TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[desk70]

Is it still worth applying for DTC at Stephenson Harwood given their rolling deadline?

 

[maxro]

does W&C send WE invites in batches?

edit: PLEASE TELL ME!!!!

I think so, I’d seen a few go out a while ago so assumed PFO but I got the WE on Thursday last week!

 

[radssss]

Just saw the Shoosmiths discover scheme email - We are currently screening applications and appreciate your patience while we complete this process. As a reminder, the placement selection process is made up of two stages: the application form and, for some candidates, an online strengths-based assessment.

What do they mean the assessment is sent to only some candidates? I’m so confused and thought it’s automatic

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

hi did you receive the WGT for cleary?

No, I haven't. Not sure if it is automatic or in batches but I'm just waiting patiently.

 

[zara elles]

Hi all, if in an VS interview I'm asked 'what are the challenges facing law firms atm' how should I go about answering it? Not too sure if I should talk about a specific commercial story that relates to the firm or something wider like AI and the implications of it across the board.

Also a question similar to 'how will law firms make money in the future' - this seems to broad to me and really wouldnt know where to start!

Any help would be appreciated

 

[LegalLigase]

HSF Kramer AC invite!!! This is my first ever AC, would really appreciate if anyone could provide any insights on what is most heavily assessed and how best to prepare in a firm-specific way! Thanks in advance!

 

[susie897]

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite, that is fantastic news!!

I would try not to worry - this is a relatively common issue, and firms are generally very understanding as long as you let them know promptly (which you have done!). I had a similar issue when I was invited to the Reed Smith AC last cycle as I couldn't attend any of the original dates, and was able to move to a later one with no issue - as long as you are polite and flexible, it shouldn't count against you at all.

Hopefully they should come back to you with a new date soon - you have done everything right here, so try not to panic

Best of luck with the AC!

Thank you so much Yes I let them know straight away, feels like bad luck that the one day that was picked was the only date in the next few weeks that I actually can't do I did let them know I can be completely flexible with any other dates so fingers crossed!

 

[susie897]

It will depend on how many ACs they have? For one bigger firm I managed to move an AC twice lol, because work and uni commitments moved around, and the firm was so understanding they just moved me to a later AC of my choice.

Another firm I unfortunately had to give up an AC completely, but this was a regional office, they were only running two ACs on back to back days, and I was unable to make either. The firm was apologetic but said these were the only available dates and encouraged me to reapply next year if I am unsuccessful elsewhere this year.

In all likelihood, there will be other dates, so I wouldn't worry too much at the moment!

Thank you so much! Hoping they have another date they can offer, my AC is in London so hopefully they are running more than one date

 

[AryanAgg]

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

Any insight regarding kirkland and latham?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

Hello (I am briefly back lmao).
Just wanted to add that some firms will say that they consider mitigating circumstances if you ask but don't seem to in practice as they value it highly (just imagine two equal applications but one with higher academics).
On the other hand, I have a not-so-good 2:1 and modules across the spectrum of results BUT I have a Distinction in my PGDL if that is worth anything - I tie this into my mitigating section.
I have had post app PFOs from SullCrom, Jones Day, Morgan Lewis, Akin and Milbank, Gibson Dunn have progressed me to various stages. These are just the ones that @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned and I have, again, varying levels of success with firms that seem to have progressed me for one reason or the other.
All of this is to say that if you have the time, go for it and apply because it is hard to say exactly what a firm is looking for in that moment (and also what a particular person may be struck by in an application).
Hope this helps!

 

[user397485]

HSF Kramer AC invite!!! This is my first ever AC, would really appreciate if anyone could provide any insights on what is most heavily assessed and how best to prepare in a firm-specific way! Thanks in advance!

for summer? congrats !

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone heard from Foot Anstey?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

AC dance!

everyone reacting to this with a trophy pls this is me MANIFESTING an AC...

 

[Hopeful applicant]

bit of an unconventional one, but does anyone know how to improve one's "dispute awareness" (as in commercial awareness, but for disputes) (and is it something worth doing when applying to firms with very strong liti/IA teams?)

 

[qwerty!]

Any insight regarding kirkland and latham?

latham require a 2.1 but i don’t think they care much about each module grade being a 2.1! i have a first from oxbridge law and i did notice that everyone on my AC seemed to be oxbridge/lse/strong russell group but that might not be representative tbh. at the open day i don’t remember them mentioning specific module grades so you should be good as long as you have a 2.1 overall!

 

[AryanAgg]

bit of an unconventional one, but does anyone know how to improve one's "dispute awareness" (and is it something worth doing when applying to firms with very strong liti/IA teams?)

Might be something to do with use of precedents to the facts?

 

[letsdothis]

Irwin Mitchell AC )

 

[M_m]

Omg, that one question in the CRS VI!!! I’m pretty sure I got cut off.

 

[nicoledm]

What is the best structure for answering a situational question in an interview, like what would you do if...
I know for competencies you should do STAR, is there any recommended structure for situational?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

People who got V&E VI was that for Spring or Summer?