TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[i-want-a-tc]

If it’s the same as last year, it’s a mix of verbal and numerical reasoning, SJT and WG. I don’t think there is a VI element to the test. It might have changed for this year though. Best of luck with the Macfarlanes app and test! 🙂​

That's perfect. I dont like the Video Interviews but I am fine with the rest. Thank you for your well wishes!

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice (or information) on how to prepare for: (1) behavioural questions that form part of Mayer Brown's online assessments; and (2) the online situation judgement and strength assessments part of Gibson Dunn's online assessments?

Your comments/thoughts would be appreciated a lot, in particular as they seem more opaque (in terms of how to prepare for them) compared to Watson Glaser tests.

Best wishes

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice (or information) on how to prepare for: (1) behavioural questions that form part of Mayer Brown's online assessments; and (2) the online situation judgement and strength assessments part of Gibson Dunn's online assessments?

Your comments/thoughts would be appreciated a lot, in particular as they seem more opaque (in terms of how to prepare for them) compared to Watson Glaser tests.

Best wishes

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

 

[legallybrunette8]

Hi all,

Not too sure where to write this but I'm applying to paralegal positions for the first time - any advice on how to structure and what to include in the cover letter and CV?

I've been so used to writing TC/VS apps so feels like I'm learning everything from scratch 😩 Would appreciate help from anyone, especially current paralegals!

 

[Sachin Chandra]

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

The FAQs page (linked below) states there to be: online situational judgement and strength assessment, first stage interview with Graduate Recruitment, followed by two second stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

<https://www.gibsondunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/London-Graduate-Recruitment-2025-2026-FAQs.pdf>

 

[lawyersum]

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

The FAQs page (linked below) states there to be: online situational judgement and strength assessment, first stage interview with Graduate Recruitment, followed by two second stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

<https://www.gibsondunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/London-Graduate-Recruitment-2025-2026-FAQs.pdf>

I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are introducing these 'filter' SJT assessments. To even have your application read by the firm, you must reach their internal benchmark for the test. This reduces the workload for grad rec teams.

With WGs, there is at least an objective framework for success, whereas with SJTs, it mostly feels like a stab in the dark trying to align your answers with the firm's values.

@Jaysen - is there any guidance TCLA can provide on passing SJTs as they seem to be an increasingly important part of the application process, even to have our name and personal details read, let alone the answers we spend ages drafting! Like you've done with the WG and video interview platforms.

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone gotten a test report from macfarlanes yet

 

[RaniaH062002]

Is anyone free to review my draft answer for the upcoming Latham and Watkins Open Day applications? I know we don't know the questions so i've gone off what was used last year.

 

[Bread]

I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are introducing these 'filter' SJT assessments. To even have your application read by the firm, you must reach their internal benchmark for the test. This reduces the workload for grad rec teams.

With WGs, there is at least an objective framework for success, whereas with SJTs, it mostly feels like a stab in the dark trying to align your answers with the firm's values.

@Jaysen - is there any guidance TCLA can provide on passing SJTs as they seem to be an increasingly important part of the application process, even to have our name and personal details read, let alone the answers we spend ages drafting! Like you've done with the WG and video interview platforms.

This is incredibly frustrating, particularly with firms that ask for cover letters and loads of application questions. I wish they would make you do the test first, then send you the application questions because it feels like such a waste of time, especially when you get no feedback on your WG or SJT performance

 

[RaniaH062002]

Hi RaniaH062002

I think you can take many different approaches to the work experience section in applications, but depending on the word limit, I would try and tackle each experience using the STAR method if possible to show reflection rather than just description. For example, I would:

• Explain what you did: briefly describe what the role was and the type of experience (e.g. vacation scheme, part-time job, volunteering).
• Explain what you learnt from the role: in this section, I'd try and tie this back to the values and skills that the firm highlights as important (e.g. teamwork, commercial awareness, proactivity).
• Explain how it relates to law: if possible, I would link the experience and skills to my aspirations to be a trainee, or how it reinforced my interest in the law.

I appreciate that the last part may be the trickiest, but, for example, I used to discuss my part-time job at Subway and how interacting with customers reinforced that I wanted to deal with a lot of different people in my career (and therefore link this back to working with a diverse range of clients). One example that I have used before is:

"During my two-week placement at Stephenson Harwood, I gained valuable insight into both the Projects and Regulatory Litigation departments. I attended client meetings, where I observed how legal advice is tailored to meet commercial objectives, and was trusted to take notes and contribute to follow-up discussions. I undertook a range of legal research tasks on regulatory and contractual matters, enhancing my ability to analyse complex information and present it clearly. I also contributed to the firm’s pro bono work, supporting drafting and research for charitable initiatives. This experience deepened my understanding of commercial legal practice and confirmed my enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, high-performing environment."

