TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Chriss]

Anything from Akin?

 

[Amgrad]

I’ve done the tests - there were two and they were both timed. They are both verbal reasoning based but one is slightly more varies in terms of question style.

Thx for the correction. I meant verbal and critical thinking test, not numerical. Pardon me I was mixing up with another verbal test which usually paired with numerical.

 

[c.t.tc]

Thx for the correction. I meant verbal and critical thinking test, not numerical. Pardon me I was mixing up with another verbal test which usually paired with numerical.

No worries! I always get mixed up had double checked anyway to remind myself which one it was

 

[yk1906]

Any info on Paul Hastings openings this year? Either for DTC or VS or both....

 

[Lawlawland]

Is there any added advantage if you do the virtual work simulation of the law firms you're applying to?

 

[Bbhu19]

Is there any added advantage if you do the virtual work simulation of the law firms you're applying to?

Some firms like CC want to see you have done their forage whilst others just like to see that you have attempted them

 

[emily3827]

if im reapplying to nrf svs after post-vi rejection, would you recommend redoing the app or can I just use the same one bc realistically not much has changed

 

[applicant3000]

Some firms like CC want to see you have done their forage whilst others just like to see that you have attempted them

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

 

[Lawlawland]

Some firms like CC want to see you have done their forage whilst others just like to see that you have attempted them

Thanks for for the inputs!

 

[Amgrad]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They can't if your profile is private or use another email. I'd personally done some back at college with university email address, not personal email that I used for job application.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Reed Smith, 9/9 for both applied intellect and digital mindset, but 4/9 for both grit and creative force... Is there still a chance?

Hey!

Whilst I'm not too sure on all the considerations they make, I scored 25 overall in my Reed Smith SJT so I'd say that there definitely is still a chance based on your scores!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman hey guys, im just planning the NRF cover letter but its a bit different than the usual. "Tell us why you want to join, what excites you about our programme, and how your skills match our values. Keep it personal and specific."
Im interpreting this as - Why NRF, why this specific TC (training and opportunities), then why me (then match to values). Am I on the write lines? + any suggestions as to structure/content would be amazing. Thank you so much!!!! <3

Hello!!

Yes, sounds like you are absolutely on the right track. The way you've broken it down into 'why NRF', 'why their programme', and 'why you' is how I would generally interpret it too! It seems like a slightly more personal twist on the cover letter, but I think following those questions makes a lot of sense.

In terms of structure, I would perhaps follow something along the lines of:

• Why NRF ("Tell us why you want to join"): Start by showing what draws you to the firm itself - maybe their global presence, standout practice areas, or commitment to innovation or sustainability. If you've spoken to NRF lawyers or read about a deal or initiative that really resonated with you, mention it here to make your answer specific and authentic.
• Why this TC ("What excites you about our programme"): I would then move into what excites you about their training contract in particular - e.g. the international opportunities, variety of seat options, client exposure, or emphasis on professional development. Make sure that you show how these aspects align with what you're looking for in your training experience, with reference to your past experiences and future ambitions.
• Why you ("How your skills match our values"): Finish your cover letter by connecting your own skills and experiences to NRF's core values. I would back up each point you make with a brief example - for instance, times you've shown collaboration or adaptability. This helps demonstrate that your motivations and approach fit naturally with the firm's culture. They'll be wanting you to display self-awareness and reflection on your past experiences and skills, and why this makes you a good fit.

I'd write a short closing paragraph that ties it all together - something that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the firm and your eagerness to contribute to the firm in the future. Just make sure that you are making the cover letter personal and specific, such as including references to your past experiences and personal motivations where you can.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is there any added advantage if you do the virtual work simulation of the law firms you're applying to?

Hello!

I would say that the advantage of doing the programme for a firm that you are applying for is that you can demonstrate genuine interest and motivation in the firm. It shows that you've taken the time to understand the type of work they do and what trainees might be tasked with.

You can also reference specific insights you gained from the programme in your application or interview - for example, a task or case study that stood out to you, or how it developed your interest in a certain area. That helps make your answers more specific and personal, rather than generic.

It's also a good way to confirm for yourself whether the firm's work actually interests you, which makes your motivation feel more authentic when you write about it!

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Hello!!

Yes, sounds like you are absolutely on the right track. The way you've broken it down into 'why NRF', 'why their programme', and 'why you' is how I would generally interpret it too! It seems like a slightly more personal twist on the cover letter, but I think following those questions makes a lot of sense.

In terms of structure, I would perhaps follow something along the lines of:

• Why NRF ("Tell us why you want to join"): Start by showing what draws you to the firm itself - maybe their global presence, standout practice areas, or commitment to innovation or sustainability. If you've spoken to NRF lawyers or read about a deal or initiative that really resonated with you, mention it here to make your answer specific and authentic.
• Why this TC ("What excites you about our programme"): I would then move into what excites you about their training contract in particular - e.g. the international opportunities, variety of seat options, client exposure, or emphasis on professional development. Make sure that you show how these aspects align with what you're looking for in your training experience, with reference to your past experiences and future ambitions.
• Why you ("How your skills match our values"): Finish your cover letter by connecting your own skills and experiences to NRF's core values. I would back up each point you make with a brief example - for instance, times you've shown collaboration or adaptability. This helps demonstrate that your motivations and approach fit naturally with the firm's culture. They'll be wanting you to display self-awareness and reflection on your past experiences and skills, and why this makes you a good fit.

I'd write a short closing paragraph that ties it all together - something that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the firm and your eagerness to contribute to the firm in the future. Just make sure that you are making the cover letter personal and specific, such as including references to your past experiences and personal motivations where you can.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Thank you so much Abbie! <3

 

[busybee070]

is freshfields application process just the online form, then the online assessment (sjt, critical reasoning, & motivation in context) before AC?

 

[abc124]

Hey!

Whilst I'm not too sure on all the considerations they make, I scored 25 overall in my Reed Smith SJT so I'd say that there definitely is still a chance based on your scores!

Hi, do you know if there's an overall score cut-off? I think I did okay in the video interview but I scored really poorly in 2 of the pillars so my total is 22 and I'm scared it won't even get watched :')

 

[Bbhu19]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They check that you completed them but they don’t check your answers supposedly

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

What's the etiquette for incoming vacation schemes on the work experience section?
Do applicants generally put 'incoming vacation scheme at X firm' in their work experience section?

Should I;
A) Not include the incoming scheme (as I haven't completed it yet + don't want Y firm to think I prefer X firm, or that I'm more likely to receive/accept a TC at X firm first).
B) Only include the incoming scheme for firms which are very similar to X firm (e.g. they operate in the same key sectors).
C) Include the incoming scheme when applying to all firms.

I'm conscious that for non-CV firms, putting in a blank entry on Candid for an 'incoming scheme' might also seem odd. However, I also recognise just how beneficial it is to have a VS under your belt, and that other law firms might see this incoming VS and think I am a competitive applicant. (Equally they might hate it for reasons outlined above).

Any help will be much appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock eager to hear your thoughts too

 

[SR99]

How would you recommend structuring a cover letter for an open day? Would it be 1. Why the Open Day 2. Why you 3. Why commercial law 4. Why the firm?

Am I missing anything?
Thank you!