TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shahenshah]

Has anyone gotten Macfarlanes online assessment or are they still having technical difficulties?

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Nobody talks about this process and what it does to your mental health…

Agreed, the process itself is really tough and draining...

 

[tcla02]

hi guys- does sidley have a fixed number of places for their winter and spring vac schemes? i am trying to figure out if they offer places on a first-to-impress basis and if i should apply for the winter scheme instead of spring.

 

[Amz2006]

hi i’m a final year law student at a russel group university who was 0.1 off a 2:1 this year and is hoping to graduate with a 2:1 since my second year grade is a 2:2 does this affect my applications massively? I have A*AB for my A-Levels and have other legal experience

can someone give input x

 

[Deleted member 38167]

can someone give input x

Hi ,


Firstly, well done on being so close to a 2:1 this year, being 0.1 off shows you’re right on the cusp, and if you push on in your final year, graduating with a 2:1 is absolutely within reach.

To your concern: having a 2:2 in second year doesn’t automatically shut doors, especially as many firms now look at applications in a more rounded way. While some firms still use a strict 2:1 filter, an increasing number apply contextual recruitment tools or take into account your overall trajectory, university, A-Levels, and experience. The fact you’re at a Russell Group university, have solid A-Levels (A*AB), and already bring relevant legal experience will all help strengthen your applications.

A few things you can do:

• Show the upward trend. If your grades improve in final year, highlight that in applications, firms do value resilience and progress.
• Leverage your experience. Work placements, pro bono, or legal internships often carry almost as much weight as academic grades when recruiters are assessing genuine interest and capability.
• Be strategic with applications. Some firms are known to be more flexible on academics, particularly if you can demonstrate strong skills and commercial awareness. Others will consider extenuating circumstances or contextual factors if you flag them.
• Network and apply early. Building connections with graduate recruitment or lawyers at events can sometimes help you bypass the rigid paper sift by having someone advocate for you.

In short: while a 2:2 in second year may make some applications trickier, it does not massively damage your chances, especially if you finish strong and present your experience well. Many people with similar profiles still secure vacation schemes and training contracts (I personally don't have stellar grades, yet have a TC at a top teir international firm.

Focus on maximising your final year, polishing your applications, and targeting firms that take a view of the overall candidate. You’re definitely still in the running.

 

[ohnoselim]

i want to apply to HSF's dispute open day to learn more about the work but dont really have direct experience in litigation

what are some other ways you can demonstrate interest without having direct experience?

would you say its better to mention deals/news etc?

i have some modules that i could stretch to link

or some transferable skills?

any advice is great!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Looks like you did some law subjects, you could definitely reference them and explain how they interest you and link it to how HSF’s strengths in different areas of litigation align with your interests. Key is demonstrate your interest and research on the firm. Good luck!

 

[jojo23]

i want to apply to HSF's dispute open day to learn more about the work but dont really have direct experience in litigation

what are some other ways you can demonstrate interest without having direct experience?

would you say its better to mention deals/news etc?

i have some modules that i could stretch to link

or some transferable skills?

any advice is great!

Some people might disagree with this, but I feel like writing deals into your answers often comes across as forced or fake unless you can really make a personal connection to it, such as relating it to your degree or a conversation with a trainee. (Or maybe I'm just not good at doing it naturally)

You could frame it as I read x deal, which interested me in the process that HSF takes when working through a deal's life cycle and how their method differentiates them from their competitors.

Try to outline why you're interested in disputes, what in particular interests you and what you aim to get from the event

 

[ohnoselim]

Some people might disagree with this, but I feel like writing deals into your answers often comes across as forced or fake unless you can really make a personal connection to it, such as relating it to your degree or a conversation with a trainee. (Or maybe I'm just not good at doing it naturally)

You could frame it as I read x deal, which interested me in the process that HSF takes when working through a deal's life cycle and how their method differentiates them from their competitors.

Try to outline why you're interested in disputes, what in particular interests you and what you aim to get from the event

thanks so much !!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Sidley WVS PFO

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

Do you guys think Stephenson Harwood’s application questions will stay the same this year?

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

I don't know if we're allowed to talk about this here, but I know so many people who have ended up in a very bad place due to this process.

That's why I think it's so important to have this forum and have this supportive environment, because we all understand what's going on and what we're going through. I genuinely do not think I would have the mental and emotional capacity to continue trying otherwise.

100%

Also, as weird as this might sound, just don't take it too seriously.

The reality is that all applicants, and trainees/associates etc, are just cogs in a corporate machine. Like a cog, if you don't meet the needs of the machine at any point, you will likely be replaced by someone who does.

Remembering that has allowed me to have a healthy level of detachment towards the whole process. Don't sacrifice your health for an industry that really won't do the same for you. Being a cog in a machine cannot be the story of your life - get out in the world, remain social, don't give up on your hobbies/things that make you who you are. You really only have you! That won't change if you get a TC this year, next year or never.

