TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[User2640]

For the first assessment we receive for Clyde and Co post app form, I just wanted to confirm if it is purely a test and no VI component?

 

[yumjuicebox]

just got invited to the Hogan Lovells job simulation - does anyone have any insight/ advice? can trade insights from last year’s CMS AC

(edit: i did my CMS AC at the london office for context)

 

[EfficientBag123]

Does anyone have any general video interview tips?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

For those that have previously applied to Perkins, what has been the timeline of hearing back post app?

This is what it says on their Linkedin re the process so I'm assuming by the end of next week we will have some more info

1. Application Deadline: 2 January 2026.
2. HR Screening Interviews: 19 – 30 January 2026.
3. Virtual Competency Interviews: 02 – 13 February 2026.
4. In-Person Case Study Interviews: 16 – 23 February 2026.

 

[baj5]

This is what it says on their Linkedin re the process so I'm assuming by the end of next week we will have some more info

1. Application Deadline: 2 January 2026.
2. HR Screening Interviews: 19 – 30 January 2026.
3. Virtual Competency Interviews: 02 – 13 February 2026.
4. In-Person Case Study Interviews: 16 – 23 February 2026.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Has anyone heard from Reed Smith lately?

 

[WeGotThis!]

I have to submit a written exercise for a boutique law firm, and they require me to write a 500-word paragraph on an assigned topic. I need suggestions on structuring the answer and whether I am required to connect it to the firm, as the topic for the written exercise is rather generic. @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu would love your insights, too.

 

[sal44]

has anyone heard back post stage 2 for hogan lovells summer vs? (Or does anyone know when we might hear back)

 

[EfficientBag123]

has anyone heard back post stage 2 for hogan lovells summer vs? (Or does anyone know when we might hear back)

Nah I don’t think they have. My friend did their stage 2 and is still waiting.

 

[radssss]

has anyone heard back post stage 2 for hogan lovells summer vs? (Or does anyone know when we might hear back)

Their website says they send tests on a rolling basis but ac invites are sent after all applications have been reviewed! You might have to wait considering some of us got the stage 2 today

On that note, do you have any tips for stage 2 and is the vi part of it competency motivational or commercial or a mix of all? Thank you

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Looks like it’s gna be yet another day without any app updates for me smh.

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[EfficientBag123]

Looks like it’s gna be yet another day without any app updates for me smh.

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Wait a few more hours. I received progressions as late as 6:45pm.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Looks like it’s gna be yet another day without any app updates for me smh.

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I second this...it's been a while since I engaged in the "constantly refreshing my email" ritual

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hey everybody @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu are currently on annual leave until 22nd January. Until then, I will be on hand to answer your queries. It may take a little longer to respond to you than usual, but rest assured I'll be here 🤙

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

anyone heard from HSF summer?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hey guys! quick question, the K&L Gates application has questions asking "why K&L Gates", "why commercial law", and two about positions of responsibility along with another section for a cover letter, any idea on how to differentiate my answers to these? I don't really know what else I can write about in my cover letter that's not already addressed in the application questions. Thanks in advance ))

@wrpark it appears that they’ve targeted the application questions to understand more about your motivation for the career choice/law firm. Therefore, my approach for the cover letter would be to utilise the majority of its space to not only summarise the basics (why them/why law) but to go into more detail on why you specifically, giving them a high-level overview of who you are and what you can bring to the role/firm through your skills/experiences.

 

[johnsmith]

My inbox is too quiet!!

It's day one back into the office after new year, all I’ve done today is sift through more than 500 emails to triage them so it's unlikely you'll get much of anything today or tomorrow so probs worth switching off 😅😁🫡

 

[Prudentia]

Hey everybody @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu are currently on annual leave until 22nd January. Until then, I will be on hand to answer your queries. It may take a little longer to respond to you than usual, but rest assured I'll be here 🤙

Well deserved annual leave for both @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu! Thanks for picking up the mantle @Afraz Akhtar

 

[TCComingSoon]

Hey @Suii typically each VI question is assessed on its own merit, and has a cap of points or grading e.g. out of 10. You cannot go higher than that set metric.

Now, each question is directed at a different skill or capability, and your scores from your previous question do not influence your scores on any following questions.

Once all scores are compiled, an average is generated and you’re positioned in a leaderboard and this is what the firm will see when deciding who to shortlist for the next stage.

The firm may personally decide that they prioritise high scores in one particular question above others, however that is open to their discretion.

Thank you @Afraz Akhtar this is interesting to hear as I always thought it was out of a grading system of 3 or 5 marks for each VI question. Thank you for the insights into this it is helpful.

 

[V5⛷️]

Don't forget to get adequate rest everyone. Don't be like me

SJT: Stay late or tell the other trainee to help you?
My brain: Sisqo Thong Song 🎵