TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Bristows 2028 TC offer!
So happy, I can't believe it - has been my dream firm since I attended their 2024 first-year workshop. I absolutely promise that if I can do this, anyone can!

 

[floral.tcla]

I can’t believe I’m writing this tbh but in addition to these, I recently received VS offers from Ropes & Gray and Sidley Austin! It seems all of the PFOs so far have been worth it! ​

congratulations!! harvey specter username and your hard work clearly contain a lot of magic

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey all, this might not be directly related, but would a compliance and legal internship at a boutique fund help my chances of securing a vac scheme in lieu of any significant first-year schemes?

Hey!

I would definitely say that a compliance internship will be valuable experience to have! Generally speaking, firms care much more about the skills and insights that you have gained rather than the exact label of the role. In that internship, you would still be building commercial awareness, understanding regulation, and getting exposure to how these kind of businesses operate - this can all translate well into commercial law.

I'd just make sure that you frame it well when you go on to discuss it in applications. If you can clearly explain what you learned (e.g. risk, regulation, client impact, etc.) and link that to why you are interested in commercial law and the specific firm you are applying to, it can be just as strong as a traditional first-year scheme

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're having a lovely week Just wanted to ask, I’m considering emailing graduate recruitment at Stephenson Harwood’s Dubai office. I had my final interview over a month ago and haven’t heard back yet, either with an offer or a rejection.
Would you recommend reaching out now, or is it better to wait a bit longer? I’m unsure what to do, especially since their summer vacation scheme is in June. Thank you for your time.

Hey!

I am having a good week, thank you - I hope you are too!

I'd say that it would be completely fine for you to reach out now. A month after your interview is quite a bit of time (though they may have a reason for this), especially since the vacation scheme is coming up in June and it is understandable that you'd want to know when you can expect to hear back.

I would just send the graduate recruitment team a brief and polite email that asks when you might expect to receive an update on your application, and reiterate your interest in the scheme.

I don't think this will come across negatively at all, and it shows that you are still genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Best of luck - fingers crossed that you hear some good news soon!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! I have a vac scheme in summer and they have said they will reimburse travel. I have received an email saying that they need the dates for accom and confirmation of dates/times I require travel to London. As I live outside London I will be commuting in every day. I do have a railcard as well. Is it worth emailing and asking for travel reimbursements for each day I go into London, or will it be seen as cheeky/messing them around?

Hey!

I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

I don't think there is any harm at all in asking - it is a completely reasonable question, and firms are usually pretty used to dealing with different travel arrangements. I think it is highly unlikely that they will view it as cheeky or like you are messing them around. You could just mention that you'll be travelling in from outside London, and ask whether the commuting costs can be reimbursed.

The worst they can say is no, and at least you'll have clarity on the situation. However, I'd be surprised if they thought negatively of you for asking, as it is a reasonable and practical request that I'm sure they have been asked before.

Best of luck with the vacation scheme, and I hope you have a great time!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Bristows 2028 TC offer!
So happy, I can't believe it - has been my dream firm since I attended their 2024 first-year workshop. I absolutely promise that if I can do this, anyone can!

Huge congratulations - that is amazing news!! It must feel so rewarding to have that come full circle from your first-year workshop, and I hope you take some time to celebrate

 

[summersun]

Bristows 2028 TC offer!
So happy, I can't believe it - has been my dream firm since I attended their 2024 first-year workshop. I absolutely promise that if I can do this, anyone can!

That is amazing congratulations !!!! Celebrate and be proud of your achievement !!

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Anyone heard anything from Simons Muirhead Burton?

 

[radssss]

Anyone know if Freeths online interview for the Grad legal programme contains video interview?

Do you mean online test? If yes, no. That’s SJT.

I don’t think they do vis, post test next stage is teams interview.

 

[Rachelzayne3]

very happy to help you with flex legal as I’m employed with them for over a year but I gotta tell you they have not given me work even once…
Like they emailed me twice about work and having to go through interviews with firms for a 3 month or less fixed contract roles only and then ghosted me…
That said, that’s just my experience and people might have had pleasant experiences with them! so do apply fs!

How do you find it? Do you enjoy it?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hugh James interview !

 

[Lawlilly]

Hugh James interview !

Congratulations!! Best of luck

 

[BigFO]

Has anybody here applied to Ashfords or Clarke Willmott?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Anyone heard from Bevan Brittan SVS London or other locations? I assumed April 27th was the PFO day as per the email confirmation after completing the VI, so I'm wondering if there have been any offers!

I haven't heard from them either. I am hoping we hear before the weekend

 

[ipfan]

Bristows TC offer!! so so excited.
Hope this is a sign for anyone else, I never made it to an AC, VS, or even just past the video interview/Watson-Glaser stage on any application for the last 4 years, so to get this offer has been incredible, but also keep going!! Everyone says it only takes one yes, and it is so true!!

 

[trainee4u]

Bristows TC offer!! so so excited.
Hope this is a sign for anyone else, I never made it to an AC, VS, or even just past the video interview/Watson-Glaser stage on any application for the last 4 years, so to get this offer has been incredible, but also keep going!! Everyone says it only takes one yes, and it is so true!!

IP fan meets IP firm. Great job!

 

[EMB]

It's results day, waiting on 2 firms ah!

 

[silonthesofa]

It's results day, waiting on 2 firms ah!

Bristows as well? I started a decision waiting thread, let me know if I should add you! We're all a little unhinged in there by this point

 

[Legalfreak212]

Anyone heard from WBD yet?

 

[summersun]

Bristows TC offer!! so so excited.
Hope this is a sign for anyone else, I never made it to an AC, VS, or even just past the video interview/Watson-Glaser stage on any application for the last 4 years, so to get this offer has been incredible, but also keep going!! Everyone says it only takes one yes, and it is so true!!

Congratulations !!! That"s amazing !!! Wishing you all the best with your TC!!! Hope you celebrate this achievement !!