TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[e_turbo2]

Has anyone heard anything back from Macfarlanes since completing the 2nd stage assessment?

Hey! I hope your 2nd stage went well. Please can you share any insights pls?

 

[e_turbo2]

After finishing Macfarlanes second round online assessment, I would say I was "ambushed".

Hey! I hope your 2nd stage went well. Please can you share any insights pls?

 

[lawyersum]

Hey! I think the best way to approach these questions is to treat them like mini personal statements. I would keep them personal and tailored to DLA Piper, and reflective of your own experiences when you can.

Here is how I’d break it down:

Personal Experience and Motivation for Law

This question is asking you to go beyond generic motivations (like problem-solving or liking to debate) and focus on something that genuinely developed your interest. This is ideally something that you personally experienced or were actively involved in.

The typical structure I would follow is:

1. Briefly explain the context - what was the experience, and why was it relevant?
2. Reflect on what you realised from this experience - did it change your perspective? Did it spark an interest in a distinct area, such as regulation?
3. Link this to your long-term career ambitions - how did it lead you to pursue a career in law? Why does DLA Piper align with that?

This doesn’t have to be a legal experience! It could be something like helping someone navigate complex systems, a moment that taught you analytical thinking, or a personal situation with a legal element. The main thing is that you have to clearly link it back to your motivation for law!

DLA Piper Insights Article

This is your opportunity to showcase your commercial awareness and understanding of the firm’s work, and how your interests align.

I would structure my response using the following:

1. Choose an article on a client sector that you find interesting - this should ideally be something that overlaps with your genuine interests and your background (e.g. emerging tech, ESG, healthcare etc.)
2. Summarise the main points of the article in your own words - this should be brief, but show that you understand the commercial and legal implications
3. Explain why this topic resonates with you - what does it tell you about the evolution of the legal industry? What part of it excites you? Does it relate to something you have studied or explored in another setting?
4. Link to DLA Piper - think about the firm’s international reach, sector focus, innovation, or work with leading clients. How does this article show the kind of work that you’d be interested in working in?

I would avoid picking a random article - choose something that you have a genuine interest in, and clearly explain why that is and how it links to your future career.

I know that there aren’t a lot of words available due to the word limit, so you should aim to be as concise as possible. Hope this helps!

Hi Abbie, do you recommend we should pick a relatively recent article, in the last 6 to 12 months and not further than that?

 

[calebnash]

Has anyone been progressed to interviews or ac’s anywhere yet?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody know if DLA Piper sponsors visa's for trainees in their Birmingham officer?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@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?

Hey!

I think that the question is a really good opportunity to show a bit more of yourself beyond work and study. It's less about having some huge achievement, and more about showing how everyday experiences have helped you build skills that matter in a trainee role. Activities such as being part of a sports team, volunteering, or organising a society event can all work well if you can link them back to what you learned.

A structure that I would usually use is:

• What you did - the activity or experience.
• What you learned - the key skills that you built (teamwork, resilience, communication, organisations, etc.)
• Why it matters - how these skills will help you as a trainee solicitor

For example:

"In my role as secretary of the university magazine, I was responsible for organising meetings, managing deadlines, and keeping communication clear between the editorial team and the design time. This meant balancing different priorities, resolving last-minute issues, and making sure that the magazine stayed on track to meet publication deadlines. Through this, I developed strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team under pressure. These are directly relevant to life as a trainee, where clear communication, teamwork, and the ability to manage competing demands are essential"

You don't need to link it back to Hogan Lovells directly, but thinking about the kind of qualities that they value in their trainees can help you frame your answer in the right way.

I hope that assists

 

[e_turbo2]

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

It is 2 questions.

 

[TCLA0322]

Hi, I'm sorry about the rejection I havent heard back yet, can I ask which one you applied for?

5th Sept;
for the next week's open day

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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!

Hi @LegallyBrunette_ !

Huge congratulations on being invited to AC - what a fantastic achievement!

In the AC that I completed for my TC, I had to complete both a group exercise and a case study interview, so I can understand wanting to do all you can to prepare in advance. I can share what worked best for me!

Group Exercise

• In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
• Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
• Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
• If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.

