TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ancika]

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?

 

[tosin4774]

Has anyone previously applied to Sidley Austin? Is the firm very strict with their candidates having top score?

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.

 

[TortillaTC]

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.

Any idea how strict they are on the 2:1?

 

[tosin4774]

Any idea how strict they are on the 2:1?

Not sure about that. Probably would be best to ask the trainees in tcla tomorrow

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

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!

 

[ghost08]

Hi all - with Sidley's application form giving space for 4 work experiences, I am unsure what to put for my fourth option. I could go for open days (of which I have attended a substantial number), an insight week at a sports marketing firm, coaching at school football clubs or an initial shadowing experience at a city firm in 2019.

For context, the other three are work at a high street firm, work as a barista and a vac scheme.

Would appreciate any thoughts

 

[legal18]

Hey all, would people recommend TCLA gold?

 

[dannyp123]

Hi! Don’t worry at all! Applying a few weeks after an application window has opened will not disadvantage you
In fact, I’d say whether you applied on the first day, or half way through the window, you have an equal chance. No advantage or disadvantage either way.

Both rolling and non-rolling firms typically receive 50% of all applications during the last 2 weeks (before their deadlines close).

As long as you submit a strong application, it doesn’t really matter when you submit it for 99% of firms.
This is even more true given your intention to submit only a few weeks after an application window has opened.

———

(Most firms aren’t fully rolling-basis, even if they claim to be. However, there are one or two firms that genuinely recruit on a first-come, first-served basis. But, we’re so early into the application cycle that I wouldn’t worry. If a winter scheme was hypothetically full because you were the last person to apply, you’d be considered for the spring and summer schemes instead.
What therefore matters is submitting a strong application, rather than the timing of when you submit).

Alright thank you so much!

 

[iklawapps]

Out of curiosity would anyone happen to know if graduates can still apply for A&O Shearman's winter vac scheme or do they have to apply for the direct TC? Thank you!