TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SamiyaJ]

Can anyone share any insights/advice for Taylor Wessing online test please?

I will be receiving the test tomorrow

 

[Amma Usman]

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🥲

Haha I totally get that feeling! You're doing amazing, please keep going! To help with that feeling, I typically went on regular walks, or took some time out to focus on strengthening other areas of my candidacy, like writing applications, test writing capabilities, interview composure, etc.

 

[berocca567]

Does the Linklaters test have a deadline? And does it include a video interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

Just got an invite for Sidley's HR interview! I applied on August 24

Ayyyy love to see it ... congrats! Let us know if you have any specific questions, such as what components the interview comprises of, so we could better advise

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi all! I hope you’re all having a wonderful week!

This is just a reminder to be kind to yourself and keep going! As we keep diving deeper into the application cycle, it’s important to remember to not let any setbacks get to you. You are on this journey for a reason and you are one application away from securing a VS/TC at your dream firm! So, don’t let any PFOs get to you - keep going, keep grinding, and the results will come. I always say this - every application and AC teaches you something new. These are things which only make you a better candidate, whether it’s refining your application technique, awareness of the industry, and so on!

Keep sending out those good quality applications and feel free to pop any questions in the forum.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

 

[Bhavana]

Ayyyy love to see it ... congrats! Let us know if you have any specific questions, such as what components the interview comprises of, so we could better advise

Yes please, any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ghost08]

How would you recommend we approach DLA Piper's questions:

1) Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)
2) Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)

Thanks !

 

[emily3827]

for the nrf application, am I supposed to fill out the work experience section as well as uploading my cv or one or the other?

 

[e_turbo2]

Has anyone done the second stage test for Macfarlanes? Any insights pls? Thanks!

 

[thelawstudent]

for DLA Q2, Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters), i want to discuss an energy/aviation deal that they advised on about a year ago.

for the professional ambitions part of the q, i was thinking of highlighting the broader range of work DLA conducts in the aviation sphere. I know NRF CC conduct a lot of aviation finance mandates, whilst DLA offer insurance, regulatory, structuring and finance as well.

Is it ok to say something like 'this would provide broader exposure than finance-focused competitors such as NRF and CC, allowing me to explore my interest in this sector holistically'?

or is not a good idea to name drop competitors and keep it general.

would appreciate any advice from @Amma Usman or anyone else, thank you in advance!!

 

[lawlol420]

Do firms care if you overall have a 2:1 but have also have one or two 2:2s and a few firsts?

 

[lawlol420]

Paul , Weiss open day rej 😔

Hi, I'm sorry about the rejection I havent heard back yet, can I ask which one you applied for?

 

[ttso]

A&O Shearman Application - In the "Higher Education" section, it allows a maximum of 20 grades/modules to be input. I've done 24. Does anyone know what to do about this? It seems a strange quirk to have in their system (besides needing to put GCSEs in twice, etc.).

 

[ttso]

Does the Linklaters test have a deadline? And does it include a video interview?

If you're talking about the tests you do immediately after applying, not sure about deadline as did straight away. No VI though.

 

[Amz2006]

Has anyone done the taylor wessing test and how was it. And if anyone has also done the Pinsent Masons test too

 

[kn]

does davis polk look at grades very strictly? does anyone know of someone with a 2.1 that managed to secure a vac scheme with them?