TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[mai.sana]

Hi! I had a question about how law firms are likely to view my grades, particularly firms that place a lot of emphasis on academics.

I graduated from a top-3 UK university with a First, despite fairly severe mitigating circumstances throughout my undergraduate degree. My first-year average was 65; I did receive one 2:2 that year, but it was not counted towards my average because the university used a best-of-four system. In second year, I averaged 65, with one First, two 63s and one 2:2. In third year, I averaged 69, with five Firsts. My overall undergraduate average was 67.

I then completed the PGDL and averaged 81%, with no mitigating circumstances during that course.

For firms that are particularly focused on academics, would you say my grades should generally be fine given that I graduated with a First and an overall average of 67, alongside the mitigating circumstances, clear upward trajectory and 81% PGDL result?

I also received an assessment centre invitation from Ropes & Gray, which I understand places quite a lot of weight on academics, so I’m not sure how concerned I should realistically be about this.

@Antoni Trochimowicz

Hi – that's a really good question. My overall answer is that it depends entirely on the firm, but it sounds like you have strong academics and are likely to do well!

Some firms are more interested in your composite score across your degree and are willing to grant you a little more leeway if you attended a top university, provided that you did not fail any modules. However, some firms assess candidates purely on grades (like Linklaters) and might automatically screen you out at the application stage. If you have made it to the VI stage/non-automated assessment stage with a firm that seems to have high grade requirements, I wouldn't worry – they've likely seen your grades and are happy with them!

I would emphasise that it is always important to alert firms to mitigating circumstances, as they are often willing to review applications on a case-by-case basis. I know of a trainee who failed one of his final-year exams while completing his vacation scheme but was still ultimately offered a training contract by a firm that has a strict 2:1 policy! Good grades matter, but a single 2:2 doesn't automatically remove you from the candidate pool at firms with a 2:1 minimum. I highly recommend attending networking events and speaking to graduate recruitment face-to-face to better understand their requirements, as firm websites sometimes list outdated grade requirements or don't explain how they evaluate mitigating circumstances.

Best of luck, and congratulations on the Ropes & Gray AC!

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Hi – that's a really good question. My overall answer is that it depends entirely on the firm, but it sounds like you have strong academics and are likely to do well!

Some firms are more interested in your composite score across your degree and are willing to grant you a little more leeway if you attended a top university, provided that you did not fail any modules. However, some firms assess candidates purely on grades (like Linklaters) and might automatically screen you out at the application stage. If you have made it to the VI stage/non-automated assessment stage with a firm that seems to have high grade requirements, I wouldn't worry – they've likely seen your grades and are happy with them!

I would emphasise that it is always important to alert firms to mitigating circumstances, as they are often willing to review applications on a case-by-case basis. I know of a trainee who failed one of his final-year exams while completing his vacation scheme but was still ultimately offered a training contract by a firm that has a strict 2:1 policy! Good grades matter, but a single 2:2 doesn't automatically remove you from the candidate pool at firms with a 2:1 minimum. I highly recommend attending networking events and speaking to graduate recruitment face-to-face to better understand their requirements, as firm websites sometimes list outdated grade requirements or don't explain how they evaluate mitigating circumstances.

Best of luck, and congratulations on the Ropes & Gray AC!

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Just to clarify, do you think I could still be automatically screened out by a grades-focused firm despite graduating with a First from LSE?

I only had two 2:2 module marks across 16 modules in total, and one of those was not counted towards my year average under LSE’s best-of-four system. I also had significant mitigating circumstances during my undergraduate degree.

Would firms that assess grades strictly usually take those mitigating circumstances and the overall First into account, or could the two individual 2:2s still be enough to trigger an automatic rejection?

 

[Legal12345]

Got judgement as my development point in my Gibson Dunn test feedback. Am I cooked?

 

[mai.sana]

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Just to clarify, do you think I could still be automatically screened out by a grades-focused firm despite graduating with a First from LSE?

I only had two 2:2 module marks across 16 modules in total, and one of those was not counted towards my year average under LSE’s best-of-four system. I also had significant mitigating circumstances during my undergraduate degree.

Would firms that assess grades strictly usually take those mitigating circumstances and the overall First into account, or could the two individual 2:2s still be enough to trigger an automatic rejection?

Hi again!

I doubt you would be screened out, since you graduated with a first-class degree from a top university and didn't fail any modules, but I'd still recommend explaining the best-of-four system in your application! I did my degree at UCL, and we also had a system where we dropped our lowest module as a COVID-19 mitigation measure. I made sure to highlight that my lowest module didn't count toward my degree average, and I've never had any issues!

Once again, if you're really keen on a specific firm, I'd try to speak directly to the graduate recruitment team, either at a networking event or via email!

 

[mai.sana]

Does anyone know how quickly after the first round interview Jones Day responds?

Hi – congratulations on reaching the interview stage! If you're referring to the pre-AC online interview, you should hear back within 1- 2 working days. Best of luck!

 

[legallyrdg]

Has anyone gotten a Freshfields stage 2 invite yet?

 

[sagekensuke]

Sidley test! Not sure if it's selective, but if it is and you haven't heard back yet I wouldn't worry. I applied on the first day and was a lil worried that I wasn't gonna get one as it's rolling.

