TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is there any point in applying to Dechert now, as many people have already received the test invite and it's being done on a rolling basis?

Hello!

I would say that it is still worth applying, even if people have received the test invite. Invites to the next stage in the process are usually sent in batches, especially for rolling deadlines, and so the only certain way to not be considered is to not submit an application at all!

If you are confident that you can submit a strong application before the deadline, I'd say it's worth a shot

 

[ZNadeem]

Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (max 250 words) - any advice on how to answer this? Especially as they've given 250 words and I'm unsure how to make the most of it

Hi! This is a really interesting question because it’s designed to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality beyond academics and work. With 250 words, they want more than a fun fact — they’re giving you space to tell a story.

Here’s how I’d approach it:

1. Pick something unique and personal – ideally, a hobby, achievement, or experience that isn’t already mentioned elsewhere in your application. It doesn’t have to be dramatic — it just needs to be something that feels authentic to you (e.g. a niche sport, creative pursuit, unusual travel experience, or even a quirky long-term interest).
2. Give context – explain briefly what the activity/interest is and how you got into it. Don’t assume the reader knows much about it.
3. Describe your involvement – share what you’ve done, whether that’s achievements, commitment, or the skills/qualities it’s helped you develop.
4. Add reflection – explain why it matters to you personally, what it says about your character, or how it’s shaped your outlook. This is the part that makes your answer memorable.
5. Keep it engaging – use storytelling to bring it to life. Instead of just stating “I enjoy X,” give a little colour or anecdote.

The key is not to overthink “impressiveness.” They aren’t testing whether you’ve climbed Everest — they’re looking for authenticity, curiosity, and individuality.

 

[FAS444]

yes I got invited to the online video exercise last friday !

was this after the simulate assesment?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Hi, has anyone heard from A&O Shearman for the Winter VS? Also anyone that has done the HL online assessment, have you heard back? How long did it take to get the report?

Haven’t heard from A&O yet if that helps!

 

[jojo23]

Receiving the hsfk test invite this early in the morning was definitely a jumpscare

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Any Ashurst ACs yet?

 

[GT1205H]

Hey, when did you apply for HL and when did you receive the online assessment? Thanks!

I applied on the 18th and received the invite to the assessment on the 23rd

 

[GT1205H]

Anyone else found the Hogan Lovells online assessment excessively long? For me it did not aligned with the timescales they mentioned. Particularly the Critical Reasoning section which is technically a full Watson Glaser ( 80 Q) which they said on average should take 35 minutes 🥲 and on top of that speed contributes to the score

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone else found the Hogan Lovells online assessment excessively long? For me it did not aligned with the timescales they mentioned. Particularly the Critical Reasoning section which is technically a full Watson Glaser ( 80 Q) which they said on average should take 35 minutes 🥲 and on top of that speed contributes to the score

Completely agree. It was too long and I definitely spent more than the recommended 90 minutes on the assessment!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Finally received my Gibson Dunn cappfinity report after 2 weeks. Phew.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Has anyone applied to Akin's VS? They have six 250-word questions in the application. That's the first time I've seen so many of them, wow!

 

[chiichii]

Does anyone know whether DLA Piper's Discovery Day application is running on rolling basis? It's been 2 weeks since it opened, and i'm worried that they ran out of place and i got rejected again after i put my hearts and sweats into my answer.

 

[noahsmiit01]

I am applying to Macfarlanes dinner event hosted by one of their partners, and as part of the application, the question is: Why do you want to attend the dinner?
Would any of you be able to help me out with how to start this question and its structure, including what to mention, as it is only 200 words?

@ZNadeem , @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu

Thank you

 

[coolwizard22]

is it timed or untimed?

It isn't timed in the traditional sense, i.e. you only have 40 mins to complete the test. However, the time you take to answer each question is taken into account.

 

[rosedunn]

for linklaters winter vacation scheme - it is just cappfinity we need to have done not watson glaser?

 

[dannyp123]

The rumours of the horrors of the Macfarlanes Simulate Assessment were unfortunately true

 

[BT0901]

Does anyone know if Debevoise screens applications on a rolling basis?

 

[e_turbo2]

Has anyone else applied to HL and still waiting for the test? Has anyone received a rejection?

 

[Tattyasha]

Also interested. Applied 11 Sep and no WE invite.

Same. Applied 9/9 and nothing at all, so think I know what’s coming 🙈

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am applying to Macfarlanes dinner event hosted by one of their partners, and as part of the application, the question is: Why do you want to attend the dinner?
Would any of you be able to help me out with how to start this question and its structure, including what to mention, as it is only 200 words?

@ZNadeem , @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu

Thank you

Hi!

That's a great question - 200 words is tight, but you can definitely write a strong answer if you have a clear structure! A good way to start is by briefly showing genuine enthusiasm for Macfarlanes and the opportunity to meet their people in a more personal setting. Then, you could move into:

• Why Macfarlanes specifically - I'd focus on your genuine motivations towards the firm (e.g. reputation for high-quality work, their distinctive culture, or a USP of the firm that appeals to you based on your past experiences or future aspirations)
• Why the dinner format matters - this is where you need to distinguish why you want to attend the dinner event rather than an open day or insight event. It's a chance to engage with partners and associates in a relaxed environment, ask questions, and get an authentic feel for the firm. I would discuss why this is important to you!
• What you hope to gain from it - linking this back to why you are wanting to attend the dinner event, discuss what information or insights you hope to gain by the end of it. This could be an insight into a specific practice area, the partner's perspective on certain developments, or how trainees are given responsibility early on.

If you wanted to round it all up at the end, you could connect it back to your motivation for a career in law and how the dinner would be a great opportunity to help you decide if Macfarlanes is the right fit. Make sure to keep it authentic and concise to make the most of the 200 words - show curiosity and enthusiasm, and this should make your application tailored and personal!

Best of luck with your application