TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Futuretrainee002]

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with post-vac rejection feelings?

Recently did a vac at a US firm as a final year. Was told I did not convert, and frustratingly, the feedback was things that were entirely in my control (i.e., I asked for too much, etc.). I think these feelings are compounded by the fact that all my peers already have TCs, and I will be graduating without one!

Sorry to hear that, but could you expand on what they meant by you asking for to much, is that too many questions or asking for to go on too many coffee chats?

 

[aspiringsolicitor23]

I completed my CMS graduate solicitor apprenticeship video interview on 29th March but haven’t heard anything since. I have seen on the forum there was an AC and offers were mentioned, so I am assuming it’s a rejection but I was wondering why they wouldn’t have sent one by now? Do you think I’m okay to send an email to grad rec? Would welcome thoughts or info from anyone else who applied

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with post-vac rejection feelings?

Recently did a vac at a US firm as a final year. Was told I did not convert, and frustratingly, the feedback was things that were entirely in my control (i.e., I asked for too much, etc.). I think these feelings are compounded by the fact that all my peers already have TCs, and I will be graduating without one!

What do you mean by asked for too much, do you mean took on too much work?

 

[maylawwww]

Hi a little advice / reassurance needed
So i was lucky enough to get two spring vac schemes this cycle. Unfortunately one i didn’t convert (feedback to come) and another i am still waiting on the outcome (coming up on 2 months post vac scheme) and I know that one person from my vac scheme was offered a tc a few weeks ago, not sure ab everyone else. I thought both went well (evidently not ofc).

I don’t know what to do about the one i’m still waiting on- i am really struggling with the uncertainty of waiting especially as they said we would hear back by late april. I know that they do stagger decisions and have a dtc route that is still ongoing. My friend who is a trainee says to wait it out and not email. What do you think? Also please be brutally honest- what are my chances i genuinely dk if i can keep my hopes up for much longer or try to start getting over it.

Secondly, i am really really struggling with the failure of it all. I had a good cycle, i tried so so hard and im still not good enough. I desperately want to succeed but i felt like i truly did my best on both schemes and i still haven’t been able to convert.

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi, do people know whether it is possible to extend a TC offer? I've been fortunate to be offered one by a US firm. I have 2 other VS that I'm interested in doing for the experience. It would also help confirm that this TC firm is the one I truly want to be at.

How do I go about doing this? Do I ask to extend the deadline? If they don't permit this, what are my options?

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Hi, do people know whether it is possible to extend a TC offer? I've been fortunate to be offered one by a US firm. I have 2 other VS that I'm interested in doing for the experience. It would also help confirm that this TC firm is the one I truly want to be at.

How do I go about doing this? Do I ask to extend the deadline? If they don't permit this, what are my options?

If you already know that this is the firm you will choose, you should accept the TC. Unless they explicitly tell you that you can’t do any other vac schemes I don’t see why you can’t do the upcoming ones too