 

[mai.sana]

Hi, would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

I am a recent non-law graduate (2026) from a Russell Group uni. Completed a vac scheme this summer (not quite magic circle / US but not far off), but didn't manage to convert it. I graduated with a first, however the further back you go, my grades slip a little (averaged 70-74% in last 2 years vs 63% in 1st year).

I'm really keen to apply to Freshfields, but now that they've changed their requirements for the SVS, I happen to be eligible for both the SVS and DTC route. As far as I can tell, the assessment criteria for both is similar (form, online assessment + AC). Is there a recommendation as to which I should apply for? It seems the DTC is a much more condensed application with fewer hurdles to fall at, yet I presume they'll probably expect a higher standard of commercial awareness? Meanwhile, I'm guessing that taking the SVS route would put me alongside current students, meaning more emphasis may be placed on grades throughout university, which may not be ideal for me...

As far as I can tell it seems Freshfields have a pretty even split of DTC vs SVS within their trainee cohort, so right now don't really feel like I'm being pushed either way on a purely strategic front. Not really sure what to think tbh; would appreciate anyone's insights as to which route they'd go!

Hi – that's a really good thing to be thinking about!

If you had no legal or vacation scheme experience, I'd have recommended going through the SVS route. However, you seem to have a prestigious vacation scheme under your belt, which is highly relevant experience that will make either your SVS or DTC application stand out.

If you are certain Freshfields is your top firm and don't want to spend time experiencing the firm's culture, I'd recommend going straight for the DTC. It would be incredibly helpful to your application if you manage to link up your previous VS experience with Freshfields' work – did you do anything at that firm that sparked your interest in one of Freshfields' practice areas, or do both firms do similar types of work?

However, if the firm you completed your VS at is significantly different in size/scale/work from Freshfields, it might be worth considering the vacation scheme route unless you can find a way to spin your VS experience into something that directly connects to why you might want to work at Freshfields.

I wouldn't worry so much about the grades of the people you're competing against – your grades are already fantastic, and a well-written application alongside a strong online assessment will make you a great contender for either opportunity.

Best of luck in your application, and I hope this helps!

 

[sagekensuke]

Hi, @mai.sana do you have any tips for amberjack assessments?

 

[mai.sana]

Anyone have any insight into how long you should spend studying for the PGDL (BPP) full time? They recommend 40hrs/week but working alongside it + trying to keep up with applications has me stressed.

Hi, that's a tough question! It's understandably challenging to balance all of those conflicting priorities.

I think it largely depends on how well you memorise content. BPP structures their weekly workload as:
1. Assigned reading with easier MCQs interspersed
2. Completing a task where you apply what you have learned
3. Class
4. Consolidation MCQS

The benefit of such a rigid structure is that you can anticipate how long you might take per module – in my case, I preferred taking notes alongside my reading that I could refer back to even in open-book exams, so it took me about four hours a week to study for each module. However, it made exam revision much easier! I also managed to make time for applications by refining my application strategy – I submitted all of my rolling applications almost as soon as they opened, and took my time with non-rolling applications to make sure I was putting my best foot forward. I'd recommend doing all your BPP-assigned work and timing yourself, then setting reasonable expectations for yourself throughout the week.

One thing to note is that since last December, BPP has switched to a proctored online exam setup, which means the proctoring software is a bit clunky and restricts access to resources with AI integrated, such as Google. You can pretty much only access your notes, your textbooks, and any primary legislation you had already open in your browser window. The exams' focus has now shifted much more toward memorisation, so it helps if you've actually learned the content!

As such, the more work you do consistently alongside your applications, the less stressed you'll be during your AC period or even your vacation scheme period. One of my vacation schemes overlapped with my exam periods, and I can tell you I was very grateful I'd put in the work during term-time!

I hope this helps – this was largely informed by my own experience and some people definitely needed less time to study than me!

 

[mai.sana]

Hi, @mai.sana do you have any tips for amberjack assessments?

Hello!

I've collected the following tips from different law firm networking events and presentations I've attended – I hope they help:

1. Make sure you're thinking like a trainee, not a qualified solicitor – some of these tests have questions designed to catch you out. For instance, if you are alone in the office and need to send legal advice to a client ASAP, remember you are a trainee and cannot give legal advice unless you are an SRA-qualified solicitor. In those situations, the best choice is to seek guidance from a qualified solicitor, not to send out the advice yourself.
2. Practice! Most law firms leave a link at the bottom of the Amberjack email to a practice test. It helps to familiarise yourself with the test format and make sure your audio and video equipment works. Similar mock tests are also available online. A good tip is that many universities have career services that have purchased access to mock Amberjack/SJT tests – make sure to reach out to your career services to see if you can get access to paid tests!
3. Timed or untimed? Some firms time your Amberjack, whereas others don't – make sure you check which setting the Amberjack is on before taking breaks between different sections.

That said, remember that each firm values different skills and traits more or less than others. For instance, one firm might value teamwork more because of larger team structures or firm culture, while another might value independence because it has incredibly lean teams and needs trainees to take on more personal responsibility. There's no fixed 'correct' answer for every single firm, and I find that it's most helpful to think about what you might do as a trainee at that specific firm instead of a trainee more generally.

I hope this all helps, and good luck on your assessments!

 

[testing123]

Hi! Maybe a silly question, but does anyone know what firms mean with rolling? Does this refer to how they review applications (ie chronologically), or how they hand out spots for an AC, or TC/VS offers?

i haven't heard from a firm that is rolling, while others have and we applied at the same time, so not sure what aspect of the process is rolling.