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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

for HSFK i got 1 2:2 grade but averaged a very high 2:1 in first year - i had extenuating circumstances for it though do they still accept it? also idk if i j completely misheard but i attended an open day with them and grad rec said they do sometimes overlook the odd 2:2 grade w no ec but ive seen messages saying otherwise
It's fine. You're not borderline their minimum requirements anyway, the occasional 2:2 in your first year really isn't an indicator of any sort of transferable quality to being a lawyer. Even if they do PFO it won't be because of one 2:2. Unfortunately you'll never know if they reject you on that basis anyway. I applied with some 2:2 grades and a high 2:1 overall so we will see. They care about academics but not to the extent that your other experience and motivation are irrelevant.
 
Reactions: qaz99

user55998384

Esteemed Member
Sep 7, 2025
86
37
It's fine. You're not borderline their minimum requirements anyway, the occasional 2:2 in your first year really isn't an indicator of any sort of transferable quality to being a lawyer. Even if they do PFO it won't be because of one 2:2. Unfortunately you'll never know if they reject you on that basis anyway. I applied with some 2:2 grades and a high 2:1 overall so we will see. They care about academics but not to the extent that your other experience and motivation are irrelevant.
thats true hopefully it will be fine. good luck!!
 

FutureTraineeMaybe

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Feb 15, 2024
269
302
for HSFK i got 1 2:2 grade but averaged a very high 2:1 in first year - i had extenuating circumstances for it though do they still accept it? also idk if i j completely misheard but i attended an open day with them and grad rec said they do sometimes overlook the odd 2:2 grade w no ec but ive seen messages saying otherwise
I had a couple of 2.2's and I still made it to AC with them last year. So don't stress!! It's the overall quality of the application that matters
 

Madison Pinewall

Distinguished Member
Dec 12, 2025
52
93
I'd really love some advice on how to navigate this process. This is my first cycle and I have no idea what to expect. HSF was my dream firm, I attended an open day and I felt like it was my strongest application so now i'm anticipating all round defeat. Their feedback being based on academic achievement and extracurricular performance hit me pretty hard. As I mentioned, I got a first in my first year law exams at Oxford. I interned with a major charity as a legal intern for 6 weeks, I also did a week in house. Throughout college I worked in hospitality. I volunteer for a legal clinic working with asylum seekers and I recently reached the semi-finals of a national moot, competing against students who had completed the bar course. I'm part of the drama society and i'm welfare officer for another club. I'm not from your typical oxford background, far from it. My mum didn't get any GCSEs and raised me alone. i'm super worried about not getting a graduate job as I won't have any support financially after I graduate and I really want to make money so I can move my mum out of social housing. I know the world doesn't owe me anything and this isn't supposed to be a sob story, but it's so hard feeling like this will be impossible and I feel like there's a lot of pressure on me!!! How many rejections should I expect without getting worried. I've done 11 applications... should i do more?
 

M_m

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jun 27, 2023
81
69
Does anyone know whether White & Case actively recruits from its direct TC route? For context, I’ve already done a vacation scheme and multiple legal internships in my home country. Just wanted to gauge whether I should take my chances with VS, given that many people have already progressed, or make a direct TC application later on.
 

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