TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but this is my first actual application cycle and I was wondering why firms issue rejections and then don’t progress people soon after? I’ve noticed so far that people have been rejected from HSF and macfarlanes but they haven’t released any assessment centres yet? Is this normal?

Hello!

Not a dumb question at all! Firms often have different timelines for communicating decisions at various stages. Whilst they can send out decisions for those not moving forward, the rest of the process (such as assessment centre invites) can take a bit longer to finalise. It is quite normal to see some rejections before you hear about who’s progressing.

There is also the logistical side - firms will need time to organise assessment centres, especially if they’re in person and require scheduling multiple dates or rounds.

I would say that it is pretty standard for there to be a gap! However, not hearing back when others have isn’t necessarily a bad sign - there’s a million factors that could be taken into account

 

[ohnoselim]

Hi!

Generally, video interviews will focus mostly on motivational and competency-based questions, such as ‘Why X Firm’ and ‘Tell us about a time…’.

However, some firms do include situational or scenario-based questions, particularly considering ‘strengths-based’ assessments have become more prevalent. This is a way to see how you would handle specific problems, and the traits that you possess that make you a good fit for the firm (e.g. “How would you handle X?”). I would say it’s definitely worth preparing for a few situational questions just in case - I’d say the best way is to reflect on your previous experiences, and highlight the key strengths you displayed in each scenario. You can then apply this to the situational question in the interview, and link back to your past evidence of displaying it if applicable.

I would focus most of your preparation on motivational and competency questions, but be ready for some situational questions too as they may pop up!

Thank you!

Another question, if they did ask a question relating to a deal or current news story affecting the firm/clients, would it be okay to mention the same deal i did in my application?

or if i wanted to display a sector strength would it be okay to mention the same deal?

Im not sure where to draw the line with repeating things in my application to the VI

 

[mg42guy32]

I thought I was having an epileptic episode. Scored 1/5 in all metrics. Apparently my keyboard's input lag is indicative of me not being a good team player lol

Same here lol if it makes you feel any better (it probably doesn’t)

 

[hawkins19]

Hi everyone - question about Macfarlanes. This year (I think) you can apply to the VS and direct TC in the same cycle. Just wondering - do your test scores carry over? Or do you do the test twice?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

HSF Kramer PFO

Their loss I am rooting for you and so are others in the forum.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Their loss I am rooting for you and so are others in the forum.

So kind, thank you! Likewise 🫶🏾

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Has anyone received a response from DLA Piper regarding their London Discovery Day?

 

[elizabethkate]

Just had confirmation that HSF AC invites haven't gone out

arent they non-rolling?

 

[applicant457]

arent they non-rolling?

This is what I thought too?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

So kind, thank you! Likewise 🫶🏾

Think of the VI's you got and just smash them. You got this 🥇

 

[SamiyaJ]

Think of the VI's you got and just smash them. You got this 🥇

Thank you my friend, I will try! Moaning post about VIs pending 💀

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone know what the test is for Taylor Wessing?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone know what the test is for Taylor Wessing?

From what I remember, it’s 2 tests: verbal reasoning and critical thinking

 

[thelawstudent]

This is what I thought too?

arent they non-rolling?

I think they were referring to the winter vacation scheme only.

They are non rolling, their winter vac window closed for apps on 1 october

 

[Tattyasha]

I applied to White and Case 10 sep for summer vs, because they're rolling... And I didn't receive an email to complete the test, and just logged in and saw the test was issued 10 sep as well... Did anyone else not receive an email informing them to do the test?

30 apps already - you’re an absolute machine! Well done you. This is bound to be your year 🤞

W&C didn’t open until 1 Oct so double check that. However, I can confirm they’ve been quite clever/sneaky. The link to the test is contained within the automated application submission email you get as soon as you hit go. I’m presuming they’re banking on people not bothering to open it or read it (which is probably most of us). By not doing so, we completely miss the 4 day limit to do the test.

Clever, really. It immediately whittles down the pool of people they progress, probably spend less in test fees, and are kind of testing attention to detail at the same time. I only saw mine because I saw someone else mentioned it on here earlier but otherwise would have been in exactly the same predicament.

But hey; it’s only one out of a large pool so onwards and upwards. Best of luck!

 

[DavidJC]

Yeah I can confirm I had the same with Latham, I applied over the weekend and kept wondering where the test invite was so I went back to the app confirmation email and found out I had 72 hours from submission so I thankfully made it.

 

[Amgrad]

From what I remember, it’s 2 tests: verbal reasoning and critical thinking

Is it timed or untimed? Are there VIs?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Might be an irrelevant post so apologies in advance (feel free to delete admins!), but I’ve just seen that HM courts and tribunals service are recruiting 20 admin officers.

For anyone interested in applying (deadline is 20 Oct):

10572 - Admin Officer - RCJ

Location: Royal Courts of Justice Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going. Our Admin Officers play a critical role, providing excellent administrative support and customer...

jobs.justice.gov.uk

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you!

Another question, if they did ask a question relating to a deal or current news story affecting the firm/clients, would it be okay to mention the same deal i did in my application?

or if i wanted to display a sector strength would it be okay to mention the same deal?

Im not sure where to draw the line with repeating things in my application to the VI

Hi!

No problem at all!

I’d say it’s definitely okay to mention the same deal or news story in your video interview if it’s still the best example to support your point - particularly if it’s relevant to the question and shows your understanding of the firms work / sectors.

However, if you do reuse it, I would try to talk about it from a different angle - maybe a deeper analysis or link it to a different skill / insight that you used in your application. This way it doesn’t feel like you are repeating the same answer word for word.

I’d say it’s fine to reuse examples, particularly if they’re directly applicable, but just make sure you’re building on what you have already discussed

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone - question about Macfarlanes. This year (I think) you can apply to the VS and direct TC in the same cycle. Just wondering - do your test scores carry over? Or do you do the test twice?

Hello!

Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any information online to confirm whether your test score carries over (which is usually the case for other firms).

It might be worth contacting the graduate recruitment team just to double-check, as I’m sure they’d be more than happy to confirm for you