TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[soon-to-be trainee]

Hi has anyone else sat the Simpson Thacher paralegal attention to detail and excel tests? I've sat both and would like to know if anyone else thought the excel test was tough and if you passed

I’ve done that this February and did not pass… the test is so hard but I don’t remember doing and excel one

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

Hi everyone! I would greatly appreciate any insights.

For my academic results, I’ve got consistent 2:1 across all modules under law curriculum. However, I did score lower in few STEM modules during my first year of uni and had to resit one module. For this application cycle, I’ve only progressed to AC at a US law firm. I’m not sure whether rejections post app and vi were made bc of those not so good scores. I would be grateful for any opinion regarding whether it is realistic for me to get a tc at MC, SC and US law firms?

Thanks in advance )

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hi guys, bit late to the party but STB open day invite!

 

[anon78365222111]

If I haven’t been given STB open day invite is it worth applying to the vac ?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi guys, bit late to the party but STB open day invite!

Congrats! Do you mind sharing which date this was for?

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

I can’t believe my eyes - an Open Day at HSF Kramer’s Singapore Office. NO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS OR LENGTHY APPLICATION QUESTIONS, just register BY TODAY 10th July SINGAPORE TIME.
Go to LinkedIn —> UKSLSS to find the link to registration.

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Congrats! Do you mind sharing which date this was for?

Hi, this was for the first one on the 22nd July. I got the invite last Thursday!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice on whether law firms are OK with lifting paragraphs from previous applications and pasting them into this year's applications? For example, if I got through the written application stage at firm X, is it OK if I use that answer in my application this year?

Hey!

I personally would say this is fine (to an extent!). If it is your own work, there is nothing wrong with reusing parts of previous applications, especially if they were successful enough to get you through to the next stage. I also think it can sometimes be more abnormal to change the entire answer, especially if it relates to your motivations for applying to the firm (as they are unlikely to change drastically across a cycle).

However, I would avoid copying and pasting without reviewing it. Firms, their priorities/strategy, and even the benchmarks/metrics can change from year to year, so it is worth updating your answer to reflect any new deals, initiatives, or experiences that you have gained since you last applied. In most cases, you can make an already strong answer even stronger with a bit of tailoring and proofreading.

I think it's helpful to view your previous applications as a starting point, rather than a finished product by itself

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock,

I started the cycle late January - early February last year and missed VC apps mostly. I am planning to apply to Winter VCs for the new cycle. Obviously, it changes firm to firm, but is getting a vac scheme considered more 'attainable' as opposed to direct TCs?

Hey!

I would say, generally speaking, it is more 'attainable' to get a vacation scheme rather than a VS. Most firms recruit the majority of their trainees through the vacation scheme, so there are often significantly more TC places available via that route than through direct TCs.

Of course, as you mentioned, it varies by firm - some recruit almost exclusively through their vacation schemes, while others still have a sizeable direct TC intake. It is always worth checking each firm's recruitment page to see how they allocate places (or we have a thread on this here, which may be slightly outdated but is a good reference point). Even with firms that don't have a sizeable DTC intake, there is still no reason why you can't apply for those either.

If you are eligible for vacation schemes, I would definitely prioritise those where possible. They typically give you more opportunities to secure a TC, and also let you experience the firm firsthand and assess whether it is the right fit for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and everyone!

I have ABBC in my A levels and an overall 2:1 in my degree (with 2 first-year modules with a 2:2 and several 1sts in my second and third year from a non-russle group uni. Do you think it is worth applying to Clearly Gottlieb and Sidley Austin (I heard they're strict on grades)?

Also, are there any firms you know about that won't accept these grades? (will save me time when writing apps)

Thanks!

Hey!

I definitely wouldn't rule yourself out from applying to either. Whilst I'm not too sure on the criteria that these specific firms use, most firms will take a holistic view, and strong work experience, extracurriculars, and a well-written application can all help strengthen your profile. I can see a post from last cycle in which someone knew of an individual who got to the interview stage with Sidley with ABB, so they might not be extremely strict.

