TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Partcore22]

They sent an email when I applied for their vac scheme being like well assess all outcomes for everything after the 6th April

oh i applied for direct tc

 

[TortillaTC]

The firm has said that applicants won't be offered an LBA role at the end. However, those who perform well on the vacation scheme and afterwards apply to the LBA role will be placed in a better position (e.g. previous applicants may have been fast tracked).

Hi Jaysen, thank you for the info! If I understand correctly, next applications for the actual LBA role will open some time at the end of 2026 and close early 2027, with a September 2027 start, right? Which means that doing the vacation scheme this summer could count towards our LBA application later this year (even if we wouldn't be directly interviewed)?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

not sure if anyone can really help but to anyone with experience in finding accom for vac schemes in London with a (relatively) limited budget: did anyone stay in student accommodation ? Or do people tend to go for Airbnbs etc. it’s for multiple weeks so hotels are getting extremely expensive

Hey!

When I completed vacation schemes last cycle, I stayed in student accommodation for those I had to arrange myself. I found these were significantly cheaper than hotels (if it helps, I paid around £400 for two weeks for one of them) and they were still relatively close enough to central London to make commuting to and from the scheme really convenient.

Also, by the time I did my summer schemes, I technically wasn't a student anymore but was still able to stay in some accommodations. If that is something you are concerned about, it is definitely worth double-checking with each provider, as I'm sure it varies.

As others have mentioned, I'd also reach out to the firm you have the VS with and ask if they have any recommendations - they can usually provide you with a list of accommodation providers that other vacation schemers have stayed with in the past (and one firm even offered to contribute to my accommodation, in addition to providing the list)!

Best of luck!

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone! does anyone know what time the king & spalding application closes?

 

[TCchaser]

Hi everyone! does anyone know what time the king & spalding application closes?

I believe it's already closed - the deadline was midday today

 

[Jaysen]

Hi Jaysen, thank you for the info! If I understand correctly, next applications for the actual LBA role will open some time at the end of 2026 and close early 2027, with a September 2027 start, right? Which means that doing the vacation scheme this summer could count towards our LBA application later this year (even if we wouldn't be directly interviewed)?

I think that's right! I'll bring up any more questions at Thursday's event so the firm can answer this directly

 

[fTS3002]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I received a call from a firm with an offer for their SVS on Friday. They said if they aren't able to send the contract on that day they'll do it on Monday. But I haven't heard from them yet and I understand they might be busy. When would you say is the right time to send a follow-up email?

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I received a call from a firm with an offer for their SVS on Friday. They said if they aren't able to send the contract on that day they'll do it on Monday. But I haven't heard from them yet and I understand they might be busy. When would you say is the right time to send a follow-up email?

I’d say Tuesday evening/Weds morning

I had this exact situation with a firm and they quickly followed up on the Wednesday afternoon.

 

[toughluck]

Hey everyone,

Perkins Coie just opened up applications for its vacation schemes. It runs in summer, and you can apply here before the 30th April.

Ahead of the deadline, you can join our event with the Perkins Coie team on Thursday at 6pm. Here's the link to register.

hi jaysen! could i just clarify: the application details say that decisions will be released week of 22 july and that the first placement runs week of 27 july. is that correct? that's a really short notice period and i can imagine might pose issues on the firm's side especially with visa verification

 

[SlippinJimmy]

I think my cycle has finally closed, still awaiting a few firms but assuming PFOs from them. From 33 applications, I managed to get to 3 ACs and fortunately managed to convert all of them! Unfortunately, two of them do clash at the exact same time... Feeling slightly bummed about this since I'd worked a lot towards them but the timing was just unfortunate. Anyways, just wanted to say to everyone to never give up. There was so much I learnt from applying this cycle, through rejections and progressions. There were so many times I felt so demoralised and wanted to give up, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe that persistence will pay off! All the best to everyone!!

 

[gdog123]

Hi has anyone heard from DWF about assessment centre details after the invite. Mine is on wed and I have heard nothing. Getting abit tight

 

[boots pharmacy]

I think my cycle has finally closed, still awaiting a few firms but assuming PFOs from them. From 33 applications, I managed to get to 3 ACs and fortunately managed to convert all of them! Unfortunately, two of them do clash at the exact same time... Feeling slightly bummed about this since I'd worked a lot towards them but the timing was just unfortunate. Anyways, just wanted to say to everyone to never give up. There was so much I learnt from applying this cycle, through rejections and progressions. There were so many times I felt so demoralised and wanted to give up, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe that persistence will pay off! All the best to everyone!!

Go land crabs!

 

[SlippinJimmy]

Go land crabs!

this is elite ball knowledge, shoutout the University of American Samoa!

 

[8law]

yes i received a video interview email

Congrats! what office?

 

[Partcore22]

Congrats! what office?

birmingham, i thought they only accept applications from this office as well

 

[SueD]

I think my cycle has finally closed, still awaiting a few firms but assuming PFOs from them. From 33 applications, I managed to get to 3 ACs and fortunately managed to convert all of them! Unfortunately, two of them do clash at the exact same time... Feeling slightly bummed about this since I'd worked a lot towards them but the timing was just unfortunate. Anyways, just wanted to say to everyone to never give up. There was so much I learnt from applying this cycle, through rejections and progressions. There were so many times I felt so demoralised and wanted to give up, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe that persistence will pay off! All the best to everyone!!

From someone who failed 3 ACs - do you have any top tips?

 

[Alaa]

haven’t heard back after the VI

I got an invite to their AC on Thursday for the Leeds office. So I guess you might hear back soon depending on the office you chose

 

[AryanAgg]

How to answer the question which asks for why you have chosen a specific office location?

 

[londonlawyer]

Does anyone know what time Baker McKenzie TC application is due? Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I received a call from a firm with an offer for their SVS on Friday. They said if they aren't able to send the contract on that day they'll do it on Monday. But I haven't heard from them yet and I understand they might be busy. When would you say is the right time to send a follow-up email?

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme offer!!

I would definitely agree with other forum users and say that I'd email them if you haven't heard by tomorrow evening - I've been in a similar situation before, and there's no harm in politely following up. However, it might just be that they haven't managed to get round to it today, so try not to worry