TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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Has anyone heard back from DACB yet?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I was just looking for advice on the types of firms i should apply to.

I achieved a 63% overall grade during my undergrad at Aston University, with some poor grades in first year including 42 and 49 (i got 66 and 65 in other first year modules)

I did much better in my final year with my grades ranging from 64-70.

I have also completed an LLM at a decent RG where i achieved a mark of 72 in three of my modules (I did get two 55's in other modules), I am hoping this shows academic improvement.

For my experiences, I have started my own law society at the RG Uni, I did a legal internship in St Lucia working with senators of their parliament on a legal project, I have a years worth of paralegal experience in Real Estate, and I also volunteer with disadvantaged children. I have also worked as a waiter and as an operations specialist for Jaguar Land Rover. I also run my own business with my parents.

I'm from Birmingham for context and would ideally like to apply to London firms like BCLP and CMS, i'm also considering less prestigious firms like DAC Beachcroft, DWF, Shoosmiths. I'm also very interested in Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons and Gowling WLG.

I just wondered if someone could offer me any realistic advice as to my prospects, especially in terms of applying to BCLP or CMS, is it even worth it?

Many thanks!

Hiya @Zaine1010

Thanks for sharing your background for context!

Your academic record won’t automatically disqualify you from firms like BCLP or CMS. While firms may sometimes look closely at applicant's performance in key modules like Contract or Tort, I think your improvement over time and strong LLM marks will help offset early weaker grades. I think what matters most now is how well you can present your experiences and motivations in a written application. This is especially important for firms like BCLP, where longer application form questions will give you the opportunity to demonstrate strong research, commercial awareness, and a clear interest in commercial law.

As I'm sure you already appreciate, there’s also lots in your own background that you could successfully rely on to articulate/demonstrate a genuine interest in the profession (e.g. founding a law society, gaining international legal experience, paralegalling, volunteering, and balancing part-time work with running a business). Over the next few weeks, I'd encourage you to really reflect on how these experiences have shaped your interests and skills in a way that makes you well-suited to a career in commercial law.

So yes I think it’s worth applying! I'd now just focus on the quality of your applications and how well you tailor them to the firms you're targeting