TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

DAC Beachcroft London VS Offer!!

A huge thank you to everyone on TCLA and a reminder to everyone facing multiple late stage rejections like myself to keep going!!

Huge congratulations, that is amazing news!!

I hope you take some time to celebrate all of your hard work paying off - you have earned it!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock random question but do you (or anyone else) know when i can apply for a training contract to Slaughter and May as a non law student? The website says apply in autumn but applications open june 1st and i dont know whether that is just for law students. Bit confused.

Hey!

Unfortunately, I can't find much information online or on the firm's website. I can see that they state: "If you are a non-law student, you can apply for a training contract in the autumn of your final year or as a graduate. If you are completing, or have completed, the Law Conversion Course (Post Graduate Diploma in Law – PGDL), you will be considered a non-law student."

From what I can see from previous cycles, it looks like Slaughter and May have two TC openings - the first one opens for law and non-law finalists and graduates, and the second one opens for exclusively law students (which appears to be the 1 June process).

It might be the case that the non-law TC opening has closed this year, and will open later in the cycle - however, I'm not too sure! It might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double-check when the non-law opportunities open up

 

[AryanAgg]

The non law dtc deadline was end of November last year if im remembering correctly

 

[livelaughlawve]

If anyone has done a white & case AC, can you dm me please? I have completed a HFW and WFW VS and can offer insight in exchange. Or any kind samaritans who I can talk to...

 

[Kaitlout]

Has anyone here applied to the L'Oréal Legal Summer Internship?

Yess

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Has anyone done the Stephenson Harwood video interview?

 

[adfs456]

Heyyy, would any application veterans mind having a look at a couple of my motivational VS interview answer drafts ?

 

[M85672]

For anybody that has completed the WFW VI before, how long is the prep time and answer time? Thanks

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone heard from Perkins?

 

[corplawperson23]

Hi, just wonder if travel to and from the office is usually reimbursed from the vacation scheme provider? Specifically this is for a train everyday so it’s a bit more distance. Is it at all advisable to ask?

 

[Bread]

Hi, just wonder if travel to and from the office is usually reimbursed from the vacation scheme provider? Specifically this is for a train everyday so it’s a bit more distance. Is it at all advisable to ask?

Probably not if you’re getting paid but worth asking!

 

[user55998384]

anyone who did the w&c fys last year - did anyone receive an offer really close to the shceme? i have still not heard anything so was j wondering

 

[CharlieandLola]

Does anyone know if a few spelling mistakes are enough to get you out in an AC? I’ve read that they are… just trying to prepare myself!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, just wonder if travel to and from the office is usually reimbursed from the vacation scheme provider? Specifically this is for a train everyday so it’s a bit more distance. Is it at all advisable to ask?

Hey!

I think this is very firm-dependent, so it is definitely worth asking!

Some firms I've done vacation schemes with were happy to reimburse travel or accommodation costs (especially where people were commuting longer distances), whereas others expected those costs to come out of the vacation scheme pay itself.

I don't think there is any harm at all in politely asking the graduate recruitment team whether travel expenses are covered - it is a completely reasonable question, especially if you are commuting by train every day and the costs add up quickly. The worst thing they can say is no!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know if a few spelling mistakes are enough to get you out in an AC? I’ve read that they are… just trying to prepare myself!

Hello!

I would try not to panic about a few spelling mistakes (easier said than done, I know!). Of course, firms expect a reasonable level of attention to detail, but assessment centres are usually assessing a much broader range of things rather than whether each word is perfectly spelled under pressure.

One or two spelling mistakes will probably be absolutely fine, especially in timed conditions, as long as it is not something consistent throughout the work or to the point where it affects readability. There is a big difference between a couple of minor typos and work that comes across as generally careless!

I would try not to overanalyse after the fact - I've definitely spotted typos or ran out of time in written exercises before and thought that I had no chance, but still progressed and got offers!

 

[elle.brokovitch]

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!!

this is late but CONGRATULATIONS!! incredible news, we are all over the moon for you

 

[Donna Paulsen]

this is late but CONGRATULATIONS!! incredible news, we are all over the moon for you

Thank you so so much! Still can’t believe it

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Has anyone done the final stage/second interview for freeths legal assistant role? Would greatly appreciate someone reaching out!

 

[A2026]

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone who did the Simmons and Simmons AC for the VS could PM me about the things they did on the day? Thank you!

 

[floral.tcla]

Has anyone done Shakespeare Martineau’s internship VI?