TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

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]

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]

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.

 

[yk1906]

Did you guys receive your Taylor Wessing test results?

 

[Zimpakos]

Have Latham sent rejections?

 

[abc124]

Omg Mishcon SJT invite!

 

[Sharkfin]

Mishcon SJT post chat interview - my laptop is saved from being thrown at a wall!

 

[c.t.tc]

Mishcon SJT too!

 

[elizabethkate]

Mishcon ✅ milbank ❌

 

[Sharkfin]

Mishcon SJT post chat interview - my laptop is saved from being thrown at a wall!

NVM its amberjack 🫠🫠🫠

 

[EfficientBag123]

Have Latham sent rejections?

I saw someone get a post stage 2 rejection. So can only assume the flood gates will open in the next couple of days with a pause in the middle for Christmas and new year.

 

[abc124]

NVM its amberjack 🫠🫠🫠

NO 😭😭

 

[Vakil]

Mishcon SJT. Wow I’m so curious how my chatbot was scored.

 

[BealMcAlly]

Mishcon SJT post chat interview - my laptop is saved from being thrown at a wall!

Omg! Well done!

 

[Vakil]

NO 😭😭

Will it have the numerical sections?!

 

[Sharkfin]

Will it have the numerical sections?!

Email said to have a calculator on hand so most likely :////

 

[Chelsea101]

For someone who cooked the vi beyond belief, very surprised to get mishcon sjt lol

 

[c.t.tc]

For someone who cooked the vi beyond belief, very surprised to get mishcon sjt lol

Me too I can't even remember what I said

 

[BealMcAlly]

MDR AMBERJACK INVITE I AM IN SHOCK.

That VI at the end, i completely glitched that I wrote myself off

 

[Lawlawland]

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?

Hi Madison,
Brave of you share this, and I'm pretty sure most of the people here, including me, can resonate a lot with it.

We're all "high achievers" in textbook. Globally ranked University? Straight As? Triple Distinctions? Law? STEM? MBA? Government recognition for volunteering? Leadership roles in uni? You name it, we have it all... But why aren't we getting through the stringent application process?

I've beaten myself up for all of it so much. But then one day I realised... They aren't looking for a reason to choose you. They're looking for a reason TO NOT CHOOSE YOU. And the best thing you could do for yourself is to not let that determine your self worth. You've been all the amazing things that you are. But remember, you can be a right person at a wrong place. The rejection speaks less about your "qualification" or "worthiness" and says a lot about the firm's suitability for you.

I understand it's frustrating to not know what life holds for you down the line, especially when we're not financially loaded and all we have is our academic excellence and skillset, which is put to question when such rejections come through. I see you, I'm on the same terrain with you. But I want to tell you what I tell myself (and fail most times). Please be kind to yourself. You'll get through this, you've always been and you shall again!

As cliche as it sounds, rejection is redirections. Keep your hope alive. There ll always be a silver lining in things happen to you, which you may not realise until years later when the realisation comes through.

Sending you strength, warmth and courage! You'll be fine ♥️