TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Elsie07777]

Should I be worried if Weil haven't even sent me a test after 3 weeks ?

Me too, did you apply for Spring or Summer?

Summer vacation scheme

 

[vweewcvew]

Is it worth applying for Dentons (TC) if I don't meet their GCSE requirements (seven GCSEs must be 6+). I don't really have any mitigating circumstances around this (except that it was during covid but I don't think that really works)?

My GCSEs are a weird mixture with Maths (8) and English (7) but I dont meet requirements still. A levels are AAA and Uni grades average solid 2:1 from a RS.

Do you think it's an automatic rejection or do they consider things holistically?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

In scenario-based questions, if I've never really been in a similar situation is it fine to just answer hypothetically? Or should I still try to link it to some broader experience? If the scenario is on stuff like dealing with an unethical request from a client, should I still try to link it to a generic client interaction example from my experiences...?

Hello!

It's totally fine to answer scenario-based questions hypothetically, especially if you haven't faced that exact situation before. Interviewers will care more about how you think, not whether you have experience in that exact scenario before.

That said, it can strengthen your answer if you can connect the hypothetical scenario to something you have experienced, even if it is only loosely related. It shows that you are grounding your judgment and decisions in real-world behaviour.

For example, if the question is about handling an unethical client request and you've never dealt with anything that extreme, you could still mention a time when you navigated a tricky client interaction, managed conflicting expectations, or upheld a policy. Then you can transition into how you'd apply those principles to the scenario they gave you.

A good structure could look like:

1. Explain your approach hypothetically (explaining your reasoning and the steps you'd take)
2. Add one short real-life reference (if you can!)
3. Finish with the overall outcome you'd aim for based on the situation

This gives the interviewer both the real-world experience and the reasoning / judgement they are looking for. If you can't incorporate a previous experience, that's absolutely fine - it's just useful to include if you can!

I hope that helps

 

[corplawperson23]

Withers final stage interview for vac scheme! If anyone has any insights it would really be appreciated

 

[Sharkfin]

Anyone know how Mayer Brown's rolling review works? I've recieved an inv for their online test but im wondering whether putting it off till the deadline day (15th) will hurt my chances as opposed to doing it tomorrow?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Received my Latham feedback report and I wanna know if should expect a PFO

Strengths: effective communication and analytical thinking

Weaknesses: professional development and personal responsibility

Man, I really hate SJTs

exact same for me!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

flip a coin guys, will i hear back from any law firm tomorrow (good or bad) lowkey tho, I've been thinking that applications are very much a gambling game, and the dopamine rush you get from getting a "jackpot" (offer/ next round/email) is very much the same is this even healthy LMAO

 

[TCtoothfairy]

Gowling PFO after 43334 in the arctic shores?! what more do they want

 

[BobThebIlly]

Gowling PFO after 43334 in the arctic shores?! what more do they want

I gen dk why the sent some offers/pfo today

Didn’t they say they’ll update ppl tmr?

I’m sorry to hear that I’m wishing for some good news for you!!

 

[ttlaw12344]

Withers final stage interview for vac scheme! If anyone has any insights it would really be appreciated

if you dont mind me asking could you share the timeline of when u received and applied?!

 

[asplawyer100]

Is it worth applying for Dentons (TC) if I don't meet their GCSE requirements (seven GCSEs must be 6+). I don't really have any mitigating circumstances around this (except that it was during covid but I don't think that really works)?

My GCSEs are a weird mixture with Maths (8) and English (7) but I dont meet requirements still. A levels are AAA and Uni grades average solid 2:1 from a RS.

Do you think it's an automatic rejection or do they consider things holistically?

Those GCSE requirements are for their apprenticeships, not for their TC. The reason they have those for the apprenticeship is because they are aimed at year 13 students who won’t even have A level grades yet.

I don’t know of any law firm that has GCSE requirements for training contracts or vac schemes, and I really doubt they’ll care so long as your uni grades are good.

 

[BillSikes]

Those GCSE requirements are for their apprenticeships, not for their TC. The reason they have those for the apprenticeship is because they are aimed at year 13 students who won’t even have A level grades yet.

I don’t know of any law firm that has GCSE requirements for training contracts or vac schemes, and I really doubt they’ll care so long as your uni grades are good.

A&O has added GCSE requirements - the only firm I’ve seen do this (probably related to their merger)

 

[TCLAAAA]

flip a coin guys, will elle woods hear back from any law firm tomorrow (good or bad) lowkey tho, I've been thinking that applications are very much a gambling game, and the dopamine rush you get from getting a "jackpot" (offer/ next round/email) is very much the same is this even healthy LMAO

Manifesting full Elle Woods energy for us : what, like it’s hard?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Gowling PFO after 43334 in the arctic shores?! what more do they want

Do you want to exchange ideas I got 4for the ones you got 3 and I got 2 for the last one, although you did get 17 which some succesful candidates got, and I got 16

 

[W5690]

From what Andrei has mentioned earlier in the forum and through looking at last year's cycle, I don't think the WG is automatic since some were rejected even before being sent a WG invite. I understand that they do screen your app before the WG then if you pass they view everything (WG and app) together, which is why it probably takes more time since they don't really have any grades cut offs to go by like other firms... But then again, there's only so much you can take as word by others and just wait and see.

No news is good news as the phrase runs here!

@CuriousTrainee Oh I see. Thanks a lot for your reply. The portal says "We are enjoying getting to know you".

 

[corplawperson23]

if you dont mind me asking could you share the timeline of when u received and applied?!

I received the invite on Tuesday evening and I applied 19 October!

 

[vweewcvew]

Those GCSE requirements are for their apprenticeships, not for their TC. The reason they have those for the apprenticeship is because they are aimed at year 13 students who won’t even have A level grades yet.

I don’t know of any law firm that has GCSE requirements for training contracts or vac schemes, and I really doubt they’ll care so long as your uni grades are good.

Ohhhhh was looking at the wrong page haha, thank you

 

[user55998384]

me too haha it's been like 2 weeks since i did test 1, just reject me already - my friend did their AC yesterday so I don't have much hope LOL

wait latham ac??? for which vac scheme

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

Gowling PFO after 43334 in the arctic shores?! what more do they want

I got the same score as you and got a VI so honestly this validates my theory that grad recruiters make choices blindfolded with a dartboard

 

[TCComingSoon]

Do you want to exchange ideas I got 4for the ones you got 3 and I got 2 for the last one, although you did get 17 which some succesful candidates got, and I got 16

Guys just to jump in. It's not about the games score only. In the event they did say that most people do not answer the sector question in detail to illustrate their interest in the sector. Also they said understanding how the skills from your experiences link to a trainee at Gowling. Maybe your app was not as strong as others.

I got all this info from speaking to their graduate recruitment team at an in person legal Cheek live in the city.