TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AtticusFinch]

Bakers and WFW VI! Does anyone have any insights to either? (both for London)

Happy to share Macs AC insights

I do yes

 

[Amgrad]

This jumpscare doesn't end I just got an email from King & Spalding about the invite details, I thought I won't get any today as I didn't apply to B&B and Ashurst LOL

 

[cookedlawstudent]

I really hope so, HL is like my dream firm :'( I took it on Wednesday as well

I am in the exact same boat as you, HL is also my dream firm so I really hope it's not a PFO...

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Hi does anyone have any advice for bakers VI, would really appreciate it.

Can give advice on Macfarlanes AC, Slaughters AC, freshfields stage two, hogan stage two, Latham stage two and Weil.

 

[radssss]

Any pfos today from HSF? I got the pass email on 3 December. Hopefully no news is good news?

I have a 2:1 overall with a couple of 2:2 modules as well (with mitigating circumstances) so I’m worried but I had a scholarship at university for my degree (top Russell group) and one year of legal experience (silver circle firm) so I don’t know what to expect and it’s my dream firm.

Also, please can someone suggest me a few firms that are happy with a 2:1 overall and good work experience, are not too strict with grades?

 

[annalise.keating]

which of the law firms which are closing soon is it not worth it for me to apply for due to their rolling basis?

i don’t want to make the same mistake w bird and bird and applying with a solid app but a day or two before the deadline just to be rejected

 

[Sharkfin]

Hi guys, have a Bakers VI - any advice would be super helpful! Cheers

I think everyone's waiting till the deadline (tomorrow) to do it! - Scrolling through the forum about past experiences w the VI has me

 

[Amgrad]

Any pfos today from HSF? I got the pass email on 3 December. Hopefully no news is good news?

I have a 2:1 overall with a couple of 2:2 modules as well (with mitigating circumstances) so I’m worried but I had a scholarship at university for my degree (top Russell group) and one year of legal experience (silver circle firm) so I don’t know what to expect and it’s my dream firm.

Also, please can someone suggest me a few firms that are happy with a 2:1 overall and good work experience, are not too strict with grades?

NGL sorry if this sounds brutal, but firms which pay lower obv won't attract calibre candidates (including stellar grades), unless you have undeniable mitigating circumstances that you can't hinder, eg, you went coma at Hospital ICU, etc. Also, if you aren't part of DEI, your chances are low. If I were you, I'd be realistic not apply to competitive firms like HSFK, though many firms mentioned they'll consider mediocre grades, oftentimes you'll be competing with highly skilled candidates. I don't mean it's impossible, but you must be super lucky if you ended up get it. In the end, you should utilise extra last minute time to build your profile esp if you're still a student, WYATB!

 

[DoNotRedeem]

NGL sorry if this sounds brutal, but firms which pay lower obv won't attract calibre candidates (including stellar grades), unless you have undeniable mitigating circumstances that you can't hinder, eg, you went coma at Hospital ICU, etc. Also, if you aren't part of DEI, your chances are low. If I were you, I'd be realistic not apply to competitive firms like HSFK, though many firms mentioned they'll consider mediocre grades, oftentimes you'll be competing with highly skilled candidates. I don't mean it's impossible, but you must be super lucky if you ended up get it. In the end, you should utilise extra last minute time to build your profile esp if you're still a student, WYATB!

This is complete nonsense. That persons profile is highly attractive to tonnes of firms. HSF Kramer is very strict with the 2:1 consistency but this persons profile will be highly competitive at most firms bar a few.

Not sure why people feel the need to say these things that are just not true.

 

[maylawwww]

omg DLA TI invite after passing the WG on 30/10

 

[legaleagle11]

I do yes

ah thank you, I have already done them, hopefully you can help someone else out!

 

[Arv_329]

NGL sorry if this sounds brutal, but firms which pay lower obv won't attract calibre candidates (including stellar grades), unless you have undeniable mitigating circumstances that you can't hinder, eg, you went coma at Hospital ICU, etc. Also, if you aren't part of DEI, your chances are low. If I were you, I'd be realistic not apply to competitive firms like HSFK, though many firms mentioned they'll consider mediocre grades, oftentimes you'll be competing with highly skilled candidates. I don't mean it's impossible, but you must be super lucky if you ended up get it. In the end, you should utilise extra last minute time to build your profile esp if you're still a student, WYATB!

