TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[libertad seoane]

How should I structure the Linklaters 'Work Experience' Section? It seems to demand different approach/structure to other applications

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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.

Hey!

I totally get where you’re coming from - SJTs can definitely feel frustrating and inconsistent, especially when feedback varies everytime. I remember being shocked sometimes that I had passed an SJT (and vice versa), and it can be hard to know when you’ve done well!

I think firms use them more to get a general sense of how you might respond to common workplace situations, rather than to measure your ability in any absolute way.

My top advice for SJTs is to think about how you would response when you’re working at your best, and answer honestly. Sometimes there isn’t simply one right answer, so I wouldn’t worry too much about trying to second-guess what the firm wants - just focus on showing good judgement and staying true to how you’d act in a professional setting

 

[bh.sa]

does Weil have SJT now?

Yes, they mentioned that they don’t have any written questions this year iirc

 

[bh.sa]

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

Yes, it’s automatic, I believe they send out in batches

 

[Jaysen]

Hi all,

Paul, Weiss is live in the forum right now to answer any questions you have about applying to the firm.

Just drop a reply in this thread.

I hope you find it useful!

 

[bh.sa]

Just got an invite to Jones Day's AC! Any advice for the AC would be greatly appreciated - I've been told that it involves a group exercise and a one-to-one discussion with senior lawyers

 

[rosedunn]

any tips for the hogan lovells vs assessment?

 

[e_turbo2]

any tips for the hogan lovells vs assessment?

Hey! Can I ask when you applied and when you received the test? Thanks!

 

[emily3827]

how do you talk about open days/ insight events in work experience sections - what kind of things are you meant to say about them as its not really task heavy

 

[AS24]

Hi @Andrei Radu, given my professional background, I want to talk about a law firm's practice area. However, they only ranked Band4, which I think is still good. Should I write about it even if it is low-ranked?

 

[thelawstudent]

how do you talk about open days/ insight events in work experience sections - what kind of things are you meant to say about them as its not really task heavy

i usually try and use it to demonstrate a bit of motivation.

like i'd say who i spoke to, what i learnt, why i found this convo particularly interesting

 

[iklawapps]

This might be me overthinking it, but NRF seems to have dropped the 'why commercial law' part of its cover letter. Their website specifies "Tell us ‘why you want to join', 'what excites you about our programme', and 'how your skills match our values'."

How would you all interpret this? Is it better to follow the general structure of 1. why commercial law, 2. why NRF, 3. skills, or make sure we're answering the question like 1. why join NRF, 2. what excites us, 3. skills?

Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated : ))!!

 

[TCpleasex]

This might be me overthinking it, but NRF seems to have dropped the 'why commercial law' part of its cover letter. Their website specifies "Tell us ‘why you want to join', 'what excites you about our programme', and 'how your skills match our values'."

How would you all interpret this? Is it better to follow the general structure of 1. why commercial law, 2. why NRF, 3. skills, or make sure we're answering the question like 1. why join NRF, 2. what excites us, 3. skills?

Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated : ))!!

Hi, I would interpret this to scatter 'why commercial law' throughout the cover letter.

For example, when talking about 'why NRF' you could mention here why commercial law and then specifically why commercial law at NRF.

'What excites you about our programme' also has scope for you to sprinkle in why commercial law. Why specifically does your interest in commercial law excite you about what NRF offer on their programme and how you will use that passion and understanding of a commercial solicitor in the position you are applying to.

Finally, in terms of skills matching values, this could be a great opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness. Not simply stating you have commercial awareness but how using that skill of commercial awareness and your interest in commercial law fits with the firms values.

I know you will have limited words, however, this is the approach I would attempt to take. I have never applied to NRF so someone else might have a better insight, but I think the fact that they have dropped the 'why commercial law' question means they will be looking for you to indicate through the other questions why commercial law and also indicate your commercial awareness of the firm and also their clients etc.

 

[Samdeacon1902]

I replied for the Jones Day WVS last Friday - is this too late?

 

[msclm]

I replied for the Jones Day WVS last Friday - is this too late?

I applied last tuesday and have got to the interview stage already, so def not too late!

 

[Samdeacon1902]

I applied last tuesday and have got to the interview stage already, so def not too late!

I was concerned as you received an answer within 3 days, and I am on the 3rd day of waiting. Maybe I am being impatient 😂

 

[calebnash]

Is Jones Day the only firm that have given out interviews so far?