TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

for DLA Q2, 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), i want to discuss an energy/aviation deal that they advised on about a year ago.

for the professional ambitions part of the q, i was thinking of highlighting the broader range of work DLA conducts in the aviation sphere. I know NRF CC conduct a lot of aviation finance mandates, whilst DLA offer insurance, regulatory, structuring and finance as well.

Is it ok to say something like 'this would provide broader exposure than finance-focused competitors such as NRF and CC, allowing me to explore my interest in this sector holistically'?

or is not a good idea to name drop competitors and keep it general.

would appreciate any advice from @Amma Usman or anyone else, thank you in advance!!

Hello!

I think your point about DLA Piper’s broader aviation work is really strong, and shows that you have done your research on the firm. However, I’d suggest keeping it general rather than naming other firms like NRF or CC directly. For example:

“This would offer broader exposure than firms focused primarily on aviation finance, allowing me to explore the sector holistically through regulatory work, insurance, and complex structuring”

By adopting this approach, you keep the focus on DLA Piper’s strengths without making direct comparisons. In general, firms prefer when you centre your answer around what attracts you to them (rather than why others might fall short).

I hope that all makes sense!

 

[floral.tcla]

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.

thank you, it's good to know! )

 

[Maddy]

For Ashurst test do we have to turn on our video?

 

[a1024]

@vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman @Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem
Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. (250)

Hi, this is one of the application questions for Hogan Lovells. I was wondering if we need to link back our experiences and skills to specific things relating to the firm where it might be helpful? How would you recommend structuring this answer?

 

[Amz2006]

what law firms have no grade requirement

 

[jojo23]

Yesterday hogan lovells had 4 questions in their wvs application now suddenly they have 2? Am I hallucinating 🤣 or did they suddenly change it

 

[ZNadeem]

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!

Congrats on the AC invite – that’s a huge step!

Group exercise tips

• Collaborate, don’t compete – build on others’ points, encourage quieter teammates, and keep the group moving towards consensus.
• Listen actively – respond to what’s been said instead of just waiting for your turn.
• Be concise & balanced – make several short, relevant contributions rather than dominating with one long speech.
• Stay positive – keep your tone polite, professional, and solution-oriented.
• Expect a mix of prep, discussion, and maybe presentation/role-play. Even if there’s a commercial element, they’re really testing how you engage as part of a team.

Case study interview tips

1. Communication – explain your thinking clearly; use PEA (Point, Evidence, Analysis).
2. Attention to detail – scan the documents carefully; small details often matter.
3. Confidence under pressure – stay calm, speak clearly, and if unsure, think out loud.

How to prep:

• Review key legal basics (contract, commercial law).
• Practise timed case studies – focus on spotting issues, structuring your analysis, and presenting logically.

During the interview:

• Structure your answers clearly (PEA).
• Engage with the interviewer.
• Stay concise – they value clarity and efficiency.
• If stuck, show your thought process rather than freezing.

 

[ZNadeem]

@vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman @Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem
Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. (250)

Hi, this is one of the application questions for Hogan Lovells. I was wondering if we need to link back our experiences and skills to specific things relating to the firm where it might be helpful? How would you recommend structuring this answer?

Hi! Rather than tying your answer directly to Hogan Lovells at every step, it’s better to link your examples back to the trainee role itself. You can do this by focusing on the key competencies HL highlight on their website (e.g. collaboration, resilience, problem-solving, communication) and then, where it adds value, show how those same skills connect with aspects of the firm (like global teamwork, sector strengths, or culture).

Structure suggestion:

• Pick 2 skills that you can evidence strongly (e.g. teamwork + resilience, or leadership + communication).
• One paragraph per skill, using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give a concrete example outside of work/study.
• Close each paragraph with 1–2 sentences linking that skill to being a successful trainee at HL (e.g. collaboration → ability to work across their cross-border teams).

This way, your answer stays experience-driven and reflective but also shows you’ve thought about how those skills translate to life as a trainee at Hogan Lovells.