TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

Hello (I am briefly back lmao).
Just wanted to add that some firms will say that they consider mitigating circumstances if you ask but don't seem to in practice as they value it highly (just imagine two equal applications but one with higher academics).
On the other hand, I have a not-so-good 2:1 and modules across the spectrum of results BUT I have a Distinction in my PGDL if that is worth anything - I tie this into my mitigating section.
I have had post app PFOs from SullCrom, Jones Day, Morgan Lewis, Akin and Milbank, Gibson Dunn have progressed me to various stages. These are just the ones that @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned and I have, again, varying levels of success with firms that seem to have progressed me for one reason or the other.
All of this is to say that if you have the time, go for it and apply because it is hard to say exactly what a firm is looking for in that moment (and also what a particular person may be struck by in an application).
Hope this helps!

 

[user397485]

HSF Kramer AC invite!!! This is my first ever AC, would really appreciate if anyone could provide any insights on what is most heavily assessed and how best to prepare in a firm-specific way! Thanks in advance!

for summer? congrats !

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone heard from Foot Anstey?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

AC dance!

everyone reacting to this with a trophy pls this is me MANIFESTING an AC...

 

[Hopeful applicant]

bit of an unconventional one, but does anyone know how to improve one's "dispute awareness" (as in commercial awareness, but for disputes) (and is it something worth doing when applying to firms with very strong liti/IA teams?)

 

[qwerty!]

Any insight regarding kirkland and latham?

latham require a 2.1 but i don’t think they care much about each module grade being a 2.1! i have a first from oxbridge law and i did notice that everyone on my AC seemed to be oxbridge/lse/strong russell group but that might not be representative tbh. at the open day i don’t remember them mentioning specific module grades so you should be good as long as you have a 2.1 overall!

 

[AryanAgg]

bit of an unconventional one, but does anyone know how to improve one's "dispute awareness" (and is it something worth doing when applying to firms with very strong liti/IA teams?)

Might be something to do with use of precedents to the facts?

 

[letsdothis]

Irwin Mitchell AC )

 

[M_m]

Omg, that one question in the CRS VI!!! I’m pretty sure I got cut off.

 

[nicoledm]

What is the best structure for answering a situational question in an interview, like what would you do if...
I know for competencies you should do STAR, is there any recommended structure for situational?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

People who got V&E VI was that for Spring or Summer?

 

[lawcool]

Any insight regarding kirkland and latham?

I went to Latham AC last year when I only had 2 years worth of mitigating circumstances grades (hadn’t received my stronger year 3 grades yet), which were not very good, if this helps

 

[adf43256]

Anyone know what kind of articles and stuff I should be reading prior to an AC to build commercial awareness? I have FT but alot of the articles on there hardly seem relevant to something I could mention in a group task (e.g. not going to talk about prince Andrew)

 

[Ernesto]

I have insights into previous Mills & Reeve AC. Please feel free to DM.

 

[AryanAgg]

I went to Latham AC last year when I only had 2 years worth of mitigating circumstances grades (hadn’t received my stronger year 3 grades yet), which were not very good, if this helps

latham require a 2.1 but i don’t think they care much about each module grade being a 2.1! i have a first from oxbridge law and i did notice that everyone on my AC seemed to be oxbridge/lse/strong russell group but that might not be representative tbh. at the open day i don’t remember them mentioning specific module grades so you should be good as long as you have a 2.1 overall!

Hello (I am briefly back lmao).
Just wanted to add that some firms will say that they consider mitigating circumstances if you ask but don't seem to in practice as they value it highly (just imagine two equal applications but one with higher academics).
On the other hand, I have a not-so-good 2:1 and modules across the spectrum of results BUT I have a Distinction in my PGDL if that is worth anything - I tie this into my mitigating section.
I have had post app PFOs from SullCrom, Jones Day, Morgan Lewis, Akin and Milbank, Gibson Dunn have progressed me to various stages. These are just the ones that @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned and I have, again, varying levels of success with firms that seem to have progressed me for one reason or the other.
All of this is to say that if you have the time, go for it and apply because it is hard to say exactly what a firm is looking for in that moment (and also what a particular person may be struck by in an application).
Hope this helps!

