alanshore]

Absolutely flunked my VI

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I have a vacation scheme with Farrer & Co coming up and was wondering whether you'd be able to share any insights into the scheme?

Hello!

Congratulations on the Farrer & Co vacation scheme - that is amazing news, and I really loved my vacation scheme at the firm last year (so I'm sure you will too!)

When I completed the scheme, you would sit in two different departments over the two weeks (so I sat in Residential Property and IP & Commercial) - I believe these were randomly allocated, so you don't necessarily indicate any preferences! The structure of the scheme was split into time within your allocated department, and sessions that gave you insights into various areas at the firm. I personally found that this worked really well, as it gave you a good balance of each - just make sure that you communicate to your supervisors when you have to attend a session, etc. I also had enough time to arrange coffee chats with people at the firm, and everyone was super willing to meet with me and chat about their work! I remember that one of the vacation schemers even managed to arrange a coffee chat with Julian Smith, who is Private Solicitor to the King!

In the teams I was in, I was given work from my supervisor but also got to complete tasks for other associates and partners in the teams too! I also got to attend the team meetings and meet everyone, which really did make me feel like part of the team for a week, haha! Whilst the teams I was in might be viewed as quite "generic", the work that Farrers does in those areas is often very unique given their client base - I did a lot of research on bona vacantia for the Residential Property team, which was super interesting to learn about!

The sessions themselves were also super insightful - we had an Art Law session, insight into the legal work they complete with schools, and did a tour of the courts. There are also plenty of socials so that you can get to know the other vacation schemers, and speak to lots of trainees! You will also likely have sessions with the ED&I teams and Pro Bono & Responsible Business, which the firm is very passionate about and you have the opportunity to ask lots of questions. The office itself is also fascinating and has a lot of history (which I'm sure they'll discuss on the scheme), although I only stopped getting lost on the last day, haha!

In terms of the assessments on the scheme, last year it was a group case study presentation and an individual interview with a partner. You are given time to work with your group throughout the week, and there are also trainees that you can reach out to who will give you tips for the assessment. I personally didn't find the case study presentation confusing or extremely stressful, and it was nice to work through the problem with other vacation schemers (rather than alone!). The individual partner interview will be scheduled at some point in the scheme, and I would prepare for a typical partner interview (e.g. motivations, commercial awareness, competency questions, etc.). My interviewer was so lovely and arranged a coffee with me in the first week to meet and chat before the interview itself - this definitely helped with the nerves! You are also assessed on the work that you are given by your supervisor, but I'd definitely just give it your best shot and try not to worry too much - I definitely made some silly mistakes on some of the tasks, but I was still invited back for the final TC interview.

If you score well in the interview, group case study and on the tasks set by your supervisor, then you are invited back to a final TC interview after the scheme. When I completed this interview, it was relatively similar to the partner interview except there were two interviewers and there are a few other minor tasks they ask you to complete. I probably can't share more details than that, but they might provide more details in advance!

Overall, absolutely everyone I met on the scheme was friendly and seemed to genuinely love working at the firm! I'm sure that you will have an amazing time, and I wish you the best of luck with the scheme! Just shout if you have any further / follow-up questions