In terms of format, I would typically use prose when writing each answer. However, I have previously used bullet points and made it past the application stage, so I think whichever you prefer would work best. I would just make sure that the work experience section looks clear and that the early careers team can read it. The key is to be concise and reflective, rather than giving a long list of every task and responsibility.

I hope that assists - best of luck with your applications!!

Thank you that's extremely helpful. I am worried that I don't have a tremendous amount of experience since I'm doing a PGDL and full time job so I'm unsure how much experience firms want listed in applications.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are introducing these 'filter' SJT assessments. To even have your application read by the firm, you must reach their internal benchmark for the test. This reduces the workload for grad rec teams.

With WGs, there is at least an objective framework for success, whereas with SJTs, it mostly feels like a stab in the dark trying to align your answers with the firm's values.

@Jaysen - is there any guidance TCLA can provide on passing SJTs as they seem to be an increasingly important part of the application process, even to have our name and personal details read, let alone the answers we spend ages drafting! Like you've done with the WG and video interview platforms.

Yes - for sure it would be great to receive some advice on passing such SJT assessments. And thank you for kindly (and hopefully constructively) contributing to this thread

 

[CharlesT47]

when did you apply?

I got rejected

 

[lawyersum]

This is incredibly frustrating, particularly with firms that ask for cover letters and loads of application questions. I wish they would make you do the test first, then send you the application questions because it feels like such a waste of time, especially when you get no feedback on your WG or SJT performance

Completely agree. It used to be a case of being able to avoid firms with an SJT, but now that is simply not an option if you want to put in a competitive number of applications. Having applicants do the test first is a very good idea that will unfortunately only stay within the confines of this forum for now.

 

[abbietc03]

Thank you that's extremely helpful. I am worried that I don't have a tremendous amount of experience since I'm doing a PGDL and full time job so I'm unsure how much experience firms want listed in applications.

I wouldn’t worry too much about not having a lot of experience - firms won’t expect you to necessarily have legal work experience or extensive experience elsewhere!

You mentioned that you are working full time, which is more experience than some people will have, and you can always include part-time jobs and positions of responsibility (i.e. committee positions in university) if you have those

When I made an application to a MC firm a few years ago, the only experience I had at the time was two part-time jobs and some volunteering work, and I still made it to AC!

 

[RaniaH062002]

I wouldn’t worry too much about not having a lot of experience - firms won’t expect you to necessarily have legal work experience or extensive experience elsewhere!

You mentioned that you are working full time, which is more experience than some people will have, and you can always include part-time jobs and positions of responsibility (i.e. committee positions in university) if you have those

When I made an application to a MC firm a few years ago, the only experience I had at the time was two part-time jobs and some volunteering work, and I still made it to AC!

Thank you that's very helpful.

Luckily my job is working in a court so I have constant exposure to litigation proceedings that I hope to use to my advantage (albeit it's a criminal court).

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Do people think that applying for Sidley on 1 September for Winter Vac. Scheme is too late, given they assess them on a rolling basis

 

[BillSikes]

Do people think that applying for Sidley on 1 September for Winter Vac. Scheme is too late, given they assess them on a rolling basis

I cannot say how RB affects Sidley - but most of the the time rolling basis is irrelevant.

 

[Popsmoke]

These should be on our directory, if you navigate to the applying tab for each firm

I would just keep in mind that some questions will change this year. Macfarlanes already has!

Hey @Jaysen has hogan lovells changed their application questions. As on the directory it says the app has 4 questions but then only three of them have listed. However, last years app had 4 questions and they were very different to the 3 you have listed so I was wondering if you could provide some clarity on this?

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know what online test Ashurst is using for the vacation schemes this cycle?

 

[Jaysen]

I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are introducing these 'filter' SJT assessments. To even have your application read by the firm, you must reach their internal benchmark for the test. This reduces the workload for grad rec teams.

With WGs, there is at least an objective framework for success, whereas with SJTs, it mostly feels like a stab in the dark trying to align your answers with the firm's values.

@Jaysen - is there any guidance TCLA can provide on passing SJTs as they seem to be an increasingly important part of the application process, even to have our name and personal details read, let alone the answers we spend ages drafting! Like you've done with the WG and video interview platforms.

Yes! Hoping to build an SJT simulator based with @Amma Usman’s help a bit later in the cycle. I too find this trickier because firms assess SJTs in different ways, but I can definitely see the number of firms using them.