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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

llblawstudent

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2025
21
11
Guys I’ve just received my Freshfields stage one feedback form back. My two weakest scoring were collaboration and working under pressure which seems odd because those attributes have been said in other SJTs to be my strongest lol. Is it safe to assume this is a pfo as Freshfields value these especially highly (from what I could gather on their website?)
 
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AS24

Legendary Member
Apr 16, 2024
154
121
Hi @Andrei Radu, I am applying to both Dechert and Eversheds and would like to ask your opinion on how to approach these two questions.

1) If applicable, please state any additional information which you think is relevant to your application or which you think has not been covered adequately in this form. I have 300 words to answer this question and I really do not know what to write.

2)Please detail all your positions of responsibility including title, date and a brief description. Please separate each position with a bullet point. Do you think I need to provide the exact dates of each position?
 
Reactions: Andrei Radu

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
348
301
Anyone know if you can apply to AO with a 5 in gcse maths due to mitigating circumstances
Hey!

If you have mitigating circumstances, I would say this is unlikely to be an issue as long as you explain why that specific grade is an isolated incident amongst the rest of your academic profile. The FAQ's on their website state: "We do take into account mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university and there is a space on the application form to include these."

Best of luck with your application! :)
 
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Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
348
301
Guys I’ve just received my Freshfields stage one feedback form back. My two weakest scoring were collaboration and working under pressure which seems odd because those attributes have been said in other SJTs to be my strongest lol. Is it safe to assume this is a pfo as Freshfields value these especially highly (from what I could gather on their website?)
Hello!

I wouldn't assume that this is an automatic rejection based on the attributes alone. The "weakness" will simply be the score that you scored the lowest in - this doesn't necessarily mean that you had a bad score in it overall! Every applicant will be given a weakness, and it's likely that most of the skills would be ones that are important for the firm / working as a trainee, so I would try not to worry about the specific attributes you have been given.

Best of luck! :)
 
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Reactions: llblawstudent
Hey!

If you have mitigating circumstances, I would say this is unlikely to be an issue as long as you explain why that specific grade is an isolated incident amongst the rest of your academic profile. The FAQ's on their website state: "We do take into account mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university and there is a space on the application form to include these."

Best of luck with your application! :)
Thank you !
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
348
301
Would it be considered too late now to apply to a competitive rolling firm like Hogan Lovells when the deadline is mid December? @Abbie Whitlock sorry for the bother but would really appreciate your honest opinion:)
Hey!

Not a bother at all! I wouldn't say it's too late to apply - with rolling applications, earlier is usually better, but there is still a while until the deadline! As long as your application is strong and tailored, you've got a solid chance. Most law firms (even with rolling deadlines) will receive the bulk of their applications right before the deadline, so there's still plenty of chance to be progressed :)
 

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