TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Novaa]

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!)

Donny… I don’t think you realise how perfect the timing of your post was!! YOU DA BEST

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

lowkey struggling with the 200 word limit for this Bristows question: 'Why have you chosen to become a solicitor? What relevant skills do you possess?'

like... i would assume u should split it with 100 words for why a solicitor, and 100 words for relevant skills.. but how on earth can you effectively discuss relevant skills using evidence in only 100 words!! would two skills be enough here?

Hi! That is definitely a difficult question to do in such a word count. I found it difficult enough to do something similar in 250, I can only imagine the pain of doing it in 200.

I think the best way to go about it is picking an experience that is very 'on the nose' about the two skills. Given it says skills rather than 'skill(s)', you should still try to mention two. Anything above that would definitely be too tight for the word count.

Using the same evidence for the two skills should allow you to squeeze in just enough. The fortunate thing is that you won't be the only one in this position, so your writing won't be worse off than anothers.

 

[PhillipAugustus13432]

I would highly appreciate any help with the Ashurst Perkins Coie SJT. Does anyone have any advice and feedback on strengths, etc? Anyone who got an AC last year, what was your report?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz (or anyone who passed Dentons initial application stage), I notice someone brought up their work experience section previously:

“Briefly explain the skills you gained and how these are transferable to being a lawyer at Dentons. (150 words max per experience) for their work details section”

I just wondered, would you explicitly draw out the link to Dentons, I.e “this is transferable to Dentons because X”? Or is it more a case of addressing the skills, which can then be assumed to be applied to Dentons.

Thanks!

Hi! I haven't applied to Dentons specifically but nonetheless I'm sure either approach would apply. If there is a unique aspect of Dentons, then you can absolutely draw out the link. I'm not all too aware on the USPs of the firm, but I'm sure there is something that you can bring out. Otherwise, addressing general skills that would be desired at any commercial law firm is a strong strategy.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi everyone, I also have a question regarding grades in general. I graduated with a first-class law degree and consistent 1st/2:1 modules. However, I changed my major once (from engineering to law) and did fail one mathematic analysis module. I was wondering whether this would automatically screen me our for most city law firms. Although I feel like it does not reflect whether I could be a good lawyer at all, I still feel really anxious about that.

Thanks in advance for any honest advice, especially relating to how I could better frame my academic results (like have you resit any module or have you passed all modules in the first time).

Hi! I think you should be more than fine, your grades overall look fantastic. The law degree is likely to be seen as your primary source of education as that is what you graduated with. You may be asked about the engineering grade at later stages but it is unlikely to be fatal.

In regards to the latter question, this really depends whether that original degree counts as any qualification. I would err on the side of caution and not mention anything that could be misconstrued as lying. If you did fail, and resit, then say you did but this often automatically brings an explanation box. There, you can describe your situation. I'm sure it will go well

 

[Scottishlion]

Just got A&O Shearman TC Open Evening. Does anyone know how selective the event is/whether it will help my application substantively cos I live quite far away from London...

Is this for the 21st?

 

[TCHolderr]

Hi!! If anyone has insights on Sidley, Mayer Brown or A&O Shearman SJTs, could you please DM me. I have done ACs with Jones Day, HSFK, Gibson Dunn and Stage 2 Macfarlanes and can help with any of those

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Just got A&O Shearman TC Open Evening. Does anyone know how selective the event is/whether it will help my application substantively cos I live quite far away from London...

I remember that they will reimburse the cost of travel. (correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[jamsparkle]

Just got A&O Shearman TC Open Evening. Does anyone know how selective the event is/whether it will help my application substantively cos I live quite far away from London...

They should reimburse travel, and I find that firms are also normally quite receptive to requests to reimburse or book accommodation if you expect this to be an issue - worth being proactive and reaching out to grad rec if you have any concerns, they are normally keen to make events as accessible as possible!

 

[amitonalfo]

Hi! Anyone who has done the PDGL i'd really appreciate some guidance.

BPP say they want 40 hours per week study (including workshops), but I also need to get a part time job, maybe 8/10 hours a week, as well as doing applications. Is that feasible? People that have done the PDGL, did you find it hard and an intense workload and do people work alongside it?

 

[nicole1907]

Hi, would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

I am a recent non-law graduate (2026) from a Russell Group uni. Completed a vac scheme this summer (not quite magic circle / US but not far off), but didn't manage to convert it. I graduated with a first, however the further back you go, my grades slip a little (averaged 70-74% in last 2 years vs 63% in 1st year).

I'm really keen to apply to Freshfields, but now that they've changed their requirements for the SVS, I happen to be eligible for both the SVS and DTC route. As far as I can tell, the assessment criteria for both is similar (form, online assessment + AC). Is there a recommendation as to which I should apply for? It seems the DTC is a much more condensed application with fewer hurdles to fall at, yet I presume they'll probably expect a higher standard of commercial awareness? Meanwhile, I'm guessing that taking the SVS route would put me alongside current students, meaning more emphasis may be placed on grades throughout university, which may not be ideal for me...

As far as I can tell it seems Freshfields have a pretty even split of DTC vs SVS within their trainee cohort, so right now don't really feel like I'm being pushed either way on a purely strategic front. Not really sure what to think tbh; would appreciate anyone's insights as to which route they'd go!

Hi there! Just wanted to say that you seem like a perfect candidate for either an SVS or DTC - although firms do place emphasis on grades, having interviewed at multiple magic circle and American firms I will say that an overall First already places you in great stead. Although your grades might have been less than your expectations in first year, firms definitely take into account that this is a year of adjustment for many applicants. Especially having done a previous vacation scheme - which shows recruitment that you are a competitive very applicant that has been handpicked by a firm (aka the top 10-30+ applicants of the thousands who have applied), you are in a great position to apply for Freshfields.

You're right to say that the DTC route has more emphasis on commercial awareness - if you're worried about that in the process, for instance competing with those who have legal experience, if you do have the time to commit to a summer vacation scheme I would opt for this. Your portfolio makes you quite a competitive applicant amongst those recently graduated / students. Best of luck!

 

[nicole1907]

I’m starting a new internship from the beginning of October. I think it will be helpful for my applications going forward as it relates to comms and finance. Should I wait for some apps until I start so that I can talk about it on my application? Or just write incoming in the work exp section.

Heya! You should definitely include this in your application as it's directly relevant to lots of corporate law if it's finance / comms related - write incoming/pending in the work section and include a short blurb of your expected work scope. This ensures that you can speak about this in your upcoming ACs or telephone interviews Good luck with the internship!

 

[Scottishlion]

Hi, would appreciate some advice. I went to Oxford and read English where I graduated with a 2:1 (63% average with 4/14 modules at 2:2). I then went and worked at a large investment bank for two years before doing the law conversion. I've applied to vacation schemes and DTCs before and only got to one assessment centre for a US firm. I realised that my applications could use a lot of work so I've since focused on that but I'm really worried about my grades being the cut off. I got a distinction in the law conversion which I guess now helps but any advice would be appreciated

 

[nicole1907]

Hi everyone! I'm trying to dig a bit deeper into being specific about my motivations for firms, specifically for US firms with smaller trainee intakes. What are reasons that a small trainee intake might be appealing, I am afraid that simply mentioning it without sustantiated reasoning will hurt my applications. Thanks!

Heya! This is a great question - the main motivations I see to a small trainee cohort are as follows:
1. More scope for responsibility: A smaller trainee cohort typically indicates that you will receive more responsibility within your rotations as the partners and associates have to spread work across a fewer number of trainees. Here you could emphasise a propensity to take charge and show initiative, and a gung-ho attitude to taking work from multiple sources and trying new things.
2. More dedicated attention to career growth: This also means that the graduate recruitment team will have more scope and attention to pay to your individual career growth and choices of rotation, plus how well you're faring in each group. You can emphasise here how much you want to build your legal career with an intentional start and how a smaller trainee cohort will facilitate this.
3. Tight-knit circle: A smaller trainee cohort means that you will bond more with your cohort-mates and rely on each other!

