TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DavidJC]

Does anyone have any tips on writing an Open Day application for Davis Polk?
I normally wouldn't ask but this question has tripped me up a bit as I'm not 100% sure if I can really find 500 words for an Open Day application without waffling.

In the space below please explain why you would like to attend an Insight Day at Davis Polk (Max 500 words)

My interests are very much in finding out about deal origination (US-sourced vs Europe-sourced), proportion of work in certain practice areas (I've seen a video where the previous Training Principal and current Head of Europe talked about their laser focus on corporate finance), exploring the culture in-person, the ratio of on-the-job vs formal training, and how all of these things intertwine. Not sure if I can/should try and personalise every point for an Open Day application either.

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Is it still worth applying for HL WVS, as people are already receiving online test invites + the fact that it is rolling?

 

[TortillaTC]

Is it still worth applying for HL WVS, as people are already receiving online test invites + the fact that it is rolling?

I think the test is part of the first stage once they assess eligibility from the written application. It’s not selective

 

[nbjani]

I think the test is part of the first stage once they assess eligibility from the written application. It’s not selective

There's a second test which has been sent out today - the first one was automatic upon application, and this one seems to have been selective. it seems likely that it's going to be more situational based video answers based on the small amount of info I can find online, so hoping this is the case!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it still worth applying for HL WVS, as people are already receiving online test invites + the fact that it is rolling?

Hello!

I would say that it is absolutely still worth applying if you have a strong application to submit before the deadline. Whilst it is advantageous to submit earlier in the application window when the deadline is rolling, it is definitely not impossible to still progress if you submit later on.

However, if you feel you could use the extra time to really refine your application and build your transferable skills, there's no real harm in waiting and applying for the later vacation schemes

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Hello!

I would say that it is absolutely still worth applying if you have a strong application to submit before the deadline. Whilst it is advantageous to submit earlier in the application window when the deadline is rolling, it is definitely not impossible to still progress if you submit later on.

However, if you feel you could use the extra time to really refine your application and build your transferable skills, there's no real harm in waiting and applying for the later vacation schemes

Thank you!

 

[cheeseontoast]

Does anyone know how to contact the DLA piper's graduate recruitment? Can't find them on their website unfortunately

 

[berocca567]

There's a second test which has been sent out today - the first one was automatic upon application, and this one seems to have been selective. it seems likely that it's going to be more situational based video answers based on the small amount of info I can find online, so hoping this is the case!

but the first one had like 6 parts! there's more????

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody who applied to HL near 24th September got their inital test?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anyone know how to contact the DLA piper's graduate recruitment? Can't find them on their website unfortunately

Here you go! It's [email protected]

 

[Lawlife5]

Hey!

You should find a relevant article from their Insights Page on their website.

I would pick one that genuinely interests you, and aligns with your personal and professional ambitions

Thank you @Abbie Whitlock, in terms of client sector I am not sure which one to choose as I do not have a set sector I am interested in so it is quite difficult to say how it aligns with my ambitions. I have practice areas in mind which would be much easier. Do you have tips on the way to go about this? thank you

 

[Shannon]

but the first one had like 6 parts! there's more????

lol yes, I just finished it. it wasnt too bad!

 

[fffvfdsfv]

is kirkland rolling?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

On this I found an article that discusses its impact on multiple sectors. Is it okay to discuss the article if I can relate it to my interests in one of the sectors.

Hey!

Great question - yes, if the article touches on multiple sectors but you can clearly relate it to your interests in one of them, I think it’s totally fine to use. The key is to make a strong connection between the article’s content and your personal / professional ambitions, especially in a sector that genuinely interests you.

Just be sure to keep your focus clear and personal, but it sounds like you’re on the right track!

Best of luck with your application!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

is kirkland rolling?

Nope

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Have White & Case introduced an online assessment this year? I don't remember having to do one last cycle... maybe i'm misremembering. If they have, that's yet another firm moving towards online tests.

Yes there is a test. Grad rec confirmed.

Blame Gen AI, writing applications are now becoming too easy. Even some universities are moving away from written coursework

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Any tips for the Latham & Watkins test, especially the VI at the end?

Thanks!

There is no vi for the first one. It’s also short and super easy. Purely SJT. No maths and verbal stuff. But the second one has Vi. I need tips lol

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you @Abbie Whitlock, in terms of client sector I am not sure which one to choose as I do not have a set sector I am interested in so it is quite difficult to say how it aligns with my ambitions. I have practice areas in mind which would be much easier. Do you have tips on the way to go about this? thank you

Hey!

No problem at all! I totally get where you’re coming from, and it can definitely feel tricky when you’re drawn to practice areas rather than client sectors.

One way to approach it might be to look for overlaps: for example, have a think about what practice areas these sectors may be involved in. If you’re interested in areas such as IP, employment, or litigation, you could explore how those come into play in sectors such as tech, life sciences, and media.

Even if you don’t have a set sector in mind, you can still frame your answer around how the article gave you insight into a real-world issue that intersects with your own genuine interests, and reflect on how that aligns with the kind of work you can see yourself doing at the firm.

It’s more about showing genuine curiosity and being able to make that connection, rather than having everything perfectly planned out - best of luck with your application

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Hogan Lovells asks for details of any Open Days or Events attended. I’ve been to quite a few, but since my open days are already covered in my work experience section, I was planning to highlight other events instead. For example, I recently attended the Legal Cheek “AI, Blockchain and the Future of Corporate Law” event with Hogan Lovells. The only issue is that I was at work at the time and my Wi-Fi kept cutting out, so my notes didn’t save. I’d still like to reference the event since it was directly with the firm, but I’m unsure if I could confidently discuss it in depth at interview without reviewing my notes.

Bit of a random question but unsure if I should just focus on other events not with the firm or still include this?

 

[GT1205H]

Hogan Lovells asks for details of any Open Days or Events attended. I’ve been to quite a few, but since my open days are already covered in my work experience section, I was planning to highlight other events instead. For example, I recently attended the Legal Cheek “AI, Blockchain and the Future of Corporate Law” event with Hogan Lovells. The only issue is that I was at work at the time and my Wi-Fi kept cutting out, so my notes didn’t save. I’d still like to reference the event since it was directly with the firm, but I’m unsure if I could confidently discuss it in depth at interview without reviewing my notes.

Bit of a random question but unsure if I should just focus on other events not with the firm or still include this?

Is this for the application form? If it is, they state at the top of the work experience section that you should not include open days or events because you will be given the opportunity to talk about it in the next section.