Case Study Interview

• You'll usually be given a business / legal scenario with background documents. I would start by reading quickly to understand the big picture, and then go back to confirm the smaller details.
• Structure your response clearly - identify the client's goals, outline the key issues, and suggest practical next steps.
• They won't expect you to know black-letter law. Focus on logic, prioritisation, and showing that you can think commercially.
• Talk the interviewer through your thought process - even if you get stuck or seem confused, they can see how you reason.
• If given a contract to assess, make a note of the exceptions and calculations in the contract. You might be asked how your stance would change if X event occurred, and it's useful to be mindful of when it might fall under any exceptions.

I would also brush up on Jones Day's structure (e.g. their non-rotational training system and international work) just in case it comes up. They're assessing potential, not perfection - so as long as you stay calm and do your best, you'll be fine.

At the end of the day, they want to see the real you - someone who can think clearly, work well with others, and stay composed under pressure. If you go in with a collaborative mindset and a clear structure for approaching problems, you'll put yourself in a strong position.

Best of luck - you've already done the hard part by getting to this stage!

 

[Kakaboo]

Does anyone have any tips on how to deeper research firms? I cant seem to find much apart from whats on their webiste etc

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

what law firms have no grade requirement

Hello!

Most firms will have a 2:1 or above minimum requirement at degree level, but mitigating circumstances are taken into account if applicable. There are a few firms that state they do not have minimum academic requirements, such as:

• Irwin Mitchell
• Browne Jacobson
• Lewis Silkin
• Osborne Clarke
• Bevan Brittan (if you have three years' relevant commercial work experience, you do not necessarily need a 2:1)

There are also some firms that don't have any A-Level requirements, such as:

• Ashurst
• BCLP
• Macfarlanes
• Womble Bond Dickinson
• Gowling WLG
• PwC
• Reed Smith
• Browne Jacobson
• Sullivan & Cromwell
• Milbank
• Akin Gump
• Davis Polk

There are likely to be more than those on this list! If unsure, I would check the firm's FAQs page or email the early careers team to confirm

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie, do you recommend we should pick a relatively recent article, in the last 6 to 12 months and not further than that?

Hi @lawyersum !

Yes, I would pick a relatively recent article if possible - within the last 12 months. This demonstrates that you're keeping up with current developments at the firm and within its client sectors.

However, if there's a slightly older article that's still highly relevant (e.g. has had a lasting impact or is still being talked about), you could use it as long as you explain why it remains important for the sector

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anybody know if DLA Piper sponsors visa's for trainees in their Birmingham officer?

From their website, it states that they are unable to sponsor visa's for their summer internship programme. However, they state that they will sponsor you for a visa if you are successful in receiving an offer to join as a trainee solicitor.

As this doesn't specify that this is exclusively for London, I would assume that this applies across their offices. However, it might be worth emailing the early careers team to confirm

 

[c3alg]

Has anyone not heard from Sidley yet (WVS)?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any tips on how to deeper research firms? I cant seem to find much apart from whats on their webiste etc

Hi @Kakaboo !

I completely understand what you mean - it can be difficult to know where to get information from, as a lot of it seems surface-level. A few things that I used to help me dig deeper are:

• Legal News Sites (Legal Cheek, The Lawyer, Law.com, RollOnFriday) - they often cover deals, cases, or firm culture that you won't necessarily find on the official site.
• Chambers Student / Lex 100 Profiles - these are great for hearing what trainees actually say about their experiences.
• Press Releases and Client News - most firms will announce big transactions and cases that they are involved with, as well as strategic moves that they are making to remain competitive. This is great for giving you a sense of the sectors that they are active and leading in.
• LinkedIn - following the firm and its lawyers is great for spotting what they're proud of and how they position themselves. If you are researching for an interview / AC, it might be appropriate to reach out to a trainee or future trainee to see if they can offer any advice.
• Podcasts, webinars, and open days - a lot of firms will host these now (either in-person or online), and they give you more information on a firm's culture and priorities.
• Networking - if you can, reach out to current trainees and attend virtual law fairs. Hearing personal experiences gives you insights that you might not find online.
• AI (within reason) - it can be a useful starting point for researching a firm, as it can quickly pull together relevant resources. Always make sure to double-check the information (by finding the information on a reputable source afterwards) before relying on it to make sure it is accurate and relevant.

The trick is to combine what the firm says about itself (i.e. on its website) with how it is perceived in the market and what their people are talking about!