TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[p2bv]

Hi!

Congratulations on the VS and the final stage DTC interview!!

I'd definitely say it is worth asking the vacation scheme firm first before withdrawing entirely, especially if the DTC firm is your preferred option. I was actually in a very similar position last year during one of my schemes - I was invited to a final-stage TC interview at another firm and there was no flexibility on the date, so I explained the situation to the VS firm and they allowed me to leave for a few hours to attend the interview.

Of course, I can't say for certain whether your VS firm will agree (particularly as it is on the first day of the scheme) or whether it could have any impact on conversion chances, but I do think it is worth at least asking the question rather than assuming the answer will be no. Firms are generally aware that candidates are often juggling multiple processes at once, and if you communicate professionally and give as much notice as possible, they may be more understanding than you expect!

I hope you are able to arrange something with the firms, and best of luck with the interview and/or scheme!

Thank you Abbie! do you recommend being honest that it’s another interview or keeping a bit more vague ?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but Hugh James SVS invite!!!! This firm was really my last chance this cycle and I only interviewed last week! I’m beyond over the moon and can’t believe this is real my birthday is tomorrow so this really feels like a birthday present hahaha

Huge thank you to @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock for the endless support and encouragement, and to everyone else who has provided me with advice and kindness!!

 

[alanshore]

Finally received my W&C PFO. 0/8 first-year schemes. 3/4 open days. See y'all next cycle.

 

[Jaysen]

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but Hugh James SVS invite!!!! This firm was really last chance this cycle and I only interviewed last week! I’m beyond over the moon and can’t believe this is real my birthday is tomorrow so this really feels like a birthday present hahaha

Huge thank you to @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock for the endless support and encouragement, and to everyone else who has provided me with advice and kindness!!

YES!

Well done @Donna Paulsen.

 

[summersun]

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but Hugh James SVS invite!!!! This firm was really my last chance this cycle and I only interviewed last week! I’m beyond over the moon and can’t believe this is real my birthday is tomorrow so this really feels like a birthday present hahaha

Huge thank you to @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock for the endless support and encouragement, and to everyone else who has provided me with advice and kindness!!

Congratulations !!!!!

 

[user55998384]

Finally received my W&C PFO. 0/8 first-year schemes. 3/4 open days. See y'all next cycle.

sorry to hear, did it give any indication as to whether it was due to the test benchmark ?

 

[alanshore]

Generic feedback, no personalised feedback available. Nothing mentioned about the test, although I tend to fare pretty well when it comes to WG/SJTs so I doubt that was the issue.

 

[user55998384]

what were the vac shceme written app qs for skadden this cycle?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Anyone been progressed through to DAC Beachcroft’s final written assessment stage for the vacation scheme? Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Do you think that even if they accepted the first version they’d penalise me, given I submitted this within the time frame?

Hey!

I wouldn't be able to say either way, as I'm not sure whether the firm has a specific policy, but I think it is unlikely that you'll be penalised if they accept the first version. I think that they will either accept the second version, given the fact you only submitted it slightly late, or they'll just accept the first version submitted before the deadline

 

[LH4]

Anyone been progressed through to DAC Beachcroft’s final written assessment stage for the vacation scheme? Thank you

Im still waiting, I did the critical thinking test about 2 weeks ago

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Im still waiting, I did the critical thinking test about 2 weeks ago

Hey! Same here, also did the critical thinking test roughly two weeks ago, and waiting about the final stage.

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Interview for Taylor Emmet Vacation Scheme tomorrow, it’s only 15 minutes long. Listened to the podcast tonight on the practice area I am particularly interested in for motivation

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you Abbie! do you recommend being honest that it’s another interview or keeping a bit more vague ?

No problem!

I would personally be honest about it being for an interview - firms are generally understanding that candidates are juggling multiple processes at the same time, and I don't think it is an unusual situation. If you were to lie and they later found out, I think that would reflect far more negatively than simply being upfront from the outset. When I emailed my VS firm to ask if I could attend the interview, they were appreciative that I was upfront and honest and asked me to keep them updated on the outcome of the other interview - I'd say it is generally preferred to handle it that way!

I'd also just make sure to reiterate that you remain interested in the VS firm, but that you just wanted to confirm whether they had a policy in relation to this situation before you ruled anything out

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but Hugh James SVS invite!!!! This firm was really my last chance this cycle and I only interviewed last week! I’m beyond over the moon and can’t believe this is real my birthday is tomorrow so this really feels like a birthday present hahaha

Huge thank you to @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock for the endless support and encouragement, and to everyone else who has provided me with advice and kindness!!

Ahhh that is amazing news, I'm so glad to hear it!! It's been so lovely watching your journey on the forum, and I'm really glad to see your hard work and persistence pay off - it's incredibly well deserved!!

What a perfect birthday present too hahah - I hope you properly celebrate both (+ happy birthday for tomorrow!!)

 

[StudentWP]

anyone heard from Brandsmiths or Perkins coie post vi?

 

[Partcore22]

Anthony collins vac scheme- anyone heard?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Is an Amberjack score of 3, 7 , 7, 9 a deal breaker? The 3 is really shocking, in past amberjacks ive gotten 5-7 on that one…

 

[Florencejones]

I did a vac scheme recently and made it through to the final TC interview which is in two weeks! Does anyone have any advice for the final interview as to what to expect them to ask and be looking for at the final stage? It feels as though I’m so close to a TC but also nervous as I’ve still got one final stage (interview with 2 partners and one member of Emerging Talent)

 

[WillKitchen]

The current application cycle is nearly over and SQE 1 approaches, but I have a few things still ticking over...

There is a VS interview in the diary with Lee & Thompson, so I will focus on preparing for that; I've booked a research call with one of their current trainees and will read firm articles every day in the run-up period. Also this spring, I want to put in a good application with Paul Hastings - got to keep the ball rolling after the London open day a few months ago; that will take some time to draft properly. I'll also be going to Mishcon de Reya's London office soon to meet my new GROW mentor.

No TC yet. But definitely progress.

Stay busy, everyone!