TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Can anyone provide insight as to whether having passed the SQE is an advantage or disadvantage for applications?

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

Thanks a lot!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

 

[Maddy]

In the Ashurst feedback report, what are we graded on?

 

[lawyersum]

Is DLA still rolling? Last year it was plastered all over their website that apps are very rolling and will close as soon as there is capacity. Now, there's a clear deadline for apps (21 Nov). Does anyone know?

 

[Kakaboo]

What are law firms looking for when they ask you how you manage competing deadlines? Thanks!

 

[Kakaboo]

I know this is for VS advice but I’ve got no idea where else to ask! I have an interview for a paralegal role at Addleshaw Goddard next week and I have no idea where to turn what to expect or how to prepare? Has anyone got any advice/ been through this? Thanks

 

[tk.42_]

When did everyone schedule their Jones Day interview for?

 

[tk.42_]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

When was your video interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

I know this is for VS advice but I’ve got no idea where else to ask! I have an interview for a paralegal role at Addleshaw Goddard next week and I have no idea where to turn what to expect or how to prepare? Has anyone got any advice/ been through this? Thanks

Hey,

Congrats on the interview! Getting to that stage is such a huge achievement.

Well in my experience, you will likely be interviewing for a particular practice, so have prepared solid answers for why that practice area, over others in the firm. Any recent developments? What's going on in that sphere? What about the clients? What do they want now? What could they want in the future giving certain economic and social trends? Answers to all these questions will help solidify your answer to that particular question.

Next, why a paralegal role? Why not a trainee role? Why not legal secretary? The basic tasks and skills acquired may be similar across all roles, but speak to people and centre on the specific job description to know exactly what it is your role will entail. Is it a full-spec paralegal role? Is the focus on doc review? What will you actually be doing?

Following this, why a paralegal role at THAT firm? Have you spoken to anyone there who inspired you to join? Have you been keeping up with firm news?

Lastly, you don't need to have all the answers. Prepare to be asked questions that may seem out of the ordinary. Just be confident in yourself and your abilities. Know your CV in and out - you may be probed on it. If you know your skills well, you can easily apply them to any question.. no stress. If you're not sure about a question, you could always ask for more clarification - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You were invited to the interview for a reason, so please see that and give it your all, I am very sure you will excel in this.

Best wishes, and do let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[Amma Usman]

What are law firms looking for when they ask you how you manage competing deadlines? Thanks!

In addition to a basic introduction relating to things like scheduling, putting the most urgent tasks on top of your desk, etc, firms want a real life example. What challenge did you face in relation to this? What specific tasks did you have to do, and how did that experience change you or make you a better candidate? Essentially, use STAR. Following that, did you receive any notable feedback for your ability to meet those competing deadlines?

 

[Amma Usman]

Is DLA still rolling? Last year it was plastered all over their website that apps are very rolling and will close as soon as there is capacity. Now, there's a clear deadline for apps (21 Nov). Does anyone know?

This is an excerpt from their website...


"Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications close for our 2026 Summer Internship as follows:
London - 21 November 2025
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester - 12th December 2025 "


LINK HERE - https://careers.dlapiper.com/early-careers/europe/uk/summer-internship.html

 

[Amma Usman]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

Hey,

Here are my main tips for each:

Group Exercise:

• Work with your group. Don't be the odd person out that doesn't work in a team. Working together improves the quality of your response to your assessors - many is always better than one. You can bounce ideas off each other, and learn so much. Any employer would prefer to work with, and hire people that know how to work well as a team.
• If you know the subject matter of the exercise, then research well on it. If not, keep up on any general commercial trends, as I am very sure that one of them will pop out, or at least you could weave it in somewhere.

Case Study Interview:

• Practice common case study types - corporate, M&A, article discussions on trendy topics, etc. Know these concepts well. It's okay if you don't know everything - law firm's don't expect you to at this stage. Ask questions in your interview if you need to. Engage in a thoughtful discussion, like asking YOUR interviewers what THEY think about a particular topic. Obviously only do this once you've answered the question they asked you about to the best of your ability.

Best wishes, and congrats on the invite. Let us know if you have any more specific questions

 

[SamiyaJ]

Can anyone share any insights/advice for Taylor Wessing online test please?

I will be receiving the test tomorrow

 

[Amma Usman]

please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps getting emails from AOS about the feedback report, every time I open them I think it's the outcome of my application and I panic lol🥲

Haha I totally get that feeling! You're doing amazing, please keep going! To help with that feeling, I typically went on regular walks, or took some time out to focus on strengthening other areas of my candidacy, like writing applications, test writing capabilities, interview composure, etc.

 

[berocca567]

Does the Linklaters test have a deadline? And does it include a video interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

Just got an invite for Sidley's HR interview! I applied on August 24

Ayyyy love to see it ... congrats! Let us know if you have any specific questions, such as what components the interview comprises of, so we could better advise

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi all! I hope you’re all having a wonderful week!

This is just a reminder to be kind to yourself and keep going! As we keep diving deeper into the application cycle, it’s important to remember to not let any setbacks get to you. You are on this journey for a reason and you are one application away from securing a VS/TC at your dream firm! So, don’t let any PFOs get to you - keep going, keep grinding, and the results will come. I always say this - every application and AC teaches you something new. These are things which only make you a better candidate, whether it’s refining your application technique, awareness of the industry, and so on!

Keep sending out those good quality applications and feel free to pop any questions in the forum.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

 

[bh.sa]

Ayyyy love to see it ... congrats! Let us know if you have any specific questions, such as what components the interview comprises of, so we could better advise

Yes please, any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ghost08]

How would you recommend we approach DLA Piper's questions:

1) Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)
2) Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)

Thanks !