I would disagree with this take. A 2:1 overall is more than sufficient to secure a place at a city firm. My girlfriend recently received an offer at DLA Piper, and she had a couple of 2:2 modules, but achieved a 2:1 overall. Unless the firm explicitly states they look for a high 2:1 and discriminate against any 2:2 modules, you are fine. Firms like Slaughter Cleary, etc, might be tough, but there are plenty you can break into. These firms seek well-rounded individuals. Whilst I agree you should work on your profile, as we all should, you should still put your hat in the ring.

 

[sal44]

Any pfos today from HSF? I got the pass email on 3 December. Hopefully no news is good news?

I have a 2:1 overall with a couple of 2:2 modules as well (with mitigating circumstances) so I’m worried but I had a scholarship at university for my degree (top Russell group) and one year of legal experience (silver circle firm) so I don’t know what to expect and it’s my dream firm.

Also, please can someone suggest me a few firms that are happy with a 2:1 overall and good work experience, are not too strict with grades?

That’s a really good sign! A lot of PFOs have been sent out for HSFK, but they usually send these first before sending AC invites I just wanted to say that you really shouldn’t be discouraged, and that you shouldn’t doubt yourself! Your experience sounds great, and I am in a similar situation to you and got a silver circle vac scheme last summer and a magic circle tc interview the year before. Don’t lose hope or listen to negative opinions- keep applying, you can do this!

 

[Amgrad]

This is complete nonsense. That persons profile is highly attractive to tonnes of firms. HSF Kramer is very strict with the 2:1 consistency but this persons profile will be highly competitive at most firms bar a few.

Not sure why people feel the need to say these things that are just not true.

Well, if you don't get the point I mentioned, it's ok. Just speaking about my experience outside with an additional insight from ppl who get through this process, in more recent ofc, I've seen that is hard to say that's above the average. Sometimes the truth is harsh, that's why at the end of sentence, I said you have more time to build the exact profile each firm want, building it isn't instant.

 

[Z48]

I would disagree with this take. A 2:1 overall is more than sufficient to secure a place at a city firm. My girlfriend recently received an offer at DLA Piper, and she had a couple of 2:2 modules, but achieved a 2:1 overall. Unless the firm explicitly states they look for a high 2:1 and discriminate against any 2:2 modules, you are fine. Firms like Slaughter Cleary, etc, might be tough, but there are plenty you can break into. These firms seek well-rounded individuals. Whilst I agree you should work on your profile, as we all should, you should still put your hat in the ring.

Just to add, even firms that have these strict requirements consider mitigating circumstances, so I would still apply and give details! I got to Cleary’s WG last year with some 2:2 modules and a mid 2:1 overall

 

[Novaa]

Any pfos today from HSF? I got the pass email on 3 December. Hopefully no news is good news?

I have a 2:1 overall with a couple of 2:2 modules as well (with mitigating circumstances) so I’m worried but I had a scholarship at university for my degree (top Russell group) and one year of legal experience (silver circle firm) so I don’t know what to expect and it’s my dream firm.

Also, please can someone suggest me a few firms that are happy with a 2:1 overall and good work experience, are not too strict with grades?

Hey, based on what you’ve outlined I wouldn’t worry too much! The fact you have mitigating circumstances and still received an overall 2:1 is very good! HSF Kramer are also very good with taking reasonable adjustments/mitigating circumstances into accounts in comparison to other firms.

Also no news is good news!! Especially as HSF Kramer have already sent out PFOs.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

NGL sorry if this sounds brutal, but firms which pay lower obv won't attract calibre candidates (including stellar grades), unless you have undeniable mitigating circumstances that you can't hinder, eg, you went coma at Hospital ICU, etc. Also, if you aren't part of DEI, your chances are low. If I were you, I'd be realistic not apply to competitive firms like HSFK, though many firms mentioned they'll consider mediocre grades, oftentimes you'll be competing with highly skilled candidates. I don't mean it's impossible, but you must be super lucky if you ended up get it. In the end, you should utilise extra last minute time to build your profile esp if you're still a student, WYATB!

Idk lad I don’t fully agree with this. HSFK is strict with the 2:1 in every module rule, but they’re still gna take mit circs into account. Wdym if you’re not DEI your chances are low? Grad rec at HSFK and most other city firms don’t see our info about identity cos it’s all anonymous.

Mind you, whilst I’ve got a high 2:1 overall, I also have a few 2:2 modules with mit circs, yet I was progressed with Skadden and Willkie. I’m under the impression they’re equally if not more strict or competitive than HSFK. There’s gna be more to an app than just ‘mediocre grades.’

I understand the intention behind wanting to be realistic or upfront with advice, but there’s a way to do so without being overly brutal. This process is super competitive but equally nobody should ‘self-reject’ out of fear of not being seen as competitive enough for any firm imo, inc HSFK.​

 

[maylawwww]

london