TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flower1]

Hello, in an application - do you write the numbers out fully. E.g. two or 2. Also, does work experience include paid employment - for Clifford Chance TC application

Thank you

 

[teeps6]

I applied for the November one

when did you do the first assessement?

 

[WeGotThis!]

The test is timed and there are 4 components all timed if I remember correctly

How long is the test?

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

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

i applied for their summer vs and havent received the first test yet either :/

 

[Afuturetrainee]

when did you do the first assessement?

They sent mine like the same day I applied for it. I thought it was automatic. Check ur spam

 

[Bbhu19]

How long is the test?

Honestly I don’t remember maybe like 5 -10 mins each componen, took me like 30 mins or less tbh

 

[teeps6]

They sent mine like the same day I applied for it. I thought it was automatic. Check ur spam

I did the first assessment recently, just wondering how quick the second one was given/if there's still a chance

 

[Afuturetrainee]

I did the first assessment recently, just wondering how quick the second one was given/if there's still a chance

Did the first one on the 21st September. So 2 weeks basically

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone managed to complete W&C's online assessment? I think there is an error with the 'Your Thinking' section.

Yes! Had this issue today, reