TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlife5]

Has anyone heard back from the Mishcon social mobility open day?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Has anyone heard back from the Mishcon social mobility open day?

Hi, yes, I've been invited to Mishcon's in-person social mobility open day.

 

[lawyerpn]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

Hey!

I'd definitely still encourage you to apply. Firms such as HSF Kramer state their academic requirements because they are looking for consistency, but they will also take a holistic view of applications. A couple of 2:2s among an otherwise strong transcript full of 2:1s and firsts isn't usually going to close the door, especially if you can explain the context.

Lockdown disruptions (like internet issues) were a real challenge for a lot of students, and the graduate recruitment team will be aware of this. If it comes up in an interview, you can frame it honestly but briefly - e.g. mention the disruption, and focus on how your later grades demonstrate resilience and a strong upward trajectory.

Ultimately, if you meet the general standard and have a strong application with experiences, skills, and motivation for law, those will carry a lot of weight too! I would definitely still apply if HSF Kramer is a firm you'd like to work at

 

[x_law2004]

I'm doing the PGDL, for the Slaughter and May vac schemes would i count as a law student now?

 

[s.x7]

Hi, has everyone received the invite for Taylor Wessing online assessment?

 

[e_turbo2]

Hey! I spoke to grad recruitment at the last LegalCheek law fair, and they said it was non-rolling.

Thank you!

 

[applicant457]

Hi, has everyone received the invite for Taylor Wessing online assessment?

I have not received anything, if anyone has received it could they maybe write in the chat?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SamiyaJ]

I have not received anything, if anyone has received it could they maybe write in the chat?

Thanks in advance!

Would highly recommend emailing [email protected] asap for it as I don’t think they will extend the deadline (3 Oct midday) !

 

[DavidJC]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

Hey! I attended a virtual application skills session with them yesterday and they said that this is fine as long as there are mitigating circumstances for each 2:2 module. They also said that they don't request evidence of mitigating circumstances at this stage and if there's anything specific to how your degree is classified (e.g. first year grades don't count), to mention it in the provided free space for details about your degree. I'd say to definitely apply anyway!

They didn't mention anything about interview but from my perspective as someone with lots of 2:2s but an overall 2:1, if I get to interview stage and get asked about them, I would take it as an opportunity to elaborate on the steps I've taken since those modules to improve as I think this demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and growth/willingness to learn. Hope that helps!

 

[lawyerpn]

Hey!

I'd definitely still encourage you to apply. Firms such as HSF Kramer state their academic requirements because they are looking for consistency, but they will also take a holistic view of applications. A couple of 2:2s among an otherwise strong transcript full of 2:1s and firsts isn't usually going to close the door, especially if you can explain the context.

Lockdown disruptions (like internet issues) were a real challenge for a lot of students, and the graduate recruitment team will be aware of this. If it comes up in an interview, you can frame it honestly but briefly - e.g. mention the disruption, and focus on how your later grades demonstrate resilience and a strong upward trajectory.

Ultimately, if you meet the general standard and have a strong application with experiences, skills, and motivation for law, those will carry a lot of weight too! I would definitely still apply if HSF Kramer is a firm you'd like to work at

Thank you!

 

[lawyerpn]

Hey! I attended a virtual application skills session with them yesterday and they said that this is fine as long as there are mitigating circumstances for each 2:2 module. They also said that they don't request evidence of mitigating circumstances at this stage and if there's anything specific to how your degree is classified (e.g. first year grades don't count), to mention it in the provided free space for details about your degree. I'd say to definitely apply anyway!

They didn't mention anything about interview but from my perspective as someone with lots of 2:2s but an overall 2:1, if I get to interview stage and get asked about them, I would take it as an opportunity to elaborate on the steps I've taken since those modules to improve as I think this demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and growth/willingness to learn. Hope that helps!

Thanks a lot!

 

[whywhy88]

Anyone been sent the HL online assessment thingy? If so, how long after you submitted your application did you receive it?

 

[a1024]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

 

[iklawapps]

Hello!

I completely agree with what @TCpleasex has outlined - I would try and incorporate your enthusiasm for commercial law within the framework of the other questions.

I would definitely make sure to answer specifically what NRF asks for - focus on why you want to join NRF, what excites you about their programme, and how your skills align with their values. If you are able to show your enthusiasm for commercial law through this, I would absolutely include it. However, I wouldn't try and force it into your answer if it means that you aren't fully answering the specific question

Hi, I would interpret this to scatter 'why commercial law' throughout the cover letter.

For example, when talking about 'why NRF' you could mention here why commercial law and then specifically why commercial law at NRF.

'What excites you about our programme' also has scope for you to sprinkle in why commercial law. Why specifically does your interest in commercial law excite you about what NRF offer on their programme and how you will use that passion and understanding of a commercial solicitor in the position you are applying to.

Finally, in terms of skills matching values, this could be a great opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness. Not simply stating you have commercial awareness but how using that skill of commercial awareness and your interest in commercial law fits with the firms values.

I know you will have limited words, however, this is the approach I would attempt to take. I have never applied to NRF so someone else might have a better insight, but I think the fact that they have dropped the 'why commercial law' question means they will be looking for you to indicate through the other questions why commercial law and also indicate your commercial awareness of the firm and also their clients etc.

gotcha, thank you both so much : )) I was probably unnecessarily freaking out about it, so I REALLY really appreciate the help with that!! < 3

 

[ZNadeem]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hi! For this question, I’d suggest choosing your three most impressive achievements or interests and making your answer a bit more personal. You don’t need to cover everything — the rest can sit in the work experience section.

 

[flower1]

Hello, I applied to the White & Case Vac Scheme around 2 years ago. My application was successful, but I got rejected at the video interview stage. Would it be appropriate to use the same application, changing some parts? For example, my motivation to law hasn't changed. I also noticed the firm has an immersive skills-based assessment - what is this, what does it entail, how to prepare?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, I applied to the White & Case Vac Scheme around 2 years ago. My application was successful, but I got rejected at the video interview stage. Would it be appropriate to use the same application, changing some parts? For example, my motivation to law hasn't changed. I also noticed the firm has an immersive skills-based assessment - what is this, what does it entail, how to prepare?

Thank you

Hey!

I'd say it's fine to reuse parts of your old application, especially since it's unlikely that your core motivation for law and White & Case has changed. Just make sure to update it so it doesn't feel copy-pasted - reflect on new experiences or skills that you've gained over the past two years, and update any information on the firm to more recent insights (e.g. recent deals, practice area growth etc.). This will make sure your new application is still relevant!

On the immersive skills-based assessment: this will likely test how you approach tasks and problems in a simulated work environment. It usually involves scenario-based exercises (like reading a client email or deciding how to prioritise tasks), plus some situational judgement and logical reasoning elements. The idea is to see how you think, communicate, and organise yourself.

To prepare, I'd suggest:

• Practising situational judgement tests (SJT) and basic verbal reasoning / logical reasoning exercises
• Reading up on White & Case's core values and global nature - they'll expect you to reflect these traits when handling scenarios
• Making sure you stay calm and organised - think about how you would actually respond in a situation if you were performing at your best!

I hope that all assists

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hello!

Just to add to @ZNadeem's answer (which I would absolutely agree with!), you can definitely mention things that link to your experiences, but frame them slightly differently. For example, instead of describing a society role in the same way you did under "work experience", you could focus on an achievement within that role (e.g. winning an award, reaching a certain amount of members, organising a major event). This way, you aren't simply repeating what you have already outlined in the work experience section.

Additionally, you can also discuss other things that may not have been directly applicable to the work experience section, such as:

• Academic Achievements: if not already listed, such as scholarships, prizes, or high grades in particular modules
• Non-Academic Achievements: these could be language skills, music, sport, or creative projects
• Personal Interests: these could be examples that show commitment, teamwork, or discipline (e.g. running marathons, maintaining an online blog / social media page, tutoring)

The aim is to give the graduate recruitment team a more complete picture of you as a person, so I would include your proudest achievements and anything that didn't quite fit in other sections of the application form that you think is key to your overall identity

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

When disclosing mitigating circumstances, do I need to mention the disability/disorder? I'd rather frame it as a general health condition that I overcame. Would this be okay?