TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[noahsmiit01]

I can't work out whether this is a good or a bad thing....

Probs bad because last year it was only to write that cover letter, and if you're shortlisted, then they sent you WG. Whereas they are now all being lazy and starting to follow Linklaters structure. A&O changed their structure to this one as well.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Leaning towards bad...but I mean from their pov would they rather read 4000 850 word personal statements or filter out 4000 applicants based on a singular pointless test benchmark...

But from your pov you'd rather write a good cover letter and then if you get shortlisted towards the next stage, it just motivates you more and gives you a bit of energy that you're one step up compared to just receiving an automatic WG or SJT, which is just nothing special about...

 

[robertg22]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

 

[noahsmiit01]

I made the mistake of writing the 850 piece early... all for it to be scrapped💀

Use a few bits from it for White Case and Taylor Wessing, as they both require you to submit a cover letter. Last year, W&C's was 1000 words.

 

[Vakil]

ps i heard back from hsf kramer a few moments ago and have been invited for an open day

Congrats! May I ask if this was the open day or the social mobility open day?

 

[lawyersum]

But from your pov you'd rather write a good cover letter and then if you get shortlisted towards the next stage, it just motivates you more and gives you a bit of energy that you're one step up compared to just receiving an automatic WG or SJT, which is just nothing special about...

100% agree with you. Unfortunately the only pov that seems to matter at Freshfields is their own! It seemed very obvious that they were overjoyed at the prospect of not having to read any authentic cover letters.

 

[jojo23]

Use a few bits from it for White Case and Taylor Wessing, as they both require you to submit a cover letter. Last year, W&C's was 1000 words.

Ive already written the white & case one too🤣
As for Taylor wessing, I'm trying to do it as quickly as possible since it's rolling?
The problem is, I'm anxious about the tests as I always seem to struggle with them...

 

[jojo23]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

Someone previously said today.. but I'm doubting that now

 

[WillkieGemma]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

Hi @robertg22 - I have mentioned before that @Jaysen and his team are looking after the applications, so I'm sure they will get back to you today as planned (as the day is far from over!). Thanks, Gemma

 

[Amz2006]

Congrats! May I ask if this was the open day or the social mobility open day?

open day

 

[Amz2006]

Hiya
Is this automatic or is the test stage 2?

the amberjack one i think its automatic it comes with a video assessment i believe

 

[bh.sa]

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

 

[lawyersum]

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

Yeah, I guess you could say that! But, I would recommend checking their website for regular updates, as it is all very new it seems.

 

[ZNadeem]

Can firms see what I have submitted for my forage work exp assessments. I did I bulk of them during exams last year and rushed a few that definitely arent my best work - is it worth redoing them or not mentioning them at all?

Hi! Most firms are clear that they don’t actually check the details of your Forage submissions, and you can also update your Forage settings if you’re concerned. Honestly, they’re not reviewing them—there are just too many students completing these. These programmes are more for your own learning and exposure than for firms to test you.


So don’t worry about redoing them and feel free to mention the ones most relevant to you as evidence.

 

[ZNadeem]

i attended a masterclass/virtual event from paul weiss last year, and I am applying their open day. Would it hinder my chance if i mentioned that i attended their virtual event last year? since the nature of these events are quite similar. Would the recruiment manager saw this and be like: "oooh this person attended a similar event, let's save their spot for someone who never attended our insight event"?

Hi! If it were an in-person event, they might lean toward giving priority to new attendees. But since it is virtual, I really doubt they’ll restrict spots that much.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hello @ZNadeem
I wanted to apply to Mayer brown but I really would like to attend an open day before I submit my application. So, is it better to wait until after the open day to apply, or should I just submit earlier? The open day would be towards the end of October and Mayer Brown is rolling.

Definitely wait until after the event! Firms take their own events into account before they start reviewing applications—so attending the open day first will only strengthen your application.

 

[ZNadeem]

Quick question- how do you get TCL A Gold this year? I can’t seem to find it on the main page like I did last year. The only option I see is Premium. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Hi! We’ve consolidated the two options, and what you see as Premium is now the new package.

 

[ZNadeem]

Just did the Macfarlanes Simulate assessment and wishing luck for everyone going into it.

I know a lot of people wanted to know what it involves. Macfarlanes' email says "Integrity is one of our core values at Macfarlanes. We kindly ask that you complete the assessment independently and avoid sharing its content with others." - I think based on this it is only fair that no one has shared their experience (at least publicly). Also, it is only fair that we all enter the assessment with a degree of not knowing what it may involve. This way no one has an advantage.

I think I tried my best. At very least, it was interesting to practice video questions, especially some unexpected ones. Good luck to everyone doing this assessment! My only advice is always be yourself.

Well done, and wishing you the best!

 

[ZNadeem]

The Reed Smith app questions are identical to the Direct Training Contract App a couple of months ago... how unwise is it to use the same answers that got me past the first round?

Hi! I’d recommend tweaking small details here and there just to show growth and reflection, but otherwise it’s fine to build on the same answers.

 

[safari3]

For the question 'what is your biggest achievement', if I had a standard answer across all applications last year that was successful in passing the written application stage and it remains my biggest achievement to date, can I reuse the answer?