TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jta227]

Hi all,

i’ve just stupidly found out that DDM (pre-2016 BTECs) equate to ABB and not AAB as I thought this whole time. I have 128 UCAS points which should be fine for most firms, but could put me out of contention of applying for very specific firms.

I am now seriously considering taking an extra A-Level, but would anyone kindly provide some insight into whether is worth doing, or should I essentially deal with what I have?

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen - would appreciate if you guys also have thoughts too.

Thanks everyone!

Assuming you took one and got an A*, A*ABB isn't that much better, given that the A* was achieved 10 years later. I think at this stage you should ascertain which firms have a hard limit and which look at things holistically - for the latter your degree performance, application and work experience should outweigh your BTEC results if good enough. There are also plenty of strong firms who either have no strict A Level requirements or require ABB: Mishcon de Reya, Pinsent Masons, Freshfields, Clifford Chance, etc. etc.

Of course if you simply want to do another A level then of course do so, I just doubt it would massively increase your chances even at those firms with the hard limits - chances are if they have the hard limit in the first place then they'd prefer the grades to be achieved at the same time.

Of course, I don't even have a TC yet so feel free to wait for Jessica's opinion.

 

[jta227]

Just to doublecheck, the HSF deadline is tomorrow and just before midnight, right? Would be too risky to send it in tomorrow morning?

Tomorrow at 11:59PM, non-rolling (they don't read until after deadline) so send it whenever you want really, just as long as you can get it in in-time and don't run into technical difficulties that take you past the deadline (e.g. I wouldn't start sending at 11:55)

 

[member7830]

would people say there's still point in applying to bird&bird or would it likely not even get screened at this point

 

[yasmars]

would people say there's still point in applying to bird&bird or would it likely not even get screened at this point

I would still apply as there's about 3 weeks until the deadline.

 

[jta227]

would people say there's still point in applying to bird&bird or would it likely not even get screened at this point

I was gonna apply but someone earlier in this thread said they went to an event with them 2 days ago and the firm said there was no point applying now as you might not even get screened.

 

[aether]

Most Candidates I have spoken with and my own experience is that you find out if you have a place on the A/C two weeks prior to have enough time to prepare. I wouldn't worry about it as they also have an A/C in Jan so there is still a chance

That’s reassuring… thank you!

 

[needatccccc]

Just filled in the Taylor Wessing form and now I can’t access it because of the error. 🫠

Has the form come back for anyone or have you had to start again/set up a new account?

did it work for you in the end? I'm having the same issue now

 

[TC Chaser]

Hi all, just noticed that the Skadden application work experience section does not automatically sift the entered work experiences into dates, like other platforms. Did any other applicant put down their experience chronologically?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Assuming you took one and got an A*, A*ABB isn't that much better, given that the A* was achieved 10 years later. I think at this stage you should ascertain which firms have a hard limit and which look at things holistically - for the latter your degree performance, application and work experience should outweigh your BTEC results if good enough. There are also plenty of strong firms who either have no strict A Level requirements or require ABB: Mishcon de Reya, Pinsent Masons, Freshfields, Clifford Chance, etc. etc.

Of course if you simply want to do another A level then of course do so, I just doubt it would massively increase your chances even at those firms with the hard limits - chances are if they have the hard limit in the first place then they'd prefer the grades to be achieved at the same time.

Of course, I don't even have a TC yet so feel free to wait for Jessica's opinion.

these are very good points.

I am lucky to have extensive legal experience as a Paralegal and a high 2:1 at university. i just feel that i’ll be at a disadvantage compared to those who have AAB😭

 

[bella98]

Hi all,

i’ve just stupidly found out that DDM (pre-2016 BTECs) equate to ABB and not AAB as I thought this whole time. I have 128 UCAS points which should be fine for most firms, but could put me out of contention of applying for very specific firms.

I am now seriously considering taking an extra A-Level, but would anyone kindly provide some insight into whether is worth doing, or should I essentially deal with what I have?

