TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, just a quick question.

My average grade for university was 68.7, but I received an overall First due to mitigating circumstances surrounding health issues.

I will explain the health issues in the extenuating circumstances section of the application, but I am worried that someone reviewing the application will see the grade discrepancy and disregard the application before reading down to the extenuating circumstances section.

Is it worth commenting under the further information heading in the university section with something like 'Please see extenuating circumstances for explanation of grade' to avoid this happening?

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about this! If your university has awarded you an overall First, that is the classification you should put on your application, and the extenuating circumstances section is there precisely to provide context where circumstances affected your grades.

I think it is unlikely that a firm would simply disregard your application because of the grade discrepancy without looking at the extenuating circumstances section first. However, if there is a "further information" box in the university section, I don't think it would hurt to add a brief signpost such as "Please see the extenuating circumstances section for further information regarding my academic results". I would keep it at that (or something similar), rather than explaining the circumstances again in both places

 

[veek30]

Hii, is it just me or does the A&O Shearman Open Day application portal seem to be closed? I thought the deadline was 31st August to apply!

 

[thedonnabrief]

Hii, is it just me or does the A&O Shearman Open Day application portal seem to be closed? I thought the deadline was 31st August to apply!

I think they said thta they might close apps soon if theyve filled up the spaces early but I could be wrong

 

[tldrba]

I think they said thta they might close apps soon if theyve filled up the spaces early but I could be wrong

Yes, they did. They have now added this to the description of the Open Day within their application portal (I believe it is viewable only if you have a saved application): “Unfortunately, this Open Day has reached capacity, and we cannot accept any further applications at this time. Please check our website for future Open Day opportunities.”

 

[sarg1234]

Does anyone know how a 60 would be treated? I got one in my final year, and apart from that all my other grades are pretty good. Like is this basically a 2:2 and I should be careful with firms that ask for consistent 2:1s, or is it safe?

 

[vacschemes]

Does anyone know how a 60 would be treated? I got one in my final year, and apart from that all my other grades are pretty good. Like is this basically a 2:2 and I should be careful with firms that ask for consistent 2:1s, or is it safe?

is this satire? if it isn't then don't worry you're good! i have worse grades and I've been able to interview at US firms

 

[sarg1234]

is this satire? if it isn't then don't worry you're good! i have worse grades and I've been able to interview at US firms

nope just anxious ahahaah, thanks for answering

 

[lawstudent2]

I graudated this year and am currently looking for a job to work alongside reapplying again. I am in final stage interviews for a legal recruiting job at my ideal location and great pay for a graduate.
However, I am worried that it will be a negative on my applications and ruin my chances of getting a TC, but I am also getting nowhere with paralegal applications as I don't have prior paralegal experience.
Any advice on if taking the job will negatively impact my applications? Getting a TC remains the priority so I don't know if I should hold out and hope for a paralegal job offer instead of taking this one.

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone, does anyone have any advice on roles I could pursue outside of paralegal work? Alternatively, does anyone know of paralegal roles that do not require previous paralegal experience?

For context, I am a future trainee starting my training contract in 2028 and the SQE in September 2027. I graduated with a First a year ago and have completed several vacation schemes, but I am currently struggling to secure a corporate or commercial role. I am also very keen to move to London.

I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations!