TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[TCTC]

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.

Just to add to this, I think people need to be more mindful of how they phrase their advice on this forum. If someone is asking for help from a place of uncertainty or genuine worry, it’s not helpful for responses to be overly “brutal” or blunt in the name of being realistic. You can give honest, constructive advice while still being kind.

The idea that advice has to be harsh in order to be useful doesn’t sit right with me. Often, it just comes across as a lack of emotional intelligence and can end up being more discouraging than helpful.

Kindness costs nothing, and it really does go a long way.

 

[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

 

[DavidJC]

Just throwing it out there again, but is anyone able to offer any insights into the Mayer Brown VI, please? I'm aware of how many questions, and prep/response time, just curious if the questions are mainly motivational/commercial/competency/situational/strengths-based, or if it's e.g. one of each

 

[Arv_329]

True, but the post recommended the user not to apply to competitive firms. It's merely an example that you can get into city law even with 2:2 modules.

 

[halogenz]

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!

Disagree. I progressed to AC with HSF with two 2:2s in my first year and a high 2:1overall (from a strong russell group) with mitigating circumstances -- def possible! please don't get put off by fear mongering and don't self reject... give it a shot if you like the firm

 

[TS.Law]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent? I did my blended assessments in early Nov and never heard back from them...

 

[DoNotRedeem]

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. 😌

I’ve gotten 3 vac scheme offers this season from a very similar profile to OP without the scholarship or year of prior experience. His profile is better than mine is. Your “truth” is not” true” no matter how you want to spin it.

 

[sadlawyer01]

Weil PFO - with my amberjack results it's not surprising 😬 😬

hi when did you do the assessment?

 

[yk1906]

hi when did you do the assessment?

A couple of days ago… On Friday, actually

 

[Jaysen]

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 know other members have since clarified that this isn't correct. I'd just be mindful of passing off a personal experience as a 'harsh truth'.

For example, you might know applicants who didn't make it through the law firm process in a similar situation. And it's easy to form reasons as to why those people were rejected that align with a view you have (e.g. you have to have X to get a training contract). But that doesn't mean it's true. And it's unhelpful because it spreads the wrong idea of what someone needs to get a training contract.

If you have genuine mitigating circumstances (and it's not a test of 'severity'), law firms like HSFK will take it seriously, and you do very much have a chance of securing a training contract at those firms with an overall 2:1.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

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 has got to be some of the worst advice I have seen. I know people who have secured TCs from firms like Latham with a mid-low 2:1. "Also if you aren't part of DEI, your chances are low" might have been the most ridiculous statement you made in all of that rubbish you typed.