TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

im doing an application which asks for a cover letter. Does anyone have any tips regarding: what to include/ a rough framework and a word count? thanks

Hi! A structure that usually works well is:


1–2 paragraphs on why commercial law

• Start by clearly stating why you’re drawn to commercial law. Use the PEA structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis): make a clear point about your motivation, provide evidence from your experiences (e.g., coursework, internships, commercial competitions, or relevant projects), and then analyse why this makes you suited to commercial law. Keep it specific and personal rather than generic.

2–3 paragraphs on why that firm

• Focus on what makes the firm unique—its practice areas, notable deals, client base, culture, international reach, training approach, or strategic initiatives. Use PEA again: point out a feature, back it up with evidence or examples (from research, news, or your own insight), and analyse why this appeals to you or aligns with your career goals. Where possible, link it to your previous experience or skills to show why you’re a strong fit.

1 paragraph on why you / your skills

• Highlight 1–2 key qualities or skills relevant to the firm and role, and demonstrate them using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Rather than just listing skills, give concise examples showing real impact or achievement—this helps you stand out and shows you can contribute effectively.

Word count and style

• Aim for roughly 1-1.5 pages, depending on the firm, unless a word limit is specified. Be concise, professional, and ensure your writing is clear and structured—bullet points aren’t typical in cover letters, but make sure your paragraphs flow logically.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hey everyone,

Just to let you know that the graduate recruitment team at Paul, Weiss will be live in the forum tomorrow at 10am, alongside a group of associates.

If you are planning to apply to the firm, this is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about how to write a good application, the associate experience, or to better understand what makes Paul, Weiss different.

I'll link the thread here at 10am tomorrow.

See you then!

Will they be present via video stream, or will they just reply to comments posted in this thread?

Thank you

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, another quick question about HL Lift Off 2026. One of the app Qs are to Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. By "this role', do they mean the programme (i.e they're essentially asking what experiences have allowed you to become more commercially aware) or being a lawyer at HL in general?

 

[Jaysen]

Will they be present via video stream, or will they just reply to comments posted in this thread?

Thank you

This will be a new ‘Ask me Anything’ thread for this cycle, where they will respond to questions in written form

 

[Chriss]

Any insignts on how to best prepare for HSFKs assessment?

 

[zonnonomo]

hi is there anyone i can private chat with about sensitive mitigating circumstances? i sent a message to jessica ages ago but she left the forum only days after my text iirc

 

[berocca567]

Does anything else think that SJTs are just a way of randomly filtering people out without reason? I know they supposedly test your skills, but every time I do one I get different strengths and weaknesses. I see them as just a bit of a lottery.

 

[londonlawyer]

I think you can include both and ideally should include both.

In general, when wring an answer for an extracurriculars application form question, you always want to link the experience to a skill that is relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor. Nonetheless, given the particular language chosen by the firm when formulating their question ("how others have benefited from your involvement"), I would interpret this as a clear suggestion that you can discuss the relevance of an experience in a wider and potentially more communitarian context - i.e. you can explain how you developed skills/interests/qualities that were good for you and other people more generally, rather than only focusing on skills you developed that benefited you in the narrow sense of being good for your career. Presumably, the firm chose this drafting because they consider this broader personal development to make for a better candidate to recruit.

However, as I said in the beginning, I would try to discuss both (i) this wider personal development and (ii) the development of more specialised skills relevant for a trainee. This is again as a result of closely following the logic of the language: "what you feel you have gained from them" seems to me to suggest this second and more you-focused perspective, and using "and" instead of "or" suggests that the firm would prefer it if you could write about both rather than only focusing on one.

Thank you!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

DLA are non rolling confirmed by their early careers team!

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anything else think that SJTs are just a way of randomly filtering people out without reason? I know they supposedly test your skills, but every time I do one I get different strengths and weaknesses. I see them as just a bit of a lottery.

Hi! I get where you’re coming from, but I do think firms use them because they give a quick sense of whether someone understands the role of a trainee and how to act in a law firm setting. They’re less about being “right or wrong” in an absolute sense, and more about showing judgment in line with what firms expect.

Some tips that usually help frame your answers:

-Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
-Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
-Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
-Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
-Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
-Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

 

[ZNadeem]

Any insignts on how to best prepare for HSFKs assessment?

Hi! I’d definitely recommend starting with the practice test on their website to get a feel for the format. Beyond that, have a close look at the competencies the firm highlights (things like teamwork, attention to detail, communication, client focus, etc.) and keep those in mind when you’re answering. Try to frame your responses in a way that shows you’re demonstrating those qualities—it makes your answers much more aligned with what they’re looking for.

