TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawyersum]

Bumping this question - would it be a 2:1 minimum in every module, or would a yearly average be able to bump it up (i.e. getting first in most, but a 2:2 in one)

2:1 in every module, not just the yearly average.

 

[nimramansoor]

Hi,

So Sidley's A-Level requirement is AAA - I achieved an AAB but have also now graduated from a prestigious university with a 2:1, <1% away from a First. Is this something I could plausibly try to elaborate on in order to still try to apply?

I know firms generally have contextual recruitment, so just wondering if this would fall into that scope? Thanks

Hi, I hope you are well.

I believe it is still worth making an application, especially due to your high grades at undergraduate level. Firms look at your applications holistically, and if you are genuinely interested in the work that Sidley Austin does, make a strong application based on: 'why Sidley Austin' and 'why commercial law.' Good luck!

 

[Tangcy]

Hi, does anyone know whether Skadden has a harsh academic requirements, whether in A-levels or undergraduate degree? For context, I obtained a 2:1 from a RG but i completed my secondary school in another country and my a-level equivalent was kinda sh*t.

Also, speaking of academic requirements, i heard linklaters and HSF Kramer needs 60% in every single module of your degree. Are they really strict with this as well? Because i think one or two module just 1 or 2 marks below 60% (((((

 

[Sachin Chandra]

For the work experience section of the Sidley application, should I use the STAR format to describe my experiences, or is it better to list them in a concise, bullet-point style (e.g. ‘Drafted X’, ‘Reviewed Y’)? @Jaysen @Ram Sabaratnam would you be able to help me with this? Thank you so much!

Would be great to hear back on this for me also

 

[Sachin Chandra]

I am in a similar situation and would be interested to know, too.

If the question is whether firms will take people on who have already done the SQE, the answer is yes. In this situation, you would have already completed the education requirements, expect in the cases of some firms (e.g. White&Case, Hogan Lovells) which have their own additional SQE course to complete.

Hope that helps

 

[lilymawe1]

As Sidley winter vac scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and given that the deadline is 12.09, should I instead wait and apply for the spring/summer scheme?

 

[emily3827]

any tips on how to talk about previous vac schemes in work experience sections

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi,

So Sidley's A-Level requirement is AAA - I achieved an AAB but have also now graduated from a prestigious university with a 2:1, <1% away from a First. Is this something I could plausibly try to elaborate on in order to still try to apply?

I know firms generally have contextual recruitment, so just wondering if this would fall into that scope? Thanks

I think one mark won’t hinder you since you’re very close to the A levels minimum + very strong undergrad performance

Do we know if they wanna see a high 2.1 or a lower 2.1 might suffice?

 

[TortillaTC]

As Sidley winter vac scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and given that the deadline is 12.09, should I instead wait and apply for the spring/summer scheme?

I think we can still apply if we submit in the few next days - last year, I didn't hear back until 30 October even though I submitted 16 August (deadline was mid September like this year).

 

[floral.tcla]

2:1 in every module, not just the yearly average.

I spoke to grad rec and they confirmed this but said that extenuating circumstances are considered

 

[CharlesT47]

Hi, I am a 2025 graduate from a RG university having studied law. I am applying to VS now and often times, the applications ask me about whether I am intending to take the SQE and when I am intending to take the SQE. I am so confused about this. What year would I be intending to take the SQE? The goal is to have a TC by next september, ideally through a return offer. I don't intend on self-funding the SQE. Should I put SQE in 2026 then? Any advice?

 

[jojo23]

Do any of these firms look at applications on a rolling basis?

Pinsent Masons
Taylor Wessing
Mishcon De Reya

Pinsent non rolling
The other 2- rolling

 

[whywhy88]

Does anyone know if firms dislike it if you apply to their vac scheme without attending an open day? I want to apply for the Paul, Weiss winter vac scheme but I haven't been to any of their open days and as they are competitive, am unsure if I will gain a place before I apply. Any advice appreciated!!

 

[BonanzaBih_]

I am in a similar situation and would be interested to know, too.

Hey, I completed the SQE prior to gaining my tc and no firm I applied to held it against me. In fact my firm gave me a much earlier start date than the one I applied for because I had completed it and was ready to start!