TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

DLA are non rolling confirmed by their early careers team!

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice on talking about paralegal experience in the work experience section as I have only been there a few months and not sure how best to talk about it? thank you

Hello!

Of course - I can share some tips that I used when detailing my paralegal experience in the work experience section.

I wouldn't worry too much about only having been there a few months - even a short amount of paralegal experience can give you plenty to talk about. I'd suggest focusing less on the length of time and more on the skills and insights you've gained so far. For example, you could highlight any responsibility you have taken on (e.g. drafting, client contact, legal research, admin support), or how the role has helped you develop transferable skills like attention to detail, teamwork, or time management.

It can also be useful to frame it in terms of what you've learned about the legal sector, firm environment, or a particular practice area. Even if your tasks seem small, they show an understanding of how a firm operates day-to-day, which is really valuable! I often discussed how some of the smaller administrative tasks that I completed in relation to client monies gave me an insight into the financial systems involved in matters and how clients were billed.

As an example of how you can draw skills out, in my time as a paralegal, I managed the firm's transition from paper files during an office move and organised them to be sent to an external storage facility. Whilst on the surface this may seem like a general administrative task, I highlighted my leadership and teamwork skills in managing the team, as well as organisation skills and working towards a tight deadline to ensure that all the files were sent away by moving day.

Quality over quantity is definitely the way to go - it's better to pick out a few strong examples and reflect on those

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

Regarding NRF WVS, am I missing somethign here, as I don't see a word count, it tells me to upload a document as a cover letter?

Also, is it true that I don't need to do the Arctic shores again if I did it last year and am happy with my results?

Hi!

Apologies, I should've deleted my original post - I was unaware that they had removed the word count for this year, so you definitely aren't missing something!

I'm not too sure in relation to the Arctic Shores test, unfortunately! I would email the graduate recruitment team to double-check, as I'm sure they would be more than happy to confirm that for you.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, quick question about Taylor Wessing. There's a section on the application form about the webinars, events etc. that you have undertaken with the company. Might be a bit of an obvious question but since the virtual open days are in November, and apps are rolling so I wanted to get mine out sooner rather than later, is it worth waiting to get one on there to support the application, or is it something that I can still succeed without. Bearing in mins I don't have any previous interactions with the firm. Thanks

Hi @llblawstudent !

Not an obvious question at all - lots of people wonder the same! You definitely can still succeed without having attended a Taylor Wessing event before submitting your application. Those sections are really just a chance to show engagement if you've already had some interaction, but they're not a requirement. For context, I did not attend any events at the firm I secured my TC at before attending their AC, so it is definitely not a requirement!

If you're keen to apply early, I'd go ahead and submit rather than wait - strong answers about your motivation, skills, and understanding of the firm and its USPs will carry far more weight than whether you have ticked the events box.

However, if you feel that your application would be stronger by drawing from insights that you gained at a virtual event or webinar later on, there is no harm in waiting until after the events to apply! Even with rolling deadlines, most firms will view every application submitted, and it's much better to submit a stronger application than submit early.

In summary, not attending won't disadvantage you - the most important thing is whether you are confident you can write a strong application with the information you have on the firm currently

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, another quick question about HL Lift Off 2026. One of the app Qs are to Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. By "this role', do they mean the programme (i.e they're essentially asking what experiences have allowed you to become more commercially aware) or being a lawyer at HL in general?

Hello!

Great question! In this context, "this role" is really about the HL Lift Off programme itself, but since the programme is designed as a pathway into a career at the firm, it makes sense to frame your answer in terms of both. In other words, they're not just looking for generic extracurriculars, but for experiences that have helped you build transferable skills relevant to being a lawyer (such as teamwork, resilience, communication, organisation, commercial awareness etc.)

A good way to approach it could be:

• Choose something you've done outside of work / study
• Explain the skill you developed from it
• Link this back to why it would be useful on the programme and more broadly at Hogan Lovells

By approaching it this way, you're covering both angles!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does Weil have SJT now?

Hello!