• Understand the format: HSFK uses situational judgment–style questions mixed with personality questions. Remind yourself that they’re not testing legal knowledge but judgment, decision-making, and how you’d think as a trainee.
• Think like a trainee: You’re not expected to give legal advice, but you are expected to show that you’d escalate issues, balance competing tasks, and work collaboratively under supervision.
• Prioritise effectively: When you get multiple tasks, think about what’s urgent vs. important, and show an ability to manage time under pressure.
• Stay client-focused: In any scenario, your answer should reflect protecting the client’s interests first, then supporting your colleagues, then yourself.
• Be risk-aware: Avoid answers that show recklessness or cutting corners—law firms will always prioritise caution and accuracy.

Best of luck!

 

[tcla02]

does Weil have SJT now?

 

[a1024]

is the hogan lovells test automatic? after how long do you receive the test after submitting the application?

 

[TortillaTC]

DLA are non rolling confirmed by their early careers team!

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice on talking about paralegal experience in the work experience section as I have only been there a few months and not sure how best to talk about it? thank you

Hello!

Of course - I can share some tips that I used when detailing my paralegal experience in the work experience section.

I wouldn't worry too much about only having been there a few months - even a short amount of paralegal experience can give you plenty to talk about. I'd suggest focusing less on the length of time and more on the skills and insights you've gained so far. For example, you could highlight any responsibility you have taken on (e.g. drafting, client contact, legal research, admin support), or how the role has helped you develop transferable skills like attention to detail, teamwork, or time management.

It can also be useful to frame it in terms of what you've learned about the legal sector, firm environment, or a particular practice area. Even if your tasks seem small, they show an understanding of how a firm operates day-to-day, which is really valuable! I often discussed how some of the smaller administrative tasks that I completed in relation to client monies gave me an insight into the financial systems involved in matters and how clients were billed.

As an example of how you can draw skills out, in my time as a paralegal, I managed the firm's transition from paper files during an office move and organised them to be sent to an external storage facility. Whilst on the surface this may seem like a general administrative task, I highlighted my leadership and teamwork skills in managing the team, as well as organisation skills and working towards a tight deadline to ensure that all the files were sent away by moving day.

Quality over quantity is definitely the way to go - it's better to pick out a few strong examples and reflect on those

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

Regarding NRF WVS, am I missing somethign here, as I don't see a word count, it tells me to upload a document as a cover letter?

Also, is it true that I don't need to do the Arctic shores again if I did it last year and am happy with my results?

Hi!

Apologies, I should've deleted my original post - I was unaware that they had removed the word count for this year, so you definitely aren't missing something!

I'm not too sure in relation to the Arctic Shores test, unfortunately! I would email the graduate recruitment team to double-check, as I'm sure they would be more than happy to confirm that for you.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, quick question about Taylor Wessing. There's a section on the application form about the webinars, events etc. that you have undertaken with the company. Might be a bit of an obvious question but since the virtual open days are in November, and apps are rolling so I wanted to get mine out sooner rather than later, is it worth waiting to get one on there to support the application, or is it something that I can still succeed without. Bearing in mins I don't have any previous interactions with the firm. Thanks

Hi @llblawstudent !

Not an obvious question at all - lots of people wonder the same! You definitely can still succeed without having attended a Taylor Wessing event before submitting your application. Those sections are really just a chance to show engagement if you've already had some interaction, but they're not a requirement. For context, I did not attend any events at the firm I secured my TC at before attending their AC, so it is definitely not a requirement!

If you're keen to apply early, I'd go ahead and submit rather than wait - strong answers about your motivation, skills, and understanding of the firm and its USPs will carry far more weight than whether you have ticked the events box.

However, if you feel that your application would be stronger by drawing from insights that you gained at a virtual event or webinar later on, there is no harm in waiting until after the events to apply! Even with rolling deadlines, most firms will view every application submitted, and it's much better to submit a stronger application than submit early.

In summary, not attending won't disadvantage you - the most important thing is whether you are confident you can write a strong application with the information you have on the firm currently

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, another quick question about HL Lift Off 2026. One of the app Qs are to Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. By "this role', do they mean the programme (i.e they're essentially asking what experiences have allowed you to become more commercially aware) or being a lawyer at HL in general?

Hello!

Great question! In this context, "this role" is really about the HL Lift Off programme itself, but since the programme is designed as a pathway into a career at the firm, it makes sense to frame your answer in terms of both. In other words, they're not just looking for generic extracurriculars, but for experiences that have helped you build transferable skills relevant to being a lawyer (such as teamwork, resilience, communication, organisation, commercial awareness etc.)

A good way to approach it could be:

• Choose something you've done outside of work / study
• Explain the skill you developed from it
• Link this back to why it would be useful on the programme and more broadly at Hogan Lovells

By approaching it this way, you're covering both angles!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does Weil have SJT now?

Hello!

From what I can see on their website, they don't have an SJT as part of their application process. It is listed as:

1. Online Application Form
2. Video Interview
3. Individual Case Study at Weil, and 45-minute interview
4. Vacation Scheme

However, if you have been told differently and wanted to double-check, I'm sure you could email the graduate recruitment team who would be happy to confirm for you!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Is this for the vac scheme or the open day?

VS