Thank you so much!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Anyone know what kind of articles and stuff I should be reading prior to an AC to build commercial awareness? I have FT but alot of the articles on there hardly seem relevant to something I could mention in a group task (e.g. not going to talk about prince Andrew)

Highly recommend podcasts like FT’s Tech Tonic and the AllAboutLaw Commercial Awareness Compass!! Both provide multiple perspectives into commercial issues which makes for great discussion points.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Anyone know what kind of articles and stuff I should be reading prior to an AC to build commercial awareness? I have FT but alot of the articles on there hardly seem relevant to something I could mention in a group task (e.g. not going to talk about prince Andrew)

Hey!

I completely understand this, and it is something that I found super confusing when I was trying to build my commercial awareness. I think it is one of those things that is slightly down to personal preference - however, I definitely didn't find the FT a useful resource for the more current commercial events that are relevant to law firms.

The main resource that I used (and still use now!) is LittleLaw, as I found that it takes the time to explain how law firms and clients would be affected by the trends or challenges discussed in the articles. For example, their most recent post is about rising gold prices, which explains the situation but also why law firms care.

I'm sure there are plenty of other suggestions that people can share, and I would definitely encourage you to try out a few until you find one that works for you!

 

[adf43256]

Hey!

I completely understand this, and it is something that I found super confusing when I was trying to build my commercial awareness. I think it is one of those things that is slightly down to personal preference - however, I definitely didn't find the FT a useful resource for the more current commercial events that are relevant to law firms.

The main resource that I used (and still use now!) is LittleLaw, as I found that it takes the time to explain how law firms and clients would be affected by the trends or challenges discussed in the articles. For example, their most recent post is about rising gold prices, which explains the situation but also why law firms care.

I'm sure there are plenty of other suggestions that people can share, and I would definitely encourage you to try out a few until you find one that works for you!

Highly recommend podcasts like FT’s Tech Tonic and the AllAboutLaw Commercial Awareness Compass!! Both provide multiple perspectives into commercial issues which makes for great discussion points.

Thank youu Ill definitely check both out!!

 

[8law]

What is the best structure for answering a situational question in an interview, like what would you do if...
I know for competencies you should do STAR, is there any recommended structure for situational?

honestly , practice , make a doc of situational questions you can find on internet and write down your answers for it based on if you were in the role of a trainee there isn't really a structure for it but you do find once you practice quite a few they have the same underlying themes that you can answer in the same way for example - what would you do if you have a new piece of work come in , I would start this off by saying, firstly i would assess my workload, see the impact etc and then move on from there

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What is the best structure for answering a situational question in an interview, like what would you do if...
I know for competencies you should do STAR, is there any recommended structure for situational?

Hello!

This is a great question, as situational questions are slightly different to competency questions. I wouldn't say that there is a fixed framework like STAR, but the structure that I would follow is:

1. Clarify the goal / objective - what you are trying to achieve overall. This could be meeting a deadline, managing multiple tasks, supporting a client, etc.
2. Key considerations - show your judgment by flagging the factors that would be most important based on the situation: e.g. the parties involved, urgency, the level of risk, firm / client priorities, and any ethical or confidentiality issues. This will be adapted to whatever situation you are given.
3. Outline your actions - walk the interview through what you would actually do, step-by-step, in a logical order. This should be the core of your answer, and you should give a brief explanation as to why you are taking each step.
4. Communication - in relation to the above, make sure to explain who you would speak to and how (e.g. team members, supervisors, clients) - communication is a really important skill in a firm, and showing that you appreciate this is key!
5. Outcome and reflection - I would end your answer with the intended outcome and, if relevant, you could explain how you would learn from the situation and what you would do to prevent it happening again, etc.

I would aim to sound practical and collaborative overall, rather than trying to reach the perfect outcome. Firms will want to see that you can make a sensible judgment call and communicate clearly if mistakes or issues arise, rather than trying to show that you would handle everything alone!

I hope that assists!