TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Futuretrainee002]

Do firms often require trainees to reimburse them for PGDL/SQE sponsorship if they decide not to stay on with the firm after qualification or decline an NQ offer?

Typically no a firm would not require that, ive not heard of a firm which does - i’ve only seen some firms require you to work for them for a set amount of years upon qualification. It will all be on the firm website/ in an employment contract so you’ll know before you undertake anything legally binding.

 

[Judgelaw]

1. It would include all work experience.

2. Hi sorry I tried finding the second question you mean but I couldn't quite find it. Could you send it here again, apologies!

Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector. (250 words)

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Anyone applied for Amazon / Weil mentorship and heard back? Thanks

 

[Elena Gilbert]

Does anyone have any advice for Macfarlanes stage 2 VI? Thank you!

 

[Wompycapy]

Does anyone know what Jones Day's ACTUAL A-level requirement is? On their website it says no minimum a level requirements but on the AllHires application form the first thing it ask for is whether you have achieved AAB a levels?

 

[Ryanmatheson]

Hey anybody know when Gibson Dunn, Hogan Lovells, Dechert, Reed Smith, and Mayer Brown send out their tests? I applied on the first day for all of them and haven't received the link to do the test yet.. (well, understandable for Reed Smith as it opened today).

Also, unrelated, but does anyone know if Clifford Chance's direct TC route is a genuine alternative to SPARK for candidates that simply didn't do SPARK, but don't have paralegal experience and other qualifications typically expected of someone who makes a direct TC app?