TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[norothrow324]

I got a test invite on Monday!

Is it automatic?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hogan Lovells assessment.. what a nightmare. Don’t even want to see the report! Pretty sure I went over the recommended 90 minutes

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any tips for preparing for interviews. I have one next week but I'm blank - not sure what to do, what to prepare.

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744 !

I totally understand how you’re feeling, as preparing for an interview can feel very overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips that worked for me when preparing for vacation scheme / training contract interviews:

Understand the Firm

1. Research the firm thoroughly - recent deals, main practice areas / sector focus, clients, USPs. You’ll have done a lot of this for the application stage, but it’s always useful to go over it briefly before the interview.
2. Be ready to explain why this firm specifically - what sets it apart from its competitors, how its values aligns with your interests, and how the firm structure suits you.
3. Check the firm’s website / social media for unique insights - a lot of firms will have trainee blogs and testimonials, so I’d have a look and see why current trainees like the firm.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

1. Competency questions - use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and have some strong examples to mind. These could be in areas that they’ll look for in trainees, such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
2. Commercial awareness - I would keep up to date with recent news and pick one that you are really interested in. Think of ways that you can link it to how law firms and clients might be affected by it.
3. Motivation questions - most interviews will ask ‘Why Law’ and ‘Why this Firm’, and it’s important to be specific and genuine in explaining your motivations.

Practice!

1. Do a few mock interviews with friends, family, or even in front of a mirror. The main thing I did to prepare for interviews was make a note of the topics I wanted to discuss for the most common questions, and then rehearse until I could remember it from memory. I wouldn’t recommend writing a script - it’s impossible to plan for every question, and you may struggle if the question is slightly different than what you had planned.
2. Read your application and CV again - some interviews follow the structure of your original application, so it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with what you submitted.
3. If there’s a case study or written task, I would look up practice ones online so that you have an idea of what to expect on the day.

I also always try to match my tone and behaviour to how my interviewer presents themselves, as some are quite chatty / conversational whilst others will remain more professional. If in doubt, I would always err on the side of professionalism - but some of my best interviews have been ones that felt like a genuine conversation.

Don’t worry if you feel ‘blank’ now - it’s completely normal! Once you start prepping, things will start to click into place. Good luck - you’ve got this!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can my volunteering experience be in the work experience section? - it was giving advice to clients and guiding them through forms

Hi @FutureTraineeMaybe !

Yes, volunteering like that can absolutely go in the work experience section - especially if it involved client interaction and using legal knowledge. A lot of people include things such as volunteering at Citizen’s Advice or law clinics, and it is really relevant experience to show.

As mentioned previously, I’d be careful with how you describe the nature of the advice. Unless you were supervised by a qualified lawyer or it was a regulated legal setting, you might want to avoid saying that you have legal advice directly. Instead, you could say something like:

1. “I supported clients in understanding legal processes and completing forms related to XYZ”
2. “I guided clients through administrative forms and signposted relevant legal information”

This still highlights your involvement and the contributions that you made. It also discusses the skills that you developed, such as communication, empathy, and client handling, without overstating the role.

So yes, definitely include it, but make sure you frame it accurately. It’s really great experience, and will be a strong addition to your application!

 

[c.t.tc]

Is it automatic?

No it’s the second stage - the first time I applied I got rejected post-app

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Just got rejected from the HSF Kramer open day is it even worth applying for their VS?

Hi @RaniaH062002

Sorry to hear about the open day rejection - I completely understand that it’s disheartening, but it definitely doesn’t mean that you are out of the running for the vacation scheme.

Open day and vacation scheme applications are often assessed separately, and graduate recruitment are typically looking for different elements in each. Additionally, firms understand that people develop their applications over time, and you might have improved your commercial awareness or just written a stronger application by the time you apply for the vacation scheme.

Open days are extremely competitive, and it often comes down to very small margins. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are not a strong candidate!

It is absolutely still worth applying for the vacation scheme, especially if:

1. You can tailor your vacation scheme application specifically to HSF Kramer’s work, values, and culture.
2. You show genuine motivation and development since your last application.
3. You’ve taken time to make clear links between your skills / experiences and what the firm looks for in a vacation scheme candidate (e.g. teamwork, commercial awareness, communication)

People do get rejected from open days and still secure vacation schemes or training contracts - it’s more common than you’d think! Definitely don’t count yourself out, as it’s always worth applying. Best of luck

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Has anyone gotten their Ashurst feedback report? Did the asessment on the 13th and have not received the feedback still.

 

[berocca567]

Does the Hogan Lovells test have a video interview element? or is it just an SJT?

 

[floral.tcla]

please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps getting emails from AOS about the feedback report, every time I open them I think it's the outcome of my application and I panic lol🥲

 

[SamiyaJ]

Does the Hogan Lovells test have a video interview element? or is it just an SJT?

SJT, no video interview element

 

[aspringlawyer25]

please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps getting emails from AOS about the feedback report, every time I open them I think it's the outcome of my application and I panic lol🥲

OMG, same. Not sure what's wrong with their assessment platform

 

[baj5]

Does anyone have insight as to Covington’s application process post submission of the written app?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Does anyone have insight as to Covington’s application process post submission of the written app?

It's AC after application, and we hear back after application closes on 24th october for the WVS.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Can anyone provide insight as to whether having passed the SQE is an advantage or disadvantage for applications?

 

[ZNadeem]

Can anyone provide insight as to whether having passed the SQE is an advantage or disadvantage for applications?

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

Thanks a lot!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

 

[Maddy]

In the Ashurst feedback report, what are we graded on?

 

[lawyersum]

Is DLA still rolling? Last year it was plastered all over their website that apps are very rolling and will close as soon as there is capacity. Now, there's a clear deadline for apps (21 Nov). Does anyone know?

 

[Kakaboo]

What are law firms looking for when they ask you how you manage competing deadlines? Thanks!