TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[user55998384]

Is the Skadden first-year scheme any good? Just read the acceptance email today

its not a fys its an insight evening

 

[8law]

I did an AC with them a couple of weeks ago - that was for a regional office, though, so not sure about their timescale for London!

Was this for DTC or a vacation scheme ?

 

[EllieH]

PMC PFO

Sorry to hear that! Which office were you applying for?

 

[Partcore22]

If anyone did the Irwin Mitchell insight day last year can you DM me

 

[alanshore]

its not a fys its an insight evening

Ah, my bad. Got it confused with the w&c fys, I think, they were the only 2 applications I was waiting on. God knows when W&C will send a response.

 

[adfs456]

Hello!

I think it would be absolutely fine to send a brief and polite email asking if there is any update on when you might receive the feedback, particularly if you haven't had any response. It may be that they are gathering feedback from the individual partners involved in the process, as if they are busy it can sometimes take a bit longer. In that sense, the delay isn't necessarily unusual and they may well intend to send some detailed feedback once they have gathered everything.

I would just send a short follow-up reiterating your thanks and saying that you would really value any feedback if available, while acknowledging that they may still be in the process of pulling it together

Thank you so much Abbie, this advice is super helpful

 

[BigFO]

Oh my goodness, I just realised I'm pretty sure for that question I did basically say convenient location You are so right though they were definitely looking for a practice area answer, oops I hope that doesn't cost me the VS, how silly.

Also yes, I imagine they probably get a lot of applications because of their very minimal requirements lol.

I don't think that necessarily would set you back if you did well answering 'why the firm' in the actual substantive bit.

If they get back to you about the potential decision timescales, please share if you don't mind

 

[moonlak]

Hey everyone, I have been given the options to choose practice areas for my vacation scheme. I wanted to know how I should weigh the following factors (apart from personal interest) in my choices:
- complexity of tasks in practice area
- business need in the practice area (if its one that they dont do much work in, maybe i should not choose it ?)

And any general advice you have for me when choosing! Thank you!

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hi guys, my app season is pretty much over for this year, however, I applied for a paralegal position where I had to submit my app. I passed the fist stage, and then on the second stage has to do 3 tests which were insanely hard.

Anyway, I got a rejection email, but in the email it said:
‘That said, we were impressed with your application and would like to discuss your experience further and review your eligibility for off-cycle hiring once the Academy has concluded.’

It says to schedule a call.

Do you think a lot of people would receive this email? Also, do you think the call would be interview style ? It’s a 30 min call, but not sure if or how to prep for this. :/

 

[rhiannonthms]

Hey everyone. I just got an email inviting me to an interview, and it says it will include a 30 minute drafting exercise. I have never completed one of these before and was wondering if anyone had any insight on what this is likely to entail and what I can do to best prepare for it? Thank you!

 

[adf43256]

Ive completed a vacation scheme recently and am kind of stressed about whether I’ll convert. Those that have done vac schemes in the past and not converted, what were the reasons they rejected?

 

[cooked5678]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right thread to be asking this. In a sticky situation... does anyone have experience signing a TC and then going on to do further vac schemes behind the TC firm's back? The firm I have a TC with is strict on this, but I'm thinking realistically, there's little chance they find out. Would be horrendous to get caught, lose the TC, and then not convert the second vac. If anyone has advice, would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Hello everyone!

So I’m fortunate enough to have received at vac scheme offer, however that week I have an exam also, don’t know the exact date as of yet, meaning I’m gonna miss one day for the vac scheme. Im really scared that if I do reach to the firm and tell them my circumstances they will rescind my offer (they did say I have the right to miss half a day), but the lady on the phone was really keen about knowing what my exam period is and if I can attend all days.

Any advice? Thanks

 

[Bread]

Hi guys, my app season is pretty much over for this year, however, I applied for a paralegal position where I had to submit my app. I passed the fist stage, and then on the second stage has to do 3 tests which were insanely hard.

Anyway, I got a rejection email, but in the email it said:
‘That said, we were impressed with your application and would like to discuss your experience further and review your eligibility for off-cycle hiring once the Academy has concluded.’

It says to schedule a call.

Do you think a lot of people would receive this email? Also, do you think the call would be interview style ? It’s a 30 min call, but not sure if or how to prep for this. :/

Could you pls share which firm this was? What’s the Academy

 

[DennyCrane]

Hello everyone!

So I’m fortunate enough to have received at vac scheme offer, however that week I have an exam also, don’t know the exact date as of yet, meaning I’m gonna miss one day for the vac scheme. Im really scared that if I do reach to the firm and tell them my circumstances they will rescind my offer (they did say I have the right to miss half a day), but the lady on the phone was really keen about knowing what my exam period is and if I can attend all days.

Any advice? Thanks

I've just been really upfront and its been fine. If they are running schemes in exam period they will expect this to happen.

 

[DennyCrane]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right thread to be asking this. In a sticky situation... does anyone have experience signing a TC and then going on to do further vac schemes behind the TC firm's back? The firm I have a TC with is strict on this, but I'm thinking realistically, there's little chance they find out. Would be horrendous to get caught, lose the TC, and then not convert the second vac. If anyone has advice, would be greatly appreciated!!!

Personally I'd say this is really dangerous. If your firm has expressly said you must not do it then they are clearly going to take a firm line (and not surprisingly so since they will now have concluded their recruitment and don't want to have to open up again if you decide you want to breach your contract and go elsewhere). People talk (particularly other would be trainees..). Others may disagree but why risk it. Training contracts are hard to come by.

 

[cooked5678]

Personally I'd say this is really dangerous. If your firm has expressly said you must not do it then they are clearly going to take a firm line (and not surprisingly so since they will now have concluded their recruitment and don't want to have to open up again if you decide you want to breach your contract and go elsewhere). People talk (particularly other would be trainees..). Others may disagree but why risk it. Training contracts are hard to come by.

All very good points. Appreciate it.

 

[Jaysen]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right thread to be asking this. In a sticky situation... does anyone have experience signing a TC and then going on to do further vac schemes behind the TC firm's back? The firm I have a TC with is strict on this, but I'm thinking realistically, there's little chance they find out. Would be horrendous to get caught, lose the TC, and then not convert the second vac. If anyone has advice, would be greatly appreciated!!!

It does happen every year. As long as you don't accept any PGDL/SQE funding, you can do it. It's obviously frustrating for the firm, and it's ideal if you can renege before you do other vacation schemes, but I always think you should do what is right for you.

 

[Jaysen]

Hey all - just a note that Abbie is on leave until mid May. Feel free to tag me if you have any questions. Thanks!

 

[username10341034]

For people who have had their partner interviews with Fladgate, when do you hear the outcome