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!

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, for the macs winter vac scheme is the stage 1 assessment include written qs/VI?

 

[wooliewoo]

Hey guys, for the macs winter vac scheme is the stage 1 assessment include written qs/VI?

Nope, just a SJT + WG!

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone know what the Jones Day open evening registration entails (e.g., any questions)? I missed the most recent one and spaces are full so I want to be prepared for the next!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided.

 

[law2026c]

Was just wondering if anybody knows if generating watson glaser practice tests using ai is beneficial or whether it is risky.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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.

Hey!

I definitely wouldn't turn down a good job purely out of fear that it will hurt your TC applications (as it is unlikely to!). If anything, a legal recruiting role could give you some useful insight into the legal profession, law firms and the recruitment processes, and you will also be developing transferable skills that you can talk about in applications or interviews.

I would also be wary of holding out indefinitely for a paralegal role when the market is so competitive right now. If the recruiting job is at your ideal location, pays well, and gives you the flexibility to continue applying, it sounds like a pretty good option! You could always keep applying for paralegal roles alongside it if something comes up.

Ultimately, firms care much more about what you have actually done and what you have learned from it than whether your job title is "paralegal". I'd just make sure you continue getting some legal exposure where possible (e.g. open days, insight events, etc.) and use your recruiting experience to demonstrate relevant skills and commercial awareness.

Generally, having a job while reapplying is probably preferable to sitting around waiting for the ideal paralegal role. I would take the job if you like it and let the TC applications remain the priority alongside it

 

[elle woods]

After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided.

Let's go Donna!!! Congratulations! So very well deserved ><

 

[kn]

hey, just wondering if i should include a webinar i attended with a firm under the work experience section that asks for details of open days and events?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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!

Hey!

I think it can be useful to look beyond paralegal roles! More general administrative roles can still give you plenty of transferable skills, particularly organisation, attention to detail, managing deadlines and communicating with different stakeholders. You don't necessarily need your next role to be directly legal for it to be useful experience before your TC.

It might also be worth reaching out to legal recruiters such as Ryder Reid, if you haven't already. They often advertise fixed-term paralegal roles specifically aimed at future trainees, which could be a good fit given your 2028 start date. We have a thread with them here if you wanted to ask any questions

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know what the Jones Day open evening registration entails (e.g., any questions)? I missed the most recent one and spaces are full so I want to be prepared for the next!

Hi!

When I had a look the other day, I believe it just asked for your name, email, university and course, year of study, and dietary requirements - there weren't any specific questions

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided.

Huge congratulations, I'm so happy to hear this - that is fantastic news!!

I hope you take some time to celebrate all of your hard work paying off