TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

Out of interest, how soon after it opened did you apply? I haven’t heard yet and the person I know who got it applied on the day it opened.

also have not heard, did they not say they would check apps after the deadline?

 

[veek30]

STB 12th August Open Day!

hi, can i ask how many days after applying you heard back?

 

[Topdog0073]

also have not heard, did they not say they would check apps after the deadline?

Yeah, I’m just wondering if they are replying in batches based on app date though

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie,

Thanks for such a detailed response, I really appreciate it!

Just one more question, did having vac schemes on your CV improve your applications for the next cycle? I’m in two minds about whether not converting will worsen my applications or whether it’ll strengthen them. Thanks!

Hey!

Of course, no problem at all!

In my case, I actually secured my direct TC in the same cycle as my vacation schemes. I applied for the DTC before I had completed my summer schemes, so they weren't actually on my application and I hadn't heard back from one of them by the time I did my DTC AC (so it's tricky to say whether they had an impact).

However, I would absolutely include any vacation schemes on future applications. Even if you don't convert, they are still fantastic commercial experience and give you so much to talk about in applications and interviews. You'll have a much better understanding of how law firms operate, stronger commercial awareness, and plenty of examples to draw on when demonstrating skills and motivation.

I definitely wouldn't see not converting as something that automatically weakens future applications. Plenty of people don't convert one (or several) vacation schemes and still go on to secure TCs elsewhere (myself included!). I know lots of people that I met on my vacation schemes who were brilliant and didn't end up converting, but still got TC offers from other top US and MC firms. Firms all have different criteria and are looking for slightly different things, so not converting at one firm doesn't mean another firm won't see you as an excellent fit.

Graduate recruitment teams are also aware that the process is still extremely competitive, even once you make it onto the VS, so they're unlikely to think you aren't capable based on just that. There are so many reasons why someone might not convert a vacation scheme, and sometimes it is about tiny margins rather than someone not performing well. As long as you can show how you have taken on the feedback you were given and improved, I can't imagine they'll view it negatively