TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Ross]

Has anyone heard from Linklaters with either PFO/AC invite? They said their ACs would take place next week so not sure if they’ve sent invites already or not?

Hi. I heard they sent out invites on Monday. Not sure, if and when more invites are coming

 

[msclm]

Congrats to you and your friend! Can I ask when you applied?

September 14th

 

[Amgrad]

Does anyone know if Goodwin's open day is rolling? Their VS is not rolling but I can't find info about their open day.

Apparently semi rolling, I'd ask GR team as I'll attend the app session with them tomorrow.

I suggest you apply by now as tomorrow is the deadline I guess

Hey! I just attended the app insight session with Goodwin, here are the takeaways:

• The last batch of open day invites will be shared next week or after as they will conduct multiple open days.
• As they disclosed the VS conversion rates, it's recommended to apply direct TC only if you're non UK int'l students.

 

[Amgrad]

September 14th

Amazing, you ace this cycle! Should we award you a king or queen? 👑

I applied on the deadline and did a slight mistake on spelling, it was mixed between American and British lol. Would it significantly affect my app? Lolll it was my first app this cycle and that shortest word limit, my bad!

 

[Dannie]

Would anyone that has been to any V&E events be willing to share notes:

 

[stilltrying]

Anyone heard back for HSF WVS. Wondering if it's a PFO now

 

[johnsmith]

Anyone heard back for HSF WVS. Wondering if it's a PFO now

I got a no today. They seem to be doing the positive & negative responses in batches.

 

[TortillaTC]

For those that have successfully passed HL’s first stage test (so made it to the second stage), when did you hear back after completing the first one? If we fail their benchmark, do they send near automatic the next day or wait?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Does anyone know if the Taylor Wessing test involves a pre recorded video interview? If so do you get an unlimited time to prepare or is it timed preparation?

 

[silonthesofa]

I got a no today. They seem to be doing the positive & negative responses in batches.

There also doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it because someone that got an invite to an AC a couple of days ago submitted their application on the deadline day, so for all we know, they just put all the applications into one big pool after the deadline and just randomly start picking. (Low key, the whole recruitment selection process in law is so arcane and safeguarded, even partners are in the dark)

 

[msclm]

Amazing, you ace this cycle! Should we award you a king or queen? 👑

I applied on the deadline and did a slight mistake on spelling, it was mixed between American and British lol. Would it significantly affect my app? Lolll it was my first app this cycle and that shortest word limit, my bad!

Thank you !!! I feel very blessed for how this cycle is going for me so far! I don’t think the misspelling (which I’d argue it really isn’t) is a big issue. For a different firm (dechert) I misspelled the firm name twice and still have been progressed LMAO

 

[SamiyaJ]

For those that have successfully passed HL’s first stage test (so made it to the second stage), when did you hear back after completing the first one? If we fail their benchmark, do they send near automatic the next day or wait?

This would be good to know as 4 weeks later I’ve still heard nothing after the first test!

 

[johnsmith]

There also doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it because someone that got an invite to an AC a couple of days ago submitted their application on the deadline day, so for all we know, they just put all the applications into one big pool after the deadline and just randomly start picking. (Low key, the whole recruitment selection process in law is so arcane and safeguarded, even partners are in the dark)

Or best fit get addressed first - the rejection email said what they were looking at - they then work down through the others so they're sort of scored.

 

[johnsmith]

This would be good to know as 4 weeks later I’ve still heard nothing after the first test!

I answered this question previously if you look at my comment history

 

[londonlawyer]

Hey! I just attended the app insight session with Goodwin, here are the takeaways:

• The last batch of open day invites will be shared next week or after as they will conduct multiple open days.
• As they disclosed the VS conversion rates, it's recommended to apply direct TC only if you're non UK int'l students.

Thank you!

 

[Legallywhatever]

I would imagine that this Q is asking for you to share specific qualities of the firm's that appealed to you so that the answer reads as more tailored. I highly doubt they want to restrict you to writing however many words on just one specific eureka moment 😅
Though ofc, if you have attended an Open Day or something, then I'm sure talking about just one instance is fine!

Thank you!

 

[WeGotThis!]

So just to clarify after the application question is the SJT and critical reasoning. No VI

Is it Capp?

 

[lawninja00!]

Hello!

I'd say they're looking for one strong and detailed example rather than multiple shorter ones. The question says "an example", and firms usually prefer depth over breadth - they want to see that you can reflect on your experience, analyse what you did well, and link it meaningfully to the firm's values.

A good structure is the STAR method - set out the Situation / Task, outline what Actions you took, and then conclude with the Result / Reflection. Then, in the final few sentences, you could explicitly link that experience to Taylor Wessing. For example, you could mention how that value (e.g. creativity of teamwork) aligns with something specific about the firm (beyond it being one of their core values) - such as their work in tech and life sciences, or their approach to innovation.

I don't think you need to include a full case study, especially given the character limit, but a short reference to something you've read about Taylor Wessing (e.g. a deal, initiative, or an insight from a talk) makes the answer feel tailored and shows genuine engagement. The key is to show both self-awareness and firm-awareness, and how your experience reflects a value that is important at Taylor Wessing.

I hope that helps!

thank you!

 

[silonthesofa]

Or best fit get addressed first - the rejection email said what they were looking at - they then work down through the others so they're sort of scored.

Did HSF Kramer's rejection email actually give a reason? Not just the generic "having reviewed your application, as well as your test scores, we regret to inform you that on this occasion, we cannot..."?

 

[johnsmith]

Did HSF Kramer's rejection email actually give a reason? Not just the generic "having reviewed your application, as well as your test scores, we regret to inform you that on this occasion, we cannot..."?

It was generic but outlined what they mostly judged it upon.