From what I can see on their website, they don't have an SJT as part of their application process. It is listed as:

1. Online Application Form
2. Video Interview
3. Individual Case Study at Weil, and 45-minute interview
4. Vacation Scheme

However, if you have been told differently and wanted to double-check, I'm sure you could email the graduate recruitment team who would be happy to confirm for you!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

VS

 

[libertad seoane]

How should I structure the Linklaters 'Work Experience' Section? It seems to demand different approach/structure to other applications

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anything else think that SJTs are just a way of randomly filtering people out without reason? I know they supposedly test your skills, but every time I do one I get different strengths and weaknesses. I see them as just a bit of a lottery.

Hey!

I totally get where you’re coming from - SJTs can definitely feel frustrating and inconsistent, especially when feedback varies everytime. I remember being shocked sometimes that I had passed an SJT (and vice versa), and it can be hard to know when you’ve done well!

I think firms use them more to get a general sense of how you might respond to common workplace situations, rather than to measure your ability in any absolute way.

My top advice for SJTs is to think about how you would response when you’re working at your best, and answer honestly. Sometimes there isn’t simply one right answer, so I wouldn’t worry too much about trying to second-guess what the firm wants - just focus on showing good judgement and staying true to how you’d act in a professional setting

 

[Bhavana]

does Weil have SJT now?

Yes, they mentioned that they don’t have any written questions this year iirc

 

[Bhavana]

is the hogan lovells test automatic? after how long do you receive the test after submitting the application?

Yes, it’s automatic, I believe they send out in batches

 

[Jaysen]

Hi all,

Paul, Weiss is live in the forum right now to answer any questions you have about applying to the firm.

Just drop a reply in this thread.

I hope you find it useful!

 

[Bhavana]

Just got an invite to Jones Day's AC! Any advice for the AC would be greatly appreciated - I've been told that it involves a group exercise and a one-to-one discussion with senior lawyers

 

[rosedunn]

any tips for the hogan lovells vs assessment?

 

[e_turbo2]

any tips for the hogan lovells vs assessment?

Hey! Can I ask when you applied and when you received the test? Thanks!

 

[emily3827]

how do you talk about open days/ insight events in work experience sections - what kind of things are you meant to say about them as its not really task heavy

 

[AS24]

Hi @Andrei Radu, given my professional background, I want to talk about a law firm's practice area. However, they only ranked Band4, which I think is still good. Should I write about it even if it is low-ranked?

 

[thelawstudent]

how do you talk about open days/ insight events in work experience sections - what kind of things are you meant to say about them as its not really task heavy

i usually try and use it to demonstrate a bit of motivation.

like i'd say who i spoke to, what i learnt, why i found this convo particularly interesting

 

[iklawapps]

This might be me overthinking it, but NRF seems to have dropped the 'why commercial law' part of its cover letter. Their website specifies "Tell us ‘why you want to join', 'what excites you about our programme', and 'how your skills match our values'."

How would you all interpret this? Is it better to follow the general structure of 1. why commercial law, 2. why NRF, 3. skills, or make sure we're answering the question like 1. why join NRF, 2. what excites us, 3. skills?

Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated : ))!!

 

[TCpleasex]

This might be me overthinking it, but NRF seems to have dropped the 'why commercial law' part of its cover letter. Their website specifies "Tell us ‘why you want to join', 'what excites you about our programme', and 'how your skills match our values'."

How would you all interpret this? Is it better to follow the general structure of 1. why commercial law, 2. why NRF, 3. skills, or make sure we're answering the question like 1. why join NRF, 2. what excites us, 3. skills?

Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated : ))!!

Hi, I would interpret this to scatter 'why commercial law' throughout the cover letter.

For example, when talking about 'why NRF' you could mention here why commercial law and then specifically why commercial law at NRF.

'What excites you about our programme' also has scope for you to sprinkle in why commercial law. Why specifically does your interest in commercial law excite you about what NRF offer on their programme and how you will use that passion and understanding of a commercial solicitor in the position you are applying to.

Finally, in terms of skills matching values, this could be a great opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness. Not simply stating you have commercial awareness but how using that skill of commercial awareness and your interest in commercial law fits with the firms values.

I know you will have limited words, however, this is the approach I would attempt to take. I have never applied to NRF so someone else might have a better insight, but I think the fact that they have dropped the 'why commercial law' question means they will be looking for you to indicate through the other questions why commercial law and also indicate your commercial awareness of the firm and also their clients etc.