TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

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!!

This is such an amazing outcome - huge congratulations!! Converting all 3 ACs is super impressive and clearly shows how much work you've put in this cycle.

I can also completely understand why you'd feel gutted about the clash, and it is definitely unfortunate that most firms run their schemes at a similar time! However, having that choice in itself is a strong position to be in (even if slightly frustrating!), and given your success rate with the ACs, I'm sure you'll see similar results with the schemes themselves!

It is also a good reminder that the process is tough, but persistence genuinely does pay off in the end! Massive well done again, and I hope you get the chance to properly celebrate!!

 

[Mikeross750]

Guys during my VS offer call the HR lady told me that they "over-offered" places on the scheme - am I cooked?

I'm wondering how many more places a firm can in theory offer than they planned for, does anybody have any thoughts on this and/or similar experiences?

HR did take a reassuring tone immediately though, saying that they "hope to place some participants on a 2027 TC" (which seemingly wasn't an option during the cycle). The conversion rate was 50-53% originally, I hope it won't dip much because of this. This is a US firm.

@Abbie Whitlock would really appreciate your thoughts on this!

 

[TCComingSoon]

Any advice on a question that asks during the Vacation Scheme please indicate if there are any specific areas you would like to experience during the vacation scheme. But there is another question in the application about which practice areas would you like to specialise in during your training contract and beyond and why? I don't want to sound repetitive in the both questions. Any advice would be insightful.

 

[radssss]

Does anyone know the approximate timeline for Freeths to get back to people post online test for legal assistant/grad scheme?

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

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.

@Jaysen, many thanks for sharing this. Would it be possible to get them to grant us access to their virtual internship?

 

[SlippinJimmy]

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

As cliche as this piece of advice is, I’d say to be yourself. Throughout this application cycle, I told myself to be as authentic as possible and that the firms that like my real self would be the ones I would want to be at. I find it best shows during interviews, I even told a partner once that a day in my life sometimes includes pub hopping, and he said he would love to speak more about that if only he had the time.

During group exercises, there isn’t a need to make yourself the dominant person or the leader. There’s a fine line between being comfortable and confident in your own voice while not shoving your opinions down other people’s throats, which I’d advise to keep mindful of. Keeping the group on track is definitely helpful to show presence!

For written exercises, try to think from the perspective of a trainee, and the context of the task. If you are writing a memo, think about who you are writing it for. If it was for a partner, you’d especially want to include a summary at the start and your recommendations at the end for easy reading. I felt that this was what worked for me, and I hope this helps you too! Rooting for you!