TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

Does anybody know if Ashurst review all applications along with their online test score or do they still only review apps which pass their assessment benchmark?

Based on them sending the follow up email at the start of this week saying that they are reviewing applications now that the test window has passed, I would assume that they probably do have a benchmark score for their critical reasoning section under which they don't review the application further. Just an assumption though so I might be wrong

 

[noahsmiit01]

Davis Polk just launched their Open Day for only second year & postgraduate students. Anyone knows why not for final years lol

 

[Shahenshah]

Macfarlanes rejection

 

[LaDiva]

Macfarlanes rejection

I'm so sorry to read this!! But know that this rejection does not define you or your potential, take it as a re-direction towards something better!! If you don't mind me asking, how much time passed between you completing the Simulate assessment and this update?

 

[mg42guy32]

Has anyone gotten their Ashurst feedback report? Did the asessment on the 13th and have not received the feedback still.

I have, but I think it's based on working days, so maybe that's why?

 

[tarastar]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I was wondering if you could help answer my question! For Covington's VS they've asked 'Describe an experience, or activity which you have been involved in outside of your academic studies and how this experience allowed you to develop? (You can use examples from any area of your life including extra-curricular activities, paid or voluntary work)' - I'm unsure how many examples to give as the question starts with a singular 'experience or activity' but later uses the plural 'examples'. Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I was wondering if you could help answer my question! For Covington's VS they've asked 'Describe an experience, or activity which you have been involved in outside of your academic studies and how this experience allowed you to develop? (You can use examples from any area of your life including extra-curricular activities, paid or voluntary work)' - I'm unsure how many examples to give as the question starts with a singular 'experience or activity' but later uses the plural 'examples'. Thanks!

Hello! Of course, more than happy to help

Whilst I agree that the wording is slightly confusing, I'd say the safest approach is to focus on one main experience or activity, as the question starts with the singular - that way you're directly answering what they're asking. Within that example, you can then mention a few smaller aspects or moments to show breadth if it feels natural, but don't feel pressured to give multiple completely separate examples.

The key is to show what you did, what you learned, and the skills you developed - depth matters more than quantity. A strong, detailed example is likely to make a bigger impression than a few brief examples.

I hope that answers your question! 😊

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Congratulations on the AC invite - what an amazing achievement!!

Whilst I have never attended a Jones Day AC, I can offer some general advice when it comes to approaching those sorts of tasks.

Group Exercise

• Focus on teamwork and communication rather than dominating the discussion - it's always best to avoid being the quietest or the loudest.
• Listen actively, contribute ideas clearly, and help keep the group on track with the task. If you can, build on other people's ideas and encourage everyone to express an opinion on any decision being made.
• Show problem-solving, collaboration, and professionalism - often you're mainly being assessed on how you interact with others, rather than the things you are saying.

One-to-One Discussion

• Be ready to talk about your motivations for a career in law (and 'Why solicitor and not barrister'), and why Jones Day specifically.
• Highlight any relevant experiences or skills, and how they would help you at the firm. Have a look at the website and see what traits they list as the most important for their trainees, and go from there.
• Ask thoughtful questions about the lawyer's practice area, recent work, or the firm's culture. Make sure you are not asking questions in which the answer can easily be found on the website.
• Try and keep it conversational (if this is appropriate based on the atmosphere) - listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and engage naturally.

Generally, I would try and stay calm (easier said than done, I know!) and be yourself - they won't be expecting perfection, and all the matters is that you try your. Show curiosity in the firm and a positive attitude to learning more

Good luck - you've got this, and we'll all be cheering you on!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hey! Even though open days or insight events aren't task-heavy, you can still use them in your work experience section by focusing on what you learned and the skills or insights that you gained. A few things you could mention include:

• Understanding of the firm / sector: you could highlight what you learned about the firm's work, their culture, or their practice areas.
• Transferable skills: talk about the skills you developed, like networking or analysing information from talks or workshops.
• Reflection: explain how the experience confirmed or shaped your interest in that area of law or in a particular type of work.

Essentially, it will be more focused on what you learned and engaged with rather than tasks you completed - graduate recruitment will want to see what you gained from the day, and that you made the most of it!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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 : ))!!

Hello!

I completely agree with what @TCpleasex has outlined - I would try and incorporate your enthusiasm for commercial law within the framework of the other questions.

I would definitely make sure to answer specifically what NRF asks for - focus on why you want to join NRF, what excites you about their programme, and how your skills align with their values. If you are able to show your enthusiasm for commercial law through this, I would absolutely include it. However, I wouldn't try and force it into your answer if it means that you aren't fully answering the specific question

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Macfarlanes rejection

I'm sorry to hear that 😣 Rejections are tough, but they definitely do not reflect your potential. Keep putting yourself out there, keep building your experience, and the right opportunity will come your way. You've got this - I'll be rooting for you!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Anyone had Sidley HR interview yet?

 

[calebnash]

Macfarlanes rejection

Was this after 2nd stage assessment?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Sidley WVS rejection

 

[Sachin Chandra]

The Mayer Brown Vacation Scheme application contains only one answer section: 'Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application'

Am I missing another one? It seems too little...

 

[rosedunn]

anyone still not received sidley rejection after applying in august?

 

[CharlesT47]

anyone still not received sidley rejection after applying in august?

Me too. But I feel it's coming-- they've already sent out loads of HR interviews so it's pretty clear we weren't shortlisted as potential candidates.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Sidley WVS rejection

I'm really sorry to hear about the Sidley WVS rejection - I know how tough it feels after putting so much effort in. Please don't let it make you doubt your abilities, as these schemes are incredibly competitive and rejections happen to even the strongest candidates. I hope you're able to take a bit of time for yourself and keep going with confidence - the right opportunity will come!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

The Mayer Brown Vacation Scheme application contains only one answer section: 'Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application'

Am I missing another one? It seems too little...

Hello!

You're not missing anything - I've just had a look at the application form too and there really is only that one question. It does feel quite short compared to other applications! I'd just make sure to use that section well to highlight things that haven't come up elsewhere

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Me too. But I feel it's coming-- they've already sent out loads of HR interviews so it's pretty clear we weren't shortlisted as potential candidates.

I know it's hard seeing others post updates, but it really doesn't always mean the rest of the applications are out of the running - some firms take a staggered approach and send out batches of invites. Hopefully you'll get a positive update soon!