TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Unknowncabbage]

Probably a stupid question but when talking about 'an outstanding personal achievement', how personal does it have to be? Is talking about my involvement in a society and something that was achieved (that I was part of) not personal enough, or would that be acceptable?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone know if HSFK requires a 2.1 across all modules, or just overall?

I could not find any specific information on their website, but based on their specified requirements in other years and my knowledge of the firm, I am quite certain you only need an overall 2.1 to be eligible to apply.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Probably a stupid question but when talking about 'an outstanding personal achievement', how personal does it have to be? Is talking about my involvement in a society and something that was achieved (that I was part of) not personal enough, or would that be acceptable?

I think it would be acceptable. I believe the "personal" part is more of an indication that the firm wants you to discuss an achievement that was very much "yours" rather than an achievement of, say, a group you were part of. Nonetheless, even if the firm indented the "personal" part to refer to something having more to do with your development and growth as a person, I still would not consider your example to be an problematic, as long as you ensure you also express your reflections on how the role in the society ties into your journey.

 

[applicant457]

Has anyone else not received the Taylor Wessing test yet, despite getting a link to the prep hub & being told it would come last Friday? Just wondering if I need to email or not

I haven't either

 

[lawcool]

for the linklaters app form, how do i put my undergrad and postgrad as it seems to only reference undergraduate as it says 'is your undergrad degree law or non-law' then do you have an additional undergrad degree to add? I'm a little confused on where to put my postgrad

 

[SamiyaJ]

Clyde & Co online assessment invite! Any tips/insights would be really appreciated

 

[baj5]

did anyone figure out how to add schools to NRF's app?

 

[lawcool]

Please give a brief summary of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements gained at School, University, Law School or in employment. - Can this be bullet points as i only have 100 words or should i try to explain them in sentences? also, if some of them count as work experience should i save my words and leave them for the work experience section?

 

[WeGotThis!]

did anyone figure out how to add schools to NRF's app?

Further, in the application they ask you to list out your A-Levels and there's a specific format provided there mentioning your school name, year etc.

I don't think there's a separate tab as such for schools, as I couldn't add it in either.

 

[WeGotThis!]

@Abbie Whitlock @vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem
For the NRF cover letter, I wanted to know what is the ideal length? The firm doesn't mention a word limit, if I'm not wrong and previously they used to have a 750 word limit. I'm unsure if I should stick to 1 A-4 page or I can go for 1.5 pages. Any help will be very helpful!

 

[jagath]

I am applying for an open day at HSF and the question is: Please explain how you think you would benefit from attending this Open Day (300 words). Any tips on how to answer this?

 

[londonlawyer]

Just wanted some thoughts on Paul, Weiss' application questions this year.

1) Tell us why you want to join Paul, Weiss.
2) How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss?

I am unsure how to structure my answer to the first question. I have quite a good extra-curricular experience, which would align well with the client-contact focused nature of P,W's TC, which I am not sure if I can include in the first question, as the second question explicitly asks about extra-curriculars. Should the first question purely be about aspects of P,W's work and culture which I am attracted to, which I then support using my experiences in the second question? But again, I would not be answering the 'you' part of the first question if I don't include my extra-curriculars.

 

[londonlawyer]

I am applying for an open day at HSF and the question is: Please explain how you think you would benefit from attending this Open Day (300 words). Any tips on how to answer this?

Attended their open day last year. My structure was:

1st paragraph - focused on their M&A practice and discussed a deal. Backed it up with my previous experience and discussed how I would like to learn more about how the firm utilises its international nature to advise clients

2nd paragraph - focused on the level of trainee responsibility the firm gives to trainees and how I would like to interact with trainees to learn more about how they use their entrepreneurial mindset. Backed this up with an extra-curricular experience.

Hope this helps!

 

[jagath]

Attended their open day last year. My structure was:

1st paragraph - focused on their M&A practice and discussed a deal. Backed it up with my previous experience and discussed how I would like to learn more about how the firm utilises its international nature to advise clients

2nd paragraph - focused on the level of trainee responsibility the firm gives to trainees and how I would like to interact with trainees to learn more about how they use their entrepreneurial mindset. Backed this up with an extra-curricular experience.

Hope this helps!

Thanks!

 

[raymokhan]

just got mayer brown OA

When did you get the OA offer after applying? I've heard nothign yet (on a 1st at uni and have a good work experience portfolio so I'd be surprised if I wasn't offered the automated assessment email)

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I was on a webinar with grad rec, and they confirmed that they only review applications that pass their assessment benchmark.

Do you know if that is just in relation to the critical reasoning aspect of it?

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Hi! I'm hoping to apply to HL Lift Off, and one of their questions is "Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role."
I'm assuming they want to see how I've developed my commercial awareness. Does anyone have examples of what I could use? I'm so confused on what examples would even be appropriate? I'm particularly confused about the "outside your work" part since I do have work experience to back up my commercial awareness but idk what to say without mentioning those?

 

[yasmars]

No they made it clear that you have to reach the benchmark for all of their assessments (so the SJT and WG) before they read your application.

How do we know we’ve passed the benchmark?

 

[ZNadeem]

@Abbie Whitlock @vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem
For the NRF cover letter, I wanted to know what is the ideal length? The firm doesn't mention a word limit, if I'm not wrong and previously they used to have a 750 word limit. I'm unsure if I should stick to 1 A-4 page or I can go for 1.5 pages. Any help will be very helpful!

Hi! I’d recommend keeping your cover letter under 1.5 pages. Ideally, aim for around 1 page, but it’s perfectly fine if it goes a little over.

 

[ZNadeem]

I am applying for an open day at HSF and the question is: Please explain how you think you would benefit from attending this Open Day (300 words). Any tips on how to answer this?

Hi! I’d suggest picking two things the firm is particularly known for that resonate with you, and structure your answer around those. Then, write two paragraphs—each one following a PEA structure:

• Point – identify the USP you want to explore (e.g. their global platform, strength in finance, or culture of collaboration).
• Evidence – explain briefly why this resonates with you (link to your background, experiences, or interests).
• Analysis – instead of saying “this is why I want to work here,” frame it as “this is what I hope to learn more about at the open day.” For example, what questions you want answered, or how hearing directly from lawyers will deepen your understanding.

That way you’re showing genuine curiosity and purpose, not just repeating a “why this firm” answer. Keep it focused and personal.