 

[hiimlawyer]

Sidley WVS PFO

When did you apply if you don’t mind sharing?

 

[WeGotThis!]

I am going for an open day on 26th August and wanted to make the most of my visit. Any tips on what I can do or the kind of questions I should be asking the panel? Thank you!

 

[ELSA19]

Hi everyone! I have two questions ahead of this application cycle.


I completed my undergraduate law degree at a Russell Group university, but my grades weren’t the strongest, I graduated with a 2.1 overall, with extenuating circumstances. I know firms usually require at least a 2.1, but also look at individual module grades. I’m also aware that some firms, such as Slaughter and May, are particularly strict on academics, so I don’t plan to apply there. What would you recommend my strategy be? Do you think I still have a chance with some Magic Circle or Silver Circle firms, or should I contact graduate recruitment directly?


My second question is about my experience. I’ve worked in strategy consulting for three years since graduating, and I’ve now decided to return to law - I’m starting my SQE LLM course in two weeks’ time. Would it make sense for me to apply directly for training contracts given my work experience (which includes a number of due diligence projects and many transferable skills), or should I still apply for vacation schemes since my legal experience is limited (just two months of internships at law firms during university, about five years ago)?

Thanks so much, and best of luck to everyone applying this year!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hi guys,

Is it worth applying for Sidleys winter VS? I’ve seen people receive responses from them so I’m not sure if I should wait to apply for their spring/summer scheme instead

 

[TortillaTC]

Wallahi you’re cooked that’s why nobody’s replying to you. “Russel group” just say you went Queen Mary’s lil bro.

Can someone remove this person from the thread? Was painful to see this message on a Friday night

 

[SamiyaJ]

Wallahi you’re cooked that’s why nobody’s replying to you. “Russel group” just say you went Queen Mary’s lil bro.

I can’t wait to see the replies you get when you have a query, bro. But I’m sure you won’t have any as you’re perfect and every firm’s dream candidate.

@Amz2006 no it shouldn’t affect your applications as grades is not everything and you have other legal experiences. I graduated with a very low 2:1 and secured an AC and first stage interview in the last cycle (my first proper cycle). As long as you do good applications and your motivation for law and the firm comes across well as well as your legal experiences, you’ll be just fine!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Wallahi you’re cooked that’s why nobody’s replying to you. “Russel group” just say you went Queen Mary’s lil bro.

Last time I checked Queen Mary was ranked as a top 10 uni for law on CUG, so I’m not entirely sure what you were aiming for here. 🥴

The only person who’s cooked is you lmao. You can’t even spell ‘Russell group’ correctly, so you should work on that first ‘lil bro’. 😂

Also, somebody had already responded to the original question several days ago, so idk what made you decide to post your comment:
​

Hi ,


Firstly, well done on being so close to a 2:1 this year, being 0.1 off shows you’re right on the cusp, and if you push on in your final year, graduating with a 2:1 is absolutely within reach.

To your concern: having a 2:2 in second year doesn’t automatically shut doors, especially as many firms now look at applications in a more rounded way. While some firms still use a strict 2:1 filter, an increasing number apply contextual recruitment tools or take into account your overall trajectory, university, A-Levels, and experience. The fact you’re at a Russell Group university, have solid A-Levels (A*AB), and already bring relevant legal experience will all help strengthen your applications.

A few things you can do:

• Show the upward trend. If your grades improve in final year, highlight that in applications, firms do value resilience and progress.
• Leverage your experience. Work placements, pro bono, or legal internships often carry almost as much weight as academic grades when recruiters are assessing genuine interest and capability.
• Be strategic with applications. Some firms are known to be more flexible on academics, particularly if you can demonstrate strong skills and commercial awareness. Others will consider extenuating circumstances or contextual factors if you flag them.
• Network and apply early. Building connections with graduate recruitment or lawyers at events can sometimes help you bypass the rigid paper sift by having someone advocate for you.

In short: while a 2:2 in second year may make some applications trickier, it does not massively damage your chances, especially if you finish strong and present your experience well. Many people with similar profiles still secure vacation schemes and training contracts (I personally don't have stellar grades, yet have a TC at a top teir international firm.

Focus on maximising your final year, polishing your applications, and targeting firms that take a view of the overall candidate. You’re definitely still in the running.

@Amz2006 firms like BCLP and DLA Piper do not have minimum requirements at all so I don’t think this will massively impact your applications.

Since you have good A-levels (A*AB) and legal work experience, these things will all work in your favour and strengthen your overall profile.

Most firms consider mitigating circumstances, so if this applies to you make sure you include them in your applications for additional context. 🙂​

 

[jojo23]

Wallahi you’re cooked that’s why nobody’s replying to you. “Russel group” just say you went Queen Mary’s lil bro.

This is the only reaction I can give... qmul is great, besides the graveyard in the middle of campus... that shit is scary