TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hawkins19]

macfarlanes opened in August and they're rolling - is it too late to apply to the spring vac scheme?

 

[Bbhu19]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?

 

[baj5]

Anyone heard from Ashurst or NRF post test reports?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?

Thanks, I really worked hard to try and do well in the test. For my sjt, I’m not sure how well it went. My highest were Respect and Working with Others and lowest (surprisingly) was Critical Thinking. Not too sure how to feel about this. Did you apply? How did your tests go?

 

[msclm]

Received my written exercise invite for Dechert today. Can anyone provide some insight? I’m struggling to find anything online. Thanks!!!!

Did it today! Feel free to message me

 

[lawaspirant!]

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

Well done! When did you do the WG? I have only received the sjt report, not a separate WG score

 

[king752]

Anyone heard from Ashurst or NRF post test reports?

I was invited to Ashurst Written Exercise on Friday

 

[a1024]

Has anyone received the written exercise for Dechert's Summer VS or are they still sending out Winter?

 

[Shahenshah]

Received my Jones Day AC invite this morning - had my virtual interview on Friday last week!

 

[Bbhu19]

Thanks, I really worked hard to try and do well in the test. For my sjt, I’m not sure how well it went. My highest were Respect and Working with Others and lowest (surprisingly) was Critical Thinking. Not too sure how to feel about this. Did you apply? How did your tests go?

I have received my Watson Glaser results yet but for sky I received commercial thinking and working with others as highest, leadership as lowest, cri

 

[calebnash]

I was invited to Ashurst Written Exercise on Friday

Was this for their WVS?

 

[jojo23]

I took it last Monday morning, and I am still waiting for a follow-up, if that helps.

Me, still waiting to receive the test:

 

[TortillaTC]

Hello!

For the open days and firm events, you don't need to go into detail about every session or presentation, as this can make things feel a bit list-like. Instead, focus on what you took away from the experience - what you learned about the firm's culture, practice areas, or working style, and how that helped shape your interests or career direction. I would perhaps briefly mention the main sessions of the event, but the focus of your entry should be about what stood out to you on the day. For example, mentioning how an open day clarified your preference for a certain type of firm or practice area tends to read much more insightfully than listing the day's activity.

In terms of how many WE entries to include, 9-10 isn't necessarily "too many", as long as each one adds value and you're not repeating the same points. It's fine to include long-term extracurriculars as semi-WE if they've helped develop relevant skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork, time management). Just make sure each entry has a clear purpose and shows personal growth or reflection - quality over quantity!

I hope that answers your question

It does thank you so much!!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Has anyone heard anything back from the following firms post test?

• Taylor Wessing
• Hogan Lovells (I’ve done the first assessment and aware people have started to receive the second)
• HSF Kramer (reached the benchmark)
• NRF
• Clyde & Co
• Bird & Bird (WG)

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Well done! When did you do the WG? I have only received the sjt report, not a separate WG score

Thank you🥹 I completed it yesterday and emailed Grad Recruitment asking for my scores to be emailed. If you don’t ask you will not receive them. What was your sjt report like? Wishing you all the best with your application!

 

[smasher]

Hi guys,

I'm struggling with the "what recent work at x has interested you" questions. I know I should pick a deal/case and explain why it specifically caught my interest, but I'm struggling to find information on a lot of these cases on firms websites. They generally just provide an overview of the deal, without much extra information as to complexities etc. that could enable me to provide more thoughtful analysis. Any tips?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I have received my Watson Glaser results yet but for sky I received commercial thinking and working with others as highest, leadership as lowest, cri

That’s great! The sjt is hard to judge for me personally because all these skills are essential to a trainee. I am assuming sjt, WG and our general application will all play a part in the next round.

 

[Hopefully2025]

Anyone who's given the HL job simulation assessment, would you be willing to disclose how many VI questions it has and what category they are? (i.e. Competency, motivational, skills, commercial, SJT)

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone heard anything back from the following firms post test?

• Taylor Wessing
• Hogan Lovells (I’ve done the first assessment and aware people have started to receive the second)
• HSF Kramer (reached the benchmark)
• NRF
• Clyde & Co
• Bird & Bird (WG)

For Taylor Wessing one of the early careers team told me that if someone fails the test outright they would find out 'shortly' after their test window closes - I'm not sure how helpful that is but if a few weeks go by with no news I would assume it means you passed the test and 'in the running' for the next stage

 

[Bbhu19]

That’s great! The sjt is hard to judge for me personally because all these skills are essential to a trainee. I am assuming sjt, WG and our general application will all play a part in the next round.

I would think so, tbh with such a high Watson Glaser I wouldn’t worry about critical thinking being your lowest grade!!