I'm not sure if there is a specific list of firms that will not accept these grades, but Andrei has previously made posts that outlined his view on how firms might approach grades in their application processes - I have quoted them below.

It might be worth reaching out to the graduate recruitment team if you are unsure on their policy, but my approach would be to avoid self-rejecting unless you clearly don't meet a firm's stated eligibility criteria. Most firms take a holistic approach, and as you have a 2:1 in your degree, it is unlikely to be an issue

Best of luck with your applications!

I unfortunately cannot give anything close to an exhaustive list, but there are some firms I know have progressed people with overall low 2.1s/overall 2.2s in Year 1 to late stages/made them VS and TC offers:

• Weil
• Watson Farley & Williams
• DLA Piper
• CMS

From what I know, the Magic Circle firms generally look for reasonably consistent 2.1 results across your modules. More specifically, Slaughters is known to only recruit people with a high 2.1 or a first (with a heavy emphasis on 1.1s) while Linklaters is apparently seeking at least a 2.1 in every module this year. Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman, and Freshfields appear to be more flexible.

As for the big international firms:

• HSF: historically they were known to ask for consistent 2.1 module results; but judging on the fact they have not expressly stipulated this in their VS application website page anymore this year, it could be the case they have changed their policy.
• Baker Mckenzie: I have not heard anything about a module result policy here, and I know people with overall low 2.1s who secured a TC
• White & Case: again, I have not heard of any specific expectation as to module results; and the firm appears to me to be relatively less grade focused when compared to its rivals.
• Hogan Lovells: in the past I know they progressed candidates with low 2.1s, but I have heard they are looking for 2.1 grades in all modules now

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock.

I was just looking for some advice about changing an application question answer, as it touches on a question someone asked above.

I am planning to reapply to a firm I applied to last cycle, where I reached the AC but unfortunately wasn’t successful.

They had three application questions that individually focused on an ambitious goal, a high-quality piece of work I had completed, and then a situational question surrounding work as a trainee.

As I said, I passed the application stage and then the VI, and they said I could reapply this cycle and would just be judged again against the pool of applicants.

I’m not sure whether I should come up with new examples for questions such as where I worked towards an ambitious goal and a high-quality piece of work, or whether I should keep the same ones. For the situational question, I can’t see how I could or should change it, as it was based on juggling demands as a trainee at the firm.

I was just wondering what you think?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! I would greatly appreciate any insights.

For my academic results, I’ve got consistent 2:1 across all modules under law curriculum. However, I did score lower in few STEM modules during my first year of uni and had to resit one module. For this application cycle, I’ve only progressed to AC at a US law firm. I’m not sure whether rejections post app and vi were made bc of those not so good scores. I would be grateful for any opinion regarding whether it is realistic for me to get a tc at MC, SC and US law firms?

Thanks in advance )

Hi!

Based on what you have shared, I don't think it is realistic to conclude that your rejections were because of those first-year STEM modules. Whilst I wouldn't be able to say for certain either way, there are so many factors involved in the recruitment process, and it is very difficult to pinpoint one reason.

The fact that you have progressed to an AC at a US firm is a really positive sign, and it shows your academics have not prevented you from being considered by highly competitive firms.

I definitely wouldn't rule yourself out from applying to MC, SC or US firms. If you meet their published eligibility criteria, I would focus on strengthening the parts of the application that you can control, such as your application answers, commercial awareness, firm research, and interview performance, rather than worrying about the resit or a few lower first-year marks.

Unless a firm has very strict academic requirements that you don't meet, I wouldn't assume that you shouldn't apply based on some grades in first-year. Your academic profile sounds strong overall, and most firms will take a more holistic approach

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If I haven’t been given STB open day invite is it worth applying to the vac ?

Hey!

Yes, I'd say it is still worth applying for the vac scheme! Although both are part of the firm's recruitment process, they are ultimately assessing different things. For example, it might be that you couldn't articulate as strongly why you'd benefit from attending the open day, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be able to make a compelling case for why you are a good fit for the firm's vacation scheme.

If you are still interested in the firm, I would definitely encourage you to apply. It can also be helpful to reflect on your open day application and think about any improvements you can make