Hi! Does anyone remember the video interview questions asked for A&O Shearman last year? Also, how many minutes did you have to answer them?
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📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26
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2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
Includes winter, spring and summer deadlines + a handy rolling/non-rolling checklist. -
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread
Ask questions, share tips, and support each other through the application cycle.
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2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
This "Our minimum criteria is AAA at A-level and a 2:1 degree in any discipline. Applications are not screened automatically, and mitigating circumstances are taken into account" is what I found out in the frequently asked questions from the firm’s website.
Not sure about that. Probably would be best to ask the trainees in tcla tomorrow
Hi everyone!
I need some advice about the next application cycle and would appreciate any insights. I'm an international student about to start my LLM (SQE1&2) course at ULaw this September. However I've just realised that being under a student visa, I wouldn't be able to apply for vac schemes as my term time lasts from September - October 2026. This means that I will only be able to apply via the Direct TC route. I also have a scholarship for this LLM course. Another reason why I'm leaning towards this option is because an LLM may look better to employers than just a diploma alone. I'm really hoping to secure a TC next year and now I'm thinking if I should switch to BPP's 8 month SQE 1 & 2 Diploma course that would enable me to apply to both vac schemes and Direct TCs. I'm not to keen on BPP since I've not heard good things about its teaching and support and obviously my main priority is passing the SQE.
Would it be best to pursue Option 1 (LLM at ULaw) or Option 2 (Diploma at BPP) in order to both pass the SQE and get a TC next year? I'd appreciate any advice as I'm really worried about this situation. Also for context- I've done a couple ACs for Direct TC routes (I've always been more successful at this route compared to the vac scheme route, not sure why), have 4 legal internships (outside the UK), 30+ insight days/workshops at London law firms, Law Clinic work experience and a 2:1 from a RG uni.
Many thanks!
I need some advice about the next application cycle and would appreciate any insights. I'm an international student about to start my LLM (SQE1&2) course at ULaw this September. However I've just realised that being under a student visa, I wouldn't be able to apply for vac schemes as my term time lasts from September - October 2026. This means that I will only be able to apply via the Direct TC route. I also have a scholarship for this LLM course. Another reason why I'm leaning towards this option is because an LLM may look better to employers than just a diploma alone. I'm really hoping to secure a TC next year and now I'm thinking if I should switch to BPP's 8 month SQE 1 & 2 Diploma course that would enable me to apply to both vac schemes and Direct TCs. I'm not to keen on BPP since I've not heard good things about its teaching and support and obviously my main priority is passing the SQE.
Would it be best to pursue Option 1 (LLM at ULaw) or Option 2 (Diploma at BPP) in order to both pass the SQE and get a TC next year? I'd appreciate any advice as I'm really worried about this situation. Also for context- I've done a couple ACs for Direct TC routes (I've always been more successful at this route compared to the vac scheme route, not sure why), have 4 legal internships (outside the UK), 30+ insight days/workshops at London law firms, Law Clinic work experience and a 2:1 from a RG uni.
Many thanks!
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