TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

Do we have any Paul Weiss events with TCLA before their Winter deadline?

Will be confirming ASAP!

 

[trainee4u]

Conversely, it could be argued that it is discriminatory to expect a graduate who may be undertaking paid work or postgraduate education to be able to make themselves available for a vacation scheme.

Not really sure it would have much impact on postgraduate education, and it seems less arguable that it is unlawful, because any indirect discrimination (which there also might not be -workers can take time off) is more likely to be justifiable in that a VS is, I believe, a more effective way of screening candidates than an AC, so requiring candidates to participate does seem like it is a proportionate means of achieving the legitimate aim of selecting the best candidates for the jobs.

 

[Ns2600]

Hi, is not having AAA at A levels - a deal breaker. I do have a 2:i from Law School but A levels were kinda bad. Does that hurt my chances a lot?

 

[trainee4u]

Hi, is not having AAA at A levels - a deal breaker. I do have a 2:i from Law School but A levels were kinda bad. Does that hurt my chances a lot?

Depends what you mean by "not having" - EE is different from ABB, say, and depends which law school, if you went to a reputable one or one that's not particularly rated.

There are no formal "deal breakers", but chances for candidates with a first from Oxford are much much higher than those with 2:2s from Hull.

Partly that reflects ability - some people who get poor A-levels had difficult circumstances and are actually very bright. Some otoh are not very bright and have little to offer employers. It's a good idea to be self-reflective about which category you might fall into.

 

[Ns2600]

Depends what you mean by "not having" - EE is different from ABB, say, and depends which law school, if you went to a reputable one or one that's not particularly rated.

There are no formal "deal breakers", but chances for candidates with a first from Oxford are much much higher than those with 2:2s from Hull.

Partly that reflects ability - some people who get poor A-levels had difficult circumstances and are actually very bright. Some otoh are not very bright and have little to offer employers. It's a good idea to be self-reflective about which category you might fall into.

This clarifies so much. Thanks a lot 😭