TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nbjani]

How would I go about answering questions that ask about "interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements." such as for W+C? I'm stuck on this because I'm a career changer, having worked commercially for over 10 years since my undergrad. It seems a bit redundant to talk about work experience when that will be in the work experience section. Do I talk about uni societies from 10 years ago?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys,

Quick question - I was recording the VI for NRF and someone in my building decided to start work and bang a rope against my window. This was very audible in my VI responses so I waited and took longer than necessary to respond to the questions and even re-recorded one. This made me exceed the recommended 5 min prep time

Would you recommend contacting grad rec and letting them know? or is the 5 min prep time not something that is taken seriously?

Hello!

That sounds super frustrating - I’m sorry to hear that happened during your VI! If the background noise made your answers hard to hear, or you’re concerned, it is probably worth sending a quick email to the graduate recruitment team just to explain any noise (and that it caused you to exceed the prep time).

If it was just slightly over the recommended preparation time, I’d try not to worry too much - this isn’t likely to be a big issue! If it’ll put your mind at ease, you could still email the graduate recruitment team to explain.

I hope it went well! 😊

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who did the first test for Hogan Lovells, was it essentially a WG, SJT and a proofreading exercise? Also, did it have a VI element to it?

For White & Case, is there a VI with the test, once the application is sent off?

Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

HI @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock,, for this question for W&C

"Discuss a deal that White & Case has advised on in the last two years."

What do you think the word "deal" refers to here? Is it just on any matters they have worked on, including IPO's, Litigation cases and M&A, or is it just deals in the context of general M&A?

Hi!

Great question - in this context, “deal” is likely referencing transactional work, so things such as M&A, private equity, project finance, capital markets (e.g. IPOs), etc. These are typically the types of matters firms highlight as “deals” on their websites.

Litigation and arbitration wouldn’t usually fall under “deals”, since those are contentious matters rather than transactions.

So I’d recommend choosing something from White & Case’s transactional work - M&A is a solid option, but IPOs or major infrastructure or project finance deals are just as valid. I would go with whichever you are most interested in!

I hope that helps

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

For those who did the first test for Hogan Lovells, was it essentially a WG, SJT and a proofreading exercise? Also, did it have a VI element to it?

For White & Case, is there a VI with the test, once the application is sent off?

Thank you!

HL test is those 3 sections but it did take me 2 hours to do. I can't speak for others but for me it was those sections which personally was too much!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Should being an advisor in your university's legal advice clinic fall under work experience or extra curriculars

Hello!

Either is likely to work, but I would include it in your work experience section. This was always where I used to list my experience in my university’s legal advice clinic, and I never ran into any issues!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have put down I have a neurodiversity on my applications. A firm is asking for proof - however I dont really feel comfortable sharing the full 30 page diagnostic report. Does anyone have any past experience of this/ know whether it would be acceptable in just providing a screenshot of the conclusion paragraph?

Hello!

I’ve been in a similar position, and it’s totally understandable to not want to share the full report!

In most cases, firms just need confirmation of the diagnosis, not the entire document. A screenshot or PDF of the conclusion / summary page (with your name and date visible) is usually enough. It is completely fine to redact any personal information that isn’t relevant as well.

If you’re unsure, you could email the firm and explain that you’re happy to provide proof but would prefer to share only the relevant section for privacy reasons - they’re likely to be very understanding!

I hope that helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock , I was reapplying to Reed Smith - but last year, I listed their Diversity and inclusion as one of the reasons. would you recommend changing that this year? - as RS has changed ED&I to Culture & Engagement.
I'm also not sure if their affinity groups exist anymore in the UK as they have been removed in the US.
If you could provide any clarification on this, I would be very grateful!

Hey!

Whilst I can only speak from the perspective of the UK offices, I’d say it’s totally fine to still discuss Diversity and Inclusion in your application if that’s one of your main motivations, as this is still applicable to the firm.

As far as I’m aware, the Business Inclusion Groups still exist in the UK offices as I was able to join PRISM when I started!

I hope that provides some clarification

 

[Legal_Beaver]

Any new HSF WVS PFOs?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello,
This is for White & Case vacation scheme.

Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these. – 300 words

Does this mean I'm supposed to mention either positions of responsibility or achievements, because I was going to mention one extra-curricular, one position of responsibility I held, and one achievement. After re-reading the question, I'm unsure. Also, how do you structure the 'how you developed these' section?

Thank you

Hello!

