TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shahenshah]

Who will go first and find out? 🫣 I am wondering if these are sent to everyone or can people fail the previous stages?

As I am yet to receive it, I fear I have failed the test of whether I can count and can reason. Shall go contemplate my life (as simply as I can)

 

[studenttolawyer]

Hey there!

While I cannot say for a fact what the second stage would involve in this case, I would try and prepare for it under the assumption that there is no opportunity to re-record your answers.

The best way to go about it is by practising as many questions as possible and recording your answers, even if you don't feel 100% sure that you are answering the question in the right way.

And here's the most important part - you also want to watch your answers back and review your performance! I personally found this type of practice to be the most useful for second stage assessments that may involve a video interview element.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Hi Vera, thanks a lot for your helpful advice! I'll proceed on the assumption that I cannot re-record my submissions.

 

[studenttolawyer]

I spoke to early recruitment from Ashurst team today and they said they've changed their tests. I think its cappfinity now but im not entirely sure.

It is Cappfinity, they mentioned this during their recent Ashurst Unpacked event.

 

[studenttolawyer]

Who will go first and find out? 🫣 I am wondering if these are sent to everyone or can people fail the previous stages?

They said in the email that it's (i) a job simulation, (ii) with a video element, (iii) and "no prior knowledge of Macfarlanes or legal experience is needed." Based on this, I can only assume it's a Forage-type job simulation with tasks and the video might involve providing legal advice or something similar. At the end of the day, we don't know so I guess it's best to prepare for anything, from motivational questions to competency etc.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

For the question (from Sidley app):

Detail your extra-curricular activities and interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)

Do you think it is necessary to link something back to the firm? Would be interested in others opinions

 

[User5678]

Hi @jojo23 if you mean the TCLA/Willkie open day, Jaysen has said in a previous post that everyone will hear back by 9 September.

Hi @WillkieGemma , I just wanted to check, does Willkie just require a 2:1 overall or is there an individual module grade requirement which is taken into consideration. For context, I have a 2:1 from a top RG uni but I didn’t score very well in my first year due to mitigating circumstances which I will mention on the application form!
Thank you

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi @WillkieGemma , I just wanted to check, does Willkie just require a 2:1 overall or is there an individual module grade requirement which is taken into consideration. For context, I have a 2:1 from a top RG uni but I didn’t score very well in my first year due to mitigating circumstances which I will mention on the application form!
Thank you

Hi there,

A 2.1 overall - we always take mitigating circumstances into account.

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[chiichii]

I can't speak for Jones Day, but Hogan Lovells definitely focus on the overall degree classification - I got a 2.2 in a module yet progressed through the application with an overall 2.1!

does hogan lovells have a strict a-level requirement? I have an overall 2:1 but i did not perform well on my a-level equivalent.

 

[dannyp123]

Hey everyone, Does anyone know if law firms actually use AI detection software for applications, or do they mostly just look out for generic/“AI-type” language? I put a cover letter I’m working on into GPTZero, and it somehow came up as 100% AI. It’s completely authentic, but now I’m worried about false positives and whether firms might rely on these tools without understanding the context. Any insights would be really helpful!

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone know what the Macfarlanes second stage assesment entails? the one with video interview.

When did you do the first test/submit your application?

 

[Gr33n]

I have another question @vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman what advice would you have for building your commercial awareness from scratch? I tend to dip in and out. How did you approach this and what resources did you use and still use? Thank you!

The commercial awareness compass is pretty good-> https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/commercial-awareness-compass/registration?ba_id=BA54507

 

[Amz2006]

hi guys just a bit overwhelmed with applications opening and since my last two years have not been the best I am worried about my future. In my first and second year I have got 3 48's in modules. Which law firms do not place high importance on grades. As I feel like I am not getting anywhere and my grades are really pushing me down.

 

[dm_corporate]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any thoughts on referencing ‘speaking with future trainee solicitor, I learnt x’ on an application form or is this not appropriate?

Should I only mention conversations I have had with trainees and associates?

 

[lilymawe1]

Anyone know if Dechert WVS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis?

 

[trainee4u]

"For our Winter 2025 Vacation Scheme, you will need to be in your final year of study in any degree discipline. Please note, this will be for a spring intake start date. For our Summer 2026 Vacation Scheme, you need to be in your penultimate year in any degree discipline."

Ignore all of the general texts, clearly some of them refer to Summer and some to both. The above should clarify the position

so are graduates eligible or not?

 

[lilymawe1]

so are graduates eligible or not?

If I remember correctly, I don't believe graduates are eligible. Someone on here did reach out to Graduate Recruitment who confirmed this. As far as I am aware, graduates will need to apply to their Direct TC. Please do correct me if I am wrong however!

 

[dannyp123]

so are graduates eligible or not?

I spoke with Graduate Recruitment, and only penultimate-year students can apply for the SVS, final-year students for the WVS, and graduates for the Direct TC. The reasoning is that many graduates naturally have more experience (e.g. paralegalling for a couple of years), and grouping them with university students who inevitably have less experience may not be optimal.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

How would you guys suggest structuring the work experience paragraphs of an application. I struggle to write 250 words about my role working in a store or about a mini pupillage. Do I need to address how that work experience is relevant to the firm or to corporate law? Does it look bad if I leave it at 100-150 words out of the 250?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

For the question (from Sidley app):

Detail your extra-curricular activities and interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)

Do you think it is necessary to link something back to the firm? Would be interested in others opinions

Hi @Sachin Chandra,

Great question!

Given that you only have 250 words and multiple sub-questions to answer, I would recommend focusing on answering each of those smaller questions in depth and detail first. Chances are, by the time you are happy with how your answer came out, you will have run out of space!

I hope this answers your question. Good luck!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

How would you guys suggest structuring the work experience paragraphs of an application. I struggle to write 250 words about my role working in a store or about a mini pupillage. Do I need to address how that work experience is relevant to the firm or to corporate law? Does it look bad if I leave it at 100-150 words out of the 250?

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744,

I used to wonder the same when I was applying! I also had multiple positions where I struggled to fill the whole 250 words with content. I would not worry too much about this - naturally, you will have more to say about longer-term or more complicated roles. Some of my work experience entries were 50-70 words long, and I was completely fine.

However, if you'd rather use the whole 250 words for each entry, you can always go into more depth about a memorable or notable event at a particular job using the STAR structure. This will use up a lot of that extra word count while simultaneously highlighting your skills.

I hope this helps!