TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey guys was j wondering, some firms such as HSF require 2-1s in every module. I unfortunately attained two 2-2s; however graduated with a distinction and have solid extenuating circumstances for the 2-2s. I know firms affirm that they account for ecs, but im still a bit sceptical. What do ya'll reckon?

Definitely go for it! Especially since you have solid extenuating circumstances. They’ll take them into consideration.

 

[willow90]

Has anyone heard back from Links/Paul Weiss? Thanks!

 

[law_mania]

Any clue when Sidley will get back for their Summer scheme? I heard that they would get back by the beginning of March - can anyone please verify?

 

[law_mania]

Ideally, by when should Paul, Weiss be getting back to us for the Summer Scheme?

 

[Prudentia]

Another note on whether firms take into account mitigating circumstances: Cooley asked for ABB at A-level, but I got BCC. I also went to a non-RG uni and got a 2:1 and managed to progress to the second stage.

 

[Saanvi.r]

I

Any clue when Sidley will get back for their Summer scheme? I heard that they would get back by the beginning of March - can anyone please verify?

This is correct

 

[AMullin]

Has anyone had a PFO from HFW?

I applied 27/11/25 with what I thought was a pretty decent application and it’s been radio silence since then but I know they are approaching ACs now. Anyone know if these are just for the Spring vac scheme or summer as well?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Just rest over 2 days after getting sick, now I am going back to work and see 10+ pages thread which found out Cooley just sent second batch of PFOs and WGs, now I wish they send the next batch next week at the latest as I just recovered from fever OMG.

Hope we'll hear back positively at the end of this month from these following firms:

Spring:
Cooley
Weil
Sidley Austin

Summer:
Taylor Wessing
Travers Smith
HSF Kramer
MoFo

DTC:
McDermott
Freshfields
Linklaters
Slaughter & May

 

[LawAspirer]

For those that got Cooley WGs/PFO yesterday - is this for summer?
For those that got Cooley WGs/PFO last week - is that for spring?

 

[law_mania]

For those who have heard back from Paul, Weiss - did you apply for Spring or Summer?

BUMPP...Someone please reply

 

[nbjani]

Hey so is there any way of finding out whether I applied for spring and summer when I can’t find it anywhere on my application or email? specifically Denton’s but also a few others

 

[Prudentia]

For those that got Cooley WGs yesterday - is this for summer?
For those that got Cooley WGs last week - is that for spring?

I applied for summer and got WG yesterday.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I applied for summer and got WG yesterday.

Did you say yes for supplementary question about 2027 TC on the form? Wondering if they prioritise those first over those who selected no

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Land Law exam on 21 Jan followed by AC/Interviews on 23,25, and 27 welp

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

How much do you think law firms care about grades? I understand they don’t want 2:2s but my university basically never gives out firsts and I just got a mid 2:1 on an essay I was really proud of so I’m just feeling super demotivated . I go to a top 10 Russell group that’s a top target for employers so I’m hoping individual grades don’t matter that much

I guess grades can be a differentiator between equal candidates. But I think less important than psychometric testing, interviews, assessment tasks, application form etc provided you meet the requirements. Obviously somebody who gets 69 average will be more favourable than 61. But if it's a 2:1, it's a 2:1... either way, you can only focus on what you can do in this moment. I won't lie and say that grading is always accurate or fair, but that's out of your control. Fight for every mark, and whatever you get you get. That's all you can do, and no matter what, it will be worthwhile to developing your skills/knowledge and push your grade higher. And developing this mindset will help your career as well.


I got a 2:1 (65) from an RG (but not particularly highly ranked russell group relative to others). I had couple 2:2's, one was barely a 2:2 (nearly 3rd), and both were in relatively important subjects. In fact, probably the most relevent subjects for commercial law. My uni also was very conservative with giving out firsts - I imagine the same with many unis. There were "loosely mitigating" circumstances from lecture strikes, but really my assignments weren't what they were looking for. So far it isn't holding me back, but let's see.

 

[Bbhu19]

Norton Rose Summer VS PFO!!!! Question though, the email says "We are sorry to inform you that following the Arctic Shores assessment we are not proceeding with your application on this occasion."

- anyone know if this means they dont read applications unless AS benchmark is met?? Or does that mean they read my app? Also WHAT is the benchmark as i got 3/4, 3/4, 3/4, 3/4?? TYSM

Did you do the video interview? As with those scores you should have reached the benchmark I think it was 12/13

 

[Afuturetrainee]

BUMPP...Someone please reply

Most are for spring

 

[Prudentia]

Did you say yes for supplementary question about 2027 TC on the form? Wondering if they prioritise those first over those who selected no

I did, but by mistake. I can’t start in August 2027 as I need to do the PGDL before SQE. When I was doing my form I thought it meant August 2028 and was an error. I didn’t realise it was asking if I could start a year earlier. But I’ll explain to grad recruitment if I get that far.

 

[Prudentia]

I guess grades can be a differentiator between equal candidates. But I think less important than psychometric testing, interviews, assessment tasks, application form etc provided you meet the requirements. Obviously somebody who gets 69 average will be more favourable than 61. But if it's a 2:1, it's a 2:1... either way, you can only focus on what you can do in this moment. I won't lie and say that grading is always accurate or fair, but that's out of your control. Fight for every mark, and whatever you get you get. That's all you can do, and no matter what, it will be worthwhile to developing your skills/knowledge and push your grade higher. And developing this mindset will help your career as well.


I got a 2:1 (65) from an RG (but not particularly highly ranked russell group relative to others). I had couple 2:2's, one was barely a 2:2 (nearly 3rd), and both were in relatively important subjects. In fact, probably the most relevent subjects for commercial law. My uni also was very conservative with giving out firsts - I imagine the same with many unis. There were "loosely mitigating" circumstances from lecture strikes, but really my assignments weren't what they were looking for. So far it isn't holding me back, but let's see.

This is a really comprehensive answer.

I’ll also add that grades are really not everything. Personally, I would rather get a solid 2:1 with extensive work/extra-curricular experience than a 1st and that’s it. Some firms will be stricter on this than others, but many firms will overlook slightly weaker grades if the work experience makes up for it.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone have any advice for the Weil case study, or just case studies in general?
I don't really know what to expect or how to best prepare.
Thanks!