TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[law_mania]

For those who have heard back from Paul, Weiss - did you apply for Spring or Summer?

BUMPP...Someone please reply 😭😭😭

 

[nbjani]

Hey so is there any way of finding out whether I applied for spring and summer when I can’t find it anywhere on my application or email? 😂🫠 specifically Denton’s but also a few others

 

[Prudentia]

For those that got Cooley WGs yesterday - is this for summer?
For those that got Cooley WGs last week - is that for spring?

I applied for summer and got WG yesterday.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I applied for summer and got WG yesterday.

Did you say yes for supplementary question about 2027 TC on the form? Wondering if they prioritise those first over those who selected no

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Land Law exam on 21 Jan followed by AC/Interviews on 23,25, and 27 🥲 welp

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

How much do you think law firms care about grades? I understand they don’t want 2:2s but my university basically never gives out firsts and I just got a mid 2:1 on an essay I was really proud of so I’m just feeling super demotivated . I go to a top 10 Russell group that’s a top target for employers so I’m hoping individual grades don’t matter that much

I guess grades can be a differentiator between equal candidates. But I think less important than psychometric testing, interviews, assessment tasks, application form etc provided you meet the requirements. Obviously somebody who gets 69 average will be more favourable than 61. But if it's a 2:1, it's a 2:1... either way, you can only focus on what you can do in this moment. I won't lie and say that grading is always accurate or fair, but that's out of your control. Fight for every mark, and whatever you get you get. That's all you can do, and no matter what, it will be worthwhile to developing your skills/knowledge and push your grade higher. And developing this mindset will help your career as well.


I got a 2:1 (65) from an RG (but not particularly highly ranked russell group relative to others). I had couple 2:2's, one was barely a 2:2 (nearly 3rd), and both were in relatively important subjects. In fact, probably the most relevent subjects for commercial law. My uni also was very conservative with giving out firsts - I imagine the same with many unis. There were "loosely mitigating" circumstances from lecture strikes, but really my assignments weren't what they were looking for. So far it isn't holding me back, but let's see.

 

[Bbhu19]

Norton Rose Summer VS PFO!!!! Question though, the email says "We are sorry to inform you that following the Arctic Shores assessment we are not proceeding with your application on this occasion."

- anyone know if this means they dont read applications unless AS benchmark is met?? Or does that mean they read my app? Also WHAT is the benchmark as i got 3/4, 3/4, 3/4, 3/4?? TYSM🥲

Did you do the video interview? As with those scores you should have reached the benchmark I think it was 12/13

 

[Afuturetrainee]

BUMPP...Someone please reply 😭😭😭

Most are for spring

 

[Prudentia]

Did you say yes for supplementary question about 2027 TC on the form? Wondering if they prioritise those first over those who selected no

I did, but by mistake. I can’t start in August 2027 as I need to do the PGDL before SQE. When I was doing my form I thought it meant August 2028 and was an error. I didn’t realise it was asking if I could start a year earlier. But I’ll explain to grad recruitment if I get that far.

 

[Prudentia]

I guess grades can be a differentiator between equal candidates. But I think less important than psychometric testing, interviews, assessment tasks, application form etc provided you meet the requirements. Obviously somebody who gets 69 average will be more favourable than 61. But if it's a 2:1, it's a 2:1... either way, you can only focus on what you can do in this moment. I won't lie and say that grading is always accurate or fair, but that's out of your control. Fight for every mark, and whatever you get you get. That's all you can do, and no matter what, it will be worthwhile to developing your skills/knowledge and push your grade higher. And developing this mindset will help your career as well.


I got a 2:1 (65) from an RG (but not particularly highly ranked russell group relative to others). I had couple 2:2's, one was barely a 2:2 (nearly 3rd), and both were in relatively important subjects. In fact, probably the most relevent subjects for commercial law. My uni also was very conservative with giving out firsts - I imagine the same with many unis. There were "loosely mitigating" circumstances from lecture strikes, but really my assignments weren't what they were looking for. So far it isn't holding me back, but let's see.

This is a really comprehensive answer.

I’ll also add that grades are really not everything. Personally, I would rather get a solid 2:1 with extensive work/extra-curricular experience than a 1st and that’s it. Some firms will be stricter on this than others, but many firms will overlook slightly weaker grades if the work experience makes up for it.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone have any advice for the Weil case study, or just case studies in general?
I don't really know what to expect or how to best prepare.
Thanks!

 

[solicitor_2028]

One of the OC application question is: "Have you been a part of any professional services support programmes in the last 5 years? Please outline those that you have participate in below - this could include (but is not limited to) mentoring programmes, work experience opportunities, scholarships and diversity access schemes with other organisations."

I was a part of the committee for a social-mobility organisation outside university (this was remote work) + a part-time customer facing role (NOT professional services)- was wondering if these come within the ambit of this question?

I'm afraid I don't have any experiences specifically for this answer and that would disadvantage my application

 

[an03]

Does anyone have any tips for how to prep for WG i always flop them

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Does anyone have any tips for how to prep for WG i always flop them

Do practice tests until you get sick, then practice them even more.

If you have specific weak areas, then maybe I can give more specific tips?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I did, but by mistake. I can’t start in August 2027 as I need to do the PGDL before SQE. When I was doing my form I thought it meant August 2028 and was an error. I didn’t realise it was asking if I could start a year earlier. But I’ll explain to grad recruitment if I get that far.

Wow wonder how they respond, I am afraid they'll flag as a lack attention to detail or smth else, that's why I said no as a form of honesty and clarity.

 

[Novaa]

Does anyone have any tips for how to prep for WG i always flop them

Simranjeet Kaur Mann has a walkthrough video where she completes a WG (click here). Explaining the rules and has a nice document in the video description.

I’ve then just amended the document she made over the years, as I do practice, so the rules are tailored to my understanding.

For example, I now approach assumptions as an argument between me and someone else:

“Lol where did you get that from? I’m not even saying that” = Assumption not made

“Well… that’s what I’m saying” = Assumption made

WG will make more sense once you learn the rules and tailor it to you.

Hope the video and document help!!

 

[Prudentia]

Wow wonder how they respond, I am afraid they'll flag as a lack attention to detail or smth else, that's why I said no as a form of honesty and clarity.

I wouldn't say it's that deep. Plus people may have said 'yes' but their plans might have changed in the meantime. It's often a long time between filling in the application form and getting an offer. I also applied to start in 2028. If I can't start sooner, I don't see how that would work against me. There's also no evidence that saying 'yes' played a part in people progressing, either.

 

[Novaa]

Also, Idk how I missed this but Simranjeet left law??! But she’s doing her big one and DJ’ing too, so love that for her 😍

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Simranjeet Kaur Mann has a walkthrough video where she completes a WG (click here). Explaining the rules and has a nice document in the video description.

I’ve then just amended the document she made over the years, as I do practice, so the rules are tailored to my understanding.

For example, I now approach assumptions as an argument between me and someone else:

“Lol where did you get that from? I’m not even saying that” = Assumption not made

“Well… that’s what I’m saying” = Assumption made

WG will make more sense once you learn the rules and tailor it to you.

Hope the video and document help!!

For assumptions I generally find a negative test when stuck. Assuming the assumption is false, and then seeing if it impacts the argument (obviously, if something in the argument overrides the negative assumption, go with the overrided version when considering the argument).

If the argument stands, then assumption is not made. If it doesn't then assumption made.

 

[londonlawyer]

Any Akin AC invites for people who had their TI after Christmas?