TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Jaysen]

IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S (NOT) TOO LATE

First-time poster... loooong-time lurker. This one is for all my career changers and maybe slightly non-linear background havers (though it applies to everyone here):

Keep going! It literally only takes one.

I started this rat race in the 22/23 cycle. I didn't receive a single in-person interview or AC invite (or anything past the pre-recorded video interview stage) in that cycle, or in the 23/24 or 24/25 cycles. I entered the 25/26 cycle pretty down bad.

There was one US firm I'd been pretty high on each year, and for 25/26 I considered not applying because I'd already been rejected at the application stage twice. I applied anyway and was successful. I did the vacation scheme, it worked out, and I got a TC offer from the firm this summer!

I wanted to share this because I know just how much of a grind the process can be. I considered throwing in the towel a fair few times, but I didn't. If anyone is in that mindset themselves, I hope my little story provides some encouragement.

I wish you all every success with this next cycle. You've got this!

(P.S. I did the TCLA mock interview pre-AC, and it was immensely helpful. Shout-out to the TCLA team!)

Woo - love this

Well done you!

 

[Trainingcontractinho123]

Did anyone get Freshfields Stage 2 or Hogan Lovells Stage 2 yet.

nope, still haven't received Dechert or Sidley yet either - anybody in the same boat?

 

[sagekensuke]

Hey, any more STB interviews?

 

[insomnia]

Has anyone progressed for Sidley WVS to stage 2 yet? If so how long since submiiting the application?

I was invited to stage 2 yesterday and applied around 2 weeks ago

 

[anon78365222111]

nope, still haven't received Dechert or Sidley yet either - anybody in the same boat?

Yep unfortunately