TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[TJ360]

anyone have insights into mills and Reeves video questions -especially the timed one - is it motivational, sj or competency? And also Mayer brown - any insight would be helpful. I am happy to share about Hogan Lovells, Macfarlanes stage 2, Freshfields, HSFK, Latham and Watkins test.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

that you so much that is super helpful! were u then asked ab where those ODs were in interviews?

Hi, no I personally wasn't asked about any of them in interviews but I'm sure others have been!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

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! I think you are being far too hard on yourself. Your grades are far better than mine and honestly probably better than most people I know personally who got a TC. Furthermore, you have a phenomenal experience by having a VS already, alongside of course the skills and qualities that got you that VS in the first place. As such, I really don't think you're disadvantaged in any way!

As such, I would apply depending on your preference and requirements. Some firms require extended legal experience (not sure what it is for Freshfields, potentially 1 VS would satisfy this). Furthermore, me personally, I couldn't imaging going DTC as I think culture fit is very important. However, I also understand taking 3 weeks off is not feasible for most grads. Consequently, I would just go over the pros and cons and should what is best for you.

Wishing you luck! (but I'm sure you won't need it )

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I found your example of your work experience entry really helpful. I was wondering if you'd be able to post an example of an entry about an open day (or all the open days you did if you bunched them together in one entry). I think I've written about the substantive work experiences well, but am finding open days slightly harder to talk about. Thank you!

Hi, I'm glad you found it helpful

Unfortunately, I always found it difficult to write about insight days too. I would share my experience but I don't think it's strong in any particular sense. As such, I wouldn't want to send people down the wrong path. I'm sorry !!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hey, thanks for your response!

Would you still recommend the same for rolling apps? I am planning to Hogan Lovells, and the deadline is first week of October. I plan to follow what you said for apps that are no rolling and at later dates.

Hey, good question.

If it is particularly relevant, I guess you can include it as by the time you move onto the interview stage you would have substantive experience to talk about. However, I would be careful to not overstate your responsibilities as you won't be 1000% certain on each task you will be doing. Furthermore, talking generally etc. can weaken your overall work experience. This is a calculated risk you'd have to take if the experience is genuinely relevant to the extent that you believe it could increase your chances.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

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, major congratulations on both securing those results and also the AC!

I think your grades are absolutely great. I would say they should be enough for the grade-heavy firms, albeit some do prefer firsts on average (Slaughter and May, Sullivan & Cromwell), though even for those a 67 should be fine (I had a 69 average then 67 average and Slaughters didn't mind, and S&C invited me to final stage interview).

However, for some other firms, like Linklaters, a strict 2:1 requirement across all modules is enforced. This is where I would emphasise your Mitigating Circumstances. Following that, you should hopefully be fine!

Wishing you the best

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

@Antoni Trochimowicz hey!! for your work exp section (btw thank u sm for sending that) i noticed u gave an overivew of the company - should i be doing this evenif its a BB IB name/law firm name that would be recognisable?

I'm glad you found it helpful !

No, no need, if it's any city-based company that is a household name I would say it's fine to omit it. I did personally give a quick overview for a leading chambers I did a Mini at, but that was purely to demonstrate the work it did as commercial solicitor recruitment may not be aware. However, if it is any company in a related commercial field (Freshfields, PwC, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, KKR etc.) you're fine !

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hi does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach this question and what the firm may be looking for in an answer? Any help would be appreciated!

Is there any specific question you would like answered at the interview and, unless obvious, why do you want it addressed?
@Antoni Trochimowicz

Wow I have never heard that question before, it's quite unique.

As such, I don't have personal experience in answering it. But, if I was to give my take:

I think the primary thing the firm is looking for is your research into the firm. You definitely shouldn't ask anything that could feasibly be answered through the internet. I would try to find a specific fact or point about the firm that genuinely interests you. This could be about a practice of the firm, or about its strategy in regards to specific aspect. Your answer should reflect this interest, picking out a unique stance on this and asking the firm what its plan is or how it operates.

Then for the second part of the question, this is where you demonstrate your aforementioned interest. You can say how it was sparked and how you researched it etc.

Hopefully this helps !