TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[James Wakefield]

I’d think missing a whole week may be an issue as it gives the firms much less material to assess you on for the TC. I had to ask to miss one day for an exam which was already a bit of an issue, so i’d assume a whole week would likely not be a great option for TC prospects. If there are any alternative VS dates for each I would personally request to either move to the second set of dates/the spring or summer scheme (depending on which dates you’ve been offered) for either firm where this is an option.

Thanks!

Unfortunately their spring dates both overlap with a spring VS I have too.

I might just have to make a choice and cut one here I guess.

 

[Jaysen]

View attachment 8200

out of everything that I've said on this forum can't believe this one gets featured in a jaysen video lol

(why am I watching this when I have a TC now, idk I got an email and I was bored. good video though)

Ahaha - sorry. I needed an example of how our members talk about which firms are strict on grades, and your post was perfect

 

[DennyCrane]

Hi everyone — I’d really appreciate some advice on a bit of a vacation scheme dilemma.

I’ve been lucky enough to receive two summer VS offers, but unfortunately there’s a clash: the second week of one overlaps with the first week of the other. I’m trying to figure out if there’s any sensible way to navigate this without harming my chances with either firm.

I was wondering:

• Would it be realistic (or acceptable) to ask to attend only one week of a two-week scheme? (Or a week and a half for both)

I’m conscious of not wanting to seem uncommitted or difficult, so I’d be really grateful for any insight on how firms tend to view these requests, or how best to approach the situation.

Thanks so much in advance!

Personally I'd pick the one you like best and drop the other. It's difficult when this happens. I have had to miss an important event for my svs. It's more important to be there for the whole scheme.

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone — I’d really appreciate some advice on a bit of a vacation scheme dilemma.

I’ve been lucky enough to receive two summer VS offers, but unfortunately there’s a clash: the second week of one overlaps with the first week of the other. I’m trying to figure out if there’s any sensible way to navigate this without harming my chances with either firm.

I was wondering:

• Would it be realistic (or acceptable) to ask to attend only one week of a two-week scheme? (Or a week and a half for both)

I’m conscious of not wanting to seem uncommitted or difficult, so I’d be really grateful for any insight on how firms tend to view these requests, or how best to approach the situation.

Thanks so much in advance!

In this situation, my first question would be: is there one that you prefer over the other?

If so, I'd explain the situation to your non-favourite firm. It's almost always better to ask than to drop the vacation scheme altogether and the firm will have been in this situation with candidates before. I'd make it clear that you really like the firm but that you do have a clash.

They might ask you to make a decision between the two. But they might also be more flexible here, allowing you to do a week or interview for a direct TC.

This way, you also don't have to mention anything to your preferred firm.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I'm just wondering- would anyone suggest emailing Kennedys or would you say there's no point.

I emailed them last week and they said they would let us know "shortly" so it might be worth seeing if they are in a position to give us a clear deadline of when we may hear back

 

[CharlieandLola]

I emailed them last week and they said they would let us know "shortly" so it might be worth seeing if they are in a position to give us a clear deadline of when we may hear back

I'll email them now

 

[Z48]

Thanks!

Unfortunately their spring dates both overlap with a spring VS I have too.

I might just have to make a choice and cut one here I guess.

If either of them offer a direct TC route, you could also ask to be moved onto/considered for this route. This has worked for some people in previous cycles but not always

 

[James Wakefield]

In this situation, my first question would be: is there one that you prefer over the other?

If so, I'd explain the situation to your non-favourite firm. It's almost always better to ask than to drop the vacation scheme altogether and the firm will have been in this situation with candidates before. I'd make it clear that you really like the firm but that you do have a clash.

They might ask you to make a decision between the two. But they might also be more flexible here, allowing you to do a week or interview for a direct TC.

This way, you also don't have to mention anything to your preferred firm.

Thanks Jaysen!

I’ll try this and let the forum know how it goes!

 

[SemperParatus]

@Abbie Whitlock hi Abbie, how would I structure the answer to the video interview question: What is the role of a trainee? Whilst also linking my work experience? Thank you

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Hi

Anyone heard from Penningtons Regional offices?

Hi! I applied to Oxford and nothing as of yet..

 

[SueD]

PFO from Withers for summer VS after interview

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock hi Abbie, how would I structure the answer to the video interview question: What is the role of a trainee? Whilst also linking my work experience? Thank you

Hello!

A good way to approach it is to briefly define the role of a trainee, and then use that as a framework to incorporate your examples. For instance, you might think of the role in terms of:

• Supporting fee earners on ongoing matters
• Taking ownership of smaller tasks and being proactive
• Learning quickly and responding to feedback in a productive way

Once you have identified 2-3 of these themes, you can then ask yourself when you have done something similar - this is where you can then incorporate your work experience. For example, you could draw on:

• Legal experience (e.g. research, drafting, helping with tasks for fee-earners)
• Non-legal roles (e.g. responsibility, time management, dealing with people / clients)
• Academic experiences (e.g. teamwork, analysis, adapting to feedback, etc.)

The key part is to link each point you make back to the trainee role, rather than talking about your experience in isolation. The question is asking you about the role of a trainee, so this should be the focus of the majority of your answer!

A simple way that you could structure it could be:

• Quick overview of the trainee role (i.e. to show you understand what it involves)
• 2-3 key aspects / tasks involved in that role
• A brief example from your past experiences linked to those aspects
• A concluding line at the end that ties it together

Since it is a video interview, I'd aim to keep it clear and concise - you don't need to use loads of detail, I'd just ensure anything you include is relevant.

Best of luck with the video interview!

 

[iklawapps]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had some quick advice for this question in Stephenson Harwood's app.

"In up to 350 words, please outline a challenge that you think Stephenson Harwood will face over the next five years. You should draw on your current awareness and your commercial awareness to answer this question."

Do you think we should talk about market stuff that can affect their clients (ie geopolitical instability, tariffs, regulation, etc.) or is it more stuff affecting firms specifically (ie US PE in UK, billable hour, etc.)? Thank you!! I really appreciate the help : )