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen - would appreciate if you guys also have thoughts too.

Thanks everyone!

Hi,

I’m not Jessica, but I wanted to share my experience with you! I don’t meet the A-level requirements for most law firms (I completed high school in Italy and don’t have the equivalent of AAB or ABB. No mitigating circumstances—Italy’s education system is simply one of the toughest in Europe, though I suppose that’s not really an excuse, so I didn’t mention anything)

Last year, I applied to a variety of firms, ranging from regional to US firms, many of which had A-level requirements. Despite this, I progressed to the next stage for most of them and attended several assessment centres. No mitigating circumstances, no exceptions—just incredibly well-tailored applications. From my experience, I don’t believe A-level requirements are necessarily a deal-breaker.

 

[James Wakefield]

did it work for you in the end? I'm having the same issue now

Yes I did get it back and managed to submit it!

 

[ilovegardening1111]

hi all, does anyone know if the baker mckenzie deadline to submit is by 23:59 today (30 Nov) or is 23:59 by tomorrow (1 Dec). on their website it says that the deadline is 1 december but im a bit confused by what time exactly that means!

 

[studentdelaw786]

Hi,

I’m not Jessica, but I wanted to share my experience with you! I don’t meet the A-level requirements for most law firms (I completed high school in Italy and don’t have the equivalent of AAB or ABB. No mitigating circumstances—Italy’s education system is simply one of the toughest in Europe, though I suppose that’s not really an excuse, so I didn’t mention anything)

Last year, I applied to a variety of firms, ranging from regional to US firms, many of which had A-level requirements. Despite this, I progressed to the next stage for most of them and attended several assessment centres. No mitigating circumstances, no exceptions—just incredibly well-tailored applications. From my experience, I don’t believe A-level requirements are necessarily a deal-breaker.

Hi Bella,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It’s comforting knowing that you were given a chance as it means I could too. I hope that continues in this cycle and wish you the best!

 

[A worried graduate]

Hi @A worried graduate if your question is as to whether it is worth applying regarding success chances in view of particular circumstances, feel free to give me a bit more detail and I will be happy to give you my view on that. If your question is more to the effect of whether Simmons and Simmons is a good firm to work for, my answer is that I have generally heard good things. They may not have as generalist of an approach as the MC, but it has top tier practices in finance, funds, TMT and life sciences. If these practices/sectors are of interest, I would encourage you to apply.

My question was with regards to if it is too late as AC's have taken place

 

[jta227]

My question was with regards to if it is too late as AC's have taken place

Wait - ACs for the SVS have taken place? But the deadline isn't for a month and a bit 😭 😭 I hate rolling deadlines

 

[Seville123]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I was wondering if you could please help me with my query:

I’m attending a vacation scheme next week, and the firm has requested to see my original academic certificates. However, my degrees are framed, and I’m unable to remove them from their frames. I’m also reluctant to carry the framed certificates around London. What’s the best way to handle this situation? Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all,

i’ve just stupidly found out that DDM (pre-2016 BTECs) equate to ABB and not AAB as I thought this whole time. I have 128 UCAS points which should be fine for most firms, but could put me out of contention of applying for very specific firms.

I am now seriously considering taking an extra A-Level, but would anyone kindly provide some insight into whether is worth doing, or should I essentially deal with what I have?

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen - would appreciate if you guys also have thoughts too.

Thanks everyone!

There would not be any point in doing an additional A-level now. If a firm cares about UCAS points, they will only count qualifications sat in the same period of time.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I was wondering if you could please help me with my query:

I’m attending a vacation scheme next week, and the firm has requested to see my original academic certificates. However, my degrees are framed, and I’m unable to remove them from their frames. I’m also reluctant to carry the framed certificates around London. What’s the best way to handle this situation? Thanks!

You can take a formal transcript rather than your certificate.

 

[Seville123]

You can take a formal transcript rather than your certificate.

Ok thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody have any tips for passing the HSF test?