TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hi!

If you mean before the deadline, then yes that is correct!

The Watson Glaser can be completed after the deadline, as long as you complete it by the deadline provided in the test invite

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone! I’ve been looking at Paul Weiss and wonder whether they’re extremely selective academics wise - of course as all elite firms I assume they’d want to see at least a strong 2.1 but are they Slaughters-level picky? I really wanna save my time this cycle by not applying to firms that only select very high 2.1s or first class grads when plenty of firms don’t care as much.

 

[ZNadeem]

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! I’d structure this similarly to an open day application, but tailored to the unique setting of a dinner. A good way to approach it is:

• Pick 2–3 USPs of Macfarlanes that you genuinely resonate with and would like to explore further (e.g. their focus on complex cross-border work, their strength in both private client and corporate, or their distinctive culture as a single-office firm).
• For each one, use a PEA structure:
  • Point – state the USP/area of interest.
  • Evidence – briefly link it to your experiences, research, or what draws you to it.
  • Analysis – explain why attending the dinner, with direct partner and trainee insights, would give you a deeper understanding of that aspect.

This way, you show motivation, research, and self-awareness while keeping the answer tightly linked to the value of the dinner itself (i.e. the opportunity for more personal, in-depth conversations).

 

[baj5]

I just took the arctic shores test for NRF and it is the most befuddling test ever, how is this relevant to if I'm going to be a good lawyer or not?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! I’ve been looking at Paul Weiss and wonder whether they’re extremely selective academics wise - of course as all elite firms I assume they’d want to see at least a strong 2.1 but are they Slaughters-level picky? I really wanna save my time this cycle by not applying to firms that only select very high 2.1s or first class grads when plenty of firms don’t care as much.

Hello!

Paul, Weiss are competitive, but from what I've seen they're not as rigid as Slaughters when it comes to academics. As long as you have a 2:1 and meet their entry requirements, and can back it up with a well-written application that shows genuine motivation, you've got a good chance!

They will look at the whole picture, not just grades, and so I wouldn't rule yourself out if the firm genuinely interests you!

 

[tk.42_]

Hi, how should one prepare for the Dechert Written Exercise? And what should we expect from it? Thanks!!!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi everyone! I’ve been looking at Paul Weiss and wonder whether they’re extremely selective academics wise - of course as all elite firms I assume they’d want to see at least a strong 2.1 but are they Slaughters-level picky? I really wanna save my time this cycle by not applying to firms that only select very high 2.1s or first class grads when plenty of firms don’t care as much.

Just to further confirm what @Abbie Whitlock said, I think Paul Weiss is definitely not as grade-focused as Slaughter and May. I have been told that Slaughters has an informal general policy to fly hire candidates on track for a 1.1, while I have a friend who got a TC offer from PW with only a strong 2.1. My impression is that the factor that PW weighs most heavily is a demonstrated interest in and understanding of their PE/lev fin work.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, how should one prepare for the Dechert Written Exercise? And what should we expect from it? Thanks!!!

Hey!

Whilst I am not sure on the specifics of the Dechert Written Exercise, you can usually expect something that tests your ability to analyse information, structure arguments, and communicate clearly - it's less about legal knowledge and more about how you process information under time pressure.

To prepare, I'd suggest:

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document. For example, you might be asked to write an email to a client, a letter, a memo, or a report. Have a look at what the structure of each of these should be, and have a go drafting a couple to get used to it in advance.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

I'd focus on condensing large chunks of information into clear, concise summaries, and then presenting these within a straightforward structure that flows logically and leads to a well-reasoned conclusion.

Best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi everyone! I’ve been looking at Paul Weiss and wonder whether they’re extremely selective academics wise - of course as all elite firms I assume they’d want to see at least a strong 2.1 but are they Slaughters-level picky? I really wanna save my time this cycle by not applying to firms that only select very high 2.1s or first class grads when plenty of firms don’t care as much.

Attended their Open Day - they look for a 2.1 overall and individual module grades won't necessarily militate against you progressing through to the interview stage if you have a strong application

 

[TortillaTC]

Thank you everyone!

 

[Alturistic whale]

@ZNadeem @Andrei Radu For standard, 'Why this firm' qs, what is the best approach to answer these types of questions that maintains specificity and conciseness?

Also, what would be a good angle to approach this question if a firm is PE heavy if, I have only done a few Forage courses in this area? Is there any other ways I could evidence my interest in this area, apart from being an avid reader of different newsletters?- Despite having it, I find it a little difficult to demonstrate interest in these areas in applications generally, so would massively appreciate your insights!
Thank you in advance!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Attended their Open Day - they look for a 2.1 overall and individual module grades won't necessarily militate against you progressing through to the interview stage if you have a strong application

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @ZNadeem

I am currently in my final year and achieved an overall 2:1 in my first year. While two of my first-year modules were high 2:2s, my other three were strong 2:1s, and during my second year, I have consistently achieved high 2:1 and First-Class grades.

I wanted to ask whether law firms place significant weight on individual first-year module results or whether they assess academic performance based on overall grade progression and most recent results, especially given the fact that it was only the first year, which doesn't even count. If so, then so that I know, apart from Slaughers and Cleary, what firms have a strict informal general policy?

Thank you

 

[zara elles]

I'm probably being pedantic, but in my Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer application I've shortened it down to HSFK. Is this generally acceptable or is it best to write HSF Kramer?

 

[Lawlife5]

Does anyone know where to go to find the articles to answer this question for DLA Piper? Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm probably being pedantic, but in my Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer application I've shortened it down to HSFK. Is this generally acceptable or is it best to write HSF Kramer?

Hey!

Not pedantic at all - that’s a fair question! I’d recommend using HSF Kramer in the application, just to keep things clear and professional. Whilst HSFK could potentially be fine if you listed the full name first, it’s probably better to play it safe and use the full version

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know where to go to find the articles to answer this question for DLA Piper? Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions?

Hey!

You should find a relevant article from their Insights Page on their website.

I would pick one that genuinely interests you, and aligns with your personal and professional ambitions

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Hey!

You should find a relevant article from their Insights Page on their website.

I would pick one that genuinely interests you, and aligns with your personal and professional ambitions

On this I found an article that discusses its impact on multiple sectors. Is it okay to discuss the article if I can relate it to my interests in one of the sectors.