You can definitely include a mix - the question invites you to talk about any interests, extracurriculars, positions of responsibility, or achievements, so mentioning one of each seems like a great way to show variety and depth. If you are going to discuss quite a few, I would make sure to focus on quality over quantity - try to make sure you are discussing the skills and competencies to fully answer the question.

For the “how you developed these” part, you don’t need to go into loads of detail - just briefly explain what you did in that activity that helped you develop that skill.

It could help to structure each example like this:

What was the activity -> What did you do -> What skills did you build -> How / Why is that relevant

Keep it concise and purposeful - and if you can show how the skills are transferable to a legal environment, that’s also great!

Good luck with your application!

 

[applicant457]

First of all, Congrats! Would you mind giving a bit of info on your background for example overall grade, RG, non-RG. I understand if you don't wish to share. I achieved similar scores but have not received yet a VI that's why I was wondering. Thank you

I think they send them out in batches? I got 4332 as well, some people here seem to think there will be no other VIs given out, but last year I got 4443 and got my interview 4 days after everyone.

It is equally plausible that they will just not send anything else out though. can I ask what u got?

 

[Bbhu19]

I

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

same 😀😀

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How would I go about answering questions that ask about "interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements." such as for W+C? I'm stuck on this because I'm a career changer, having worked commercially for over 10 years since my undergrad. It seems a bit redundant to talk about work experience when that will be in the work experience section. Do I talk about uni societies from 10 years ago?

Hello!

As a career changer, you definitely don’t need to be discussing uni societies from 10 years ago. Instead, I would try to focus on what you currently do (or have recently done) outside of your day job - volunteering, mentoring, side projects, sports, or involvement in work committees (e.g. D&I).

Even achievements within your career can work if they show initiative or values that align with the firm - just frame them less as “work experience” and more as part of who you are outside of the typical role!

The aim is to show that you are well-rounded, engaged, and that you bring transferable skills from your interests and hobbies.

I hope that helps!

 

[nbjani]

Hello!

As a career changer, you definitely don’t need to be discussing uni societies from 10 years ago. Instead, I would try to focus on what you currently do (or have recently done) outside of your day job - volunteering, mentoring, side projects, sports, or involvement in work committees (e.g. D&I).

Even achievements within your career can work if they show initiative or values that align with the firm - just frame them less as “work experience” and more as part of who you are outside of the typical role!

The aim is to show that you are well-rounded, engaged, and that you bring transferable skills from your interests and hobbies.

I hope that helps!

Thanks, this helps a lot.
Still at a bit of a loss though. Between working full time, doing my PGDL and now SQE1 prep, and applying to firms, I don't really have time for interests, hobbies and side projects anymore. I'll draw into what I did in my 20s, maybe. Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thanks, this helps a lot.
Still at a bit of a loss though. Between working full time, doing my PGDL and now SQE1 prep, and applying to firms, I don't really have time for interests, hobbies and side projects anymore. I'll draw into what I did in my 20s, maybe. Thanks!

Hey

I totally get that, and I felt a similar way when I was first applying a few years ago as I generally didn’t have many hobbies or extracurriculars outside of study / work. I tried to discuss things I did when I had some spare time, and that I enjoyed occasionally - for example, reading!

I’d say it’s totally fine to draw on past experiences if needed - you can still discuss the transferable skills that they gave you, as that will absolutely still be relevant

Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[TortillaTC]

Anyone that has got the first HL test who applied on 29 September or after?

Got it now!

 

[nbjani]

Hey

I totally get that, and I felt a similar way when I was first applying a few years ago as I generally didn’t have many hobbies or extracurriculars outside of study / work. I tried to discuss things I did when I had some spare time, and that I enjoyed occasionally - for example, reading!

I’d say it’s totally fine to draw on past experiences if needed - you can still discuss the transferable skills that they gave you, as that will absolutely still be relevant

Wishing you the best of luck!

Thanks! That does help a lot.

 

[a1024]

does anyone know if the freshfields test has a video questions in it?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Hi!

Great question - in this context, “deal” is likely referencing transactional work, so things such as M&A, private equity, project finance, capital markets (e.g. IPOs), etc. These are typically the types of matters firms highlight as “deals” on their websites.

Litigation and arbitration wouldn’t usually fall under “deals”, since those are contentious matters rather than transactions.

So I’d recommend choosing something from White & Case’s transactional work - M&A is a solid option, but IPOs or major infrastructure or project finance deals are just as valid. I would go with whichever you are most interested in!

I hope that helps

Thought as much. Thank you so much 😊

 

[amayad2004]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , I am applying to both an Open Day and VS for one firm but one of the questions for the Open Day and VS is exactly the same, how should I go about answering this, is it fine to copy and paste?