 

[nicole1907]

Hi, would appreciate some advice. I went to Oxford and read English where I graduated with a 2:1 (63% average with 4/14 modules at 2:2). I then went and worked at a large investment bank for two years before doing the law conversion. I've applied to vacation schemes and DTCs before and only got to one assessment centre for a US firm. I realised that my applications could use a lot of work so I've since focused on that but I'm really worried about my grades being the cut off. I got a distinction in the law conversion which I guess now helps but any advice would be appreciated

Hey! I have a similar background to you - I think you are quite a competitive applicant, especially with the financial experience you have at this large investment bank. Firms often say that a 2:1 is the cut-off for applicants and I do find this to be generally the case; I would not worry about your modules at a 2:2 because you have an overall 2:1 and firms don't tend to look beyond this at the general applicant stage. My advice is: 1. Submitting many more applications with a consistent quality is actually more efficient than submitting fewer applicants at a very high quality. Given the sheer volume of applications each firm receives (the top 50-100 firms receive 1000s of applications a year), you are much better off casting a wide net to offset being filtered off at the first application stage).

2. I'm sure you may already be doing this, but definitely emphasise your investment bank experience in as many application questions as you can - especially by tying in your experience & expertise to any financial/legal analysis they ask you in questions like, "What is the biggest opportunity for our legal sectors in the next few years" etc.

3. There are some firms that strongly prioritise university grades although these are few and far between, and this is usually quite evident from their recruitment materials. From my recollection these are Slaughter and May, Davis Polk, Cleary Gottlieb, and a few other firms. I would avoid these unless you are strongly inclined to their offerings as a firm, just as a strategy to not get overwhelmed by the application process. Best of luck!

 

[supernovna]

Hey! I have a similar background to you - I think you are quite a competitive applicant, especially with the financial experience you have at this large investment bank. Firms often say that a 2:1 is the cut-off for applicants and I do find this to be generally the case; I would not worry about your modules at a 2:2 because you have an overall 2:1 and firms don't tend to look beyond this at the general applicant stage. My advice is: 1. Submitting many more applications with a consistent quality is actually more efficient than submitting fewer applicants at a very high quality. Given the sheer volume of applications each firm receives (the top 50-100 firms receive 1000s of applications a year), you are much better off casting a wide net to offset being filtered off at the first application stage).

2. I'm sure you may already be doing this, but definitely emphasise your investment bank experience in as many application questions as you can - especially by tying in your experience & expertise to any financial/legal analysis they ask you in questions like, "What is the biggest opportunity for our legal sectors in the next few years" etc.

3. There are some firms that strongly prioritise university grades although these are few and far between, and this is usually quite evident from their recruitment materials. From my recollection these are Slaughter and May, Davis Polk, Cleary Gottlieb, and a few other firms. I would avoid these unless you are strongly inclined to their offerings as a firm, just as a strategy to not get overwhelmed by the application process. Best of luck!

hi nicole! what firms have you reached ACs with given your background - i'm in a similar boat!

 

[nicole1907]

Does insight day PFO affect vacation scheme application ?

It definitely doesn't affect your personal vacation scheme application and I would advise you to try for the vacation scheme regardless, especially if this is a firm that is in your top choices. I would replace the experience I would have received at the open day with attending virtual or in person law fairs with the law firm present, and prepare a list of targeted questions to ask the firm's representatives. This will definitely make your application stand out! I think one thing to take note of is that a rejection at insight day stage simply indicates that the firm could be a very popular choice for a lot of applicants, and accordingly I would try and branch out by strategising to submit to many more firms that perhaps have a similar offering which would suit your taste. Best of luck!

 

[nicole1907]

hi nicole! what firms have you reached ACs with given your background - i'm in a similar boat!

Hey there! Gibson Dunn, Hogan Lovells, Freshfields, Linklaters, etc. I definitely don't think it is limited to these firms though - firms that prioritise grades will make it quite clear at the outset and as long as you meet the requirements that the firms advertise, you are in as good stead as anyone else applying. Best of luck!

 

[adfs456]

Does insight day PFO affect vacation scheme application ?

No. I was rejected for a Linklaters open day last year after receiving a vacation scheme offer

 

[Arv_329]

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