Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
More options
Toggle width
Share this page
Share this page
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
WhatsApp
Email
Share
Link
Menu
Install the app
Install
Forum Home
Law Firms
Wiki
Events
Deadlines
Members
Leaderboards
Apply to Paul, Weiss
Premium Database
Hey Guest,
Have an interview coming up?
We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week.
Book here
TCLA Premium:
Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
Join →
Forum Home
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Deleted member 38167" data-source="post: 215593"><p>Hi ,</p><p></p><p></p><p>Firstly, well done on being so close to a 2:1 this year, being 0.1 off shows you’re right on the cusp, and if you push on in your final year, graduating with a 2:1 is absolutely within reach.</p><p></p><p>To your concern: having a 2:2 in second year doesn’t automatically shut doors, especially as many firms now look at applications in a more rounded way. While some firms still use a strict 2:1 filter, an increasing number apply contextual recruitment tools or take into account your overall trajectory, university, A-Levels, and experience. The fact you’re at a Russell Group university, have solid A-Levels (A*AB), and already bring relevant legal experience will all help strengthen your applications.</p><p></p><p>A few things you can do:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Show the upward trend. If your grades improve in final year, highlight that in applications, firms do value resilience and progress.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Leverage your experience. Work placements, pro bono, or legal internships often carry almost as much weight as academic grades when recruiters are assessing genuine interest and capability.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Be strategic with applications. Some firms are known to be more flexible on academics, particularly if you can demonstrate strong skills and commercial awareness. Others will consider extenuating circumstances or contextual factors if you flag them.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Network and apply early. Building connections with graduate recruitment or lawyers at events can sometimes help you bypass the rigid paper sift by having someone advocate for you.</li> </ul><p>In short: while a 2:2 in second year may make some applications trickier, it does not massively damage your chances, especially if you finish strong and present your experience well. Many people with similar profiles still secure vacation schemes and training contracts (I personally don't have stellar grades, yet have a TC at a top teir international firm. </p><p></p><p>Focus on maximising your final year, polishing your applications, and targeting firms that take a view of the overall candidate. You’re definitely still in the running.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deleted member 38167, post: 215593"] Hi , Firstly, well done on being so close to a 2:1 this year, being 0.1 off shows you’re right on the cusp, and if you push on in your final year, graduating with a 2:1 is absolutely within reach. To your concern: having a 2:2 in second year doesn’t automatically shut doors, especially as many firms now look at applications in a more rounded way. While some firms still use a strict 2:1 filter, an increasing number apply contextual recruitment tools or take into account your overall trajectory, university, A-Levels, and experience. The fact you’re at a Russell Group university, have solid A-Levels (A*AB), and already bring relevant legal experience will all help strengthen your applications. A few things you can do: [LIST] [*]Show the upward trend. If your grades improve in final year, highlight that in applications, firms do value resilience and progress. [*]Leverage your experience. Work placements, pro bono, or legal internships often carry almost as much weight as academic grades when recruiters are assessing genuine interest and capability. [*]Be strategic with applications. Some firms are known to be more flexible on academics, particularly if you can demonstrate strong skills and commercial awareness. Others will consider extenuating circumstances or contextual factors if you flag them. [*]Network and apply early. Building connections with graduate recruitment or lawyers at events can sometimes help you bypass the rigid paper sift by having someone advocate for you. [/LIST] In short: while a 2:2 in second year may make some applications trickier, it does not massively damage your chances, especially if you finish strong and present your experience well. Many people with similar profiles still secure vacation schemes and training contracts (I personally don't have stellar grades, yet have a TC at a top teir international firm. Focus on maximising your final year, polishing your applications, and targeting firms that take a view of the overall candidate. You’re definitely still in the running. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?
Post reply
Forum Home
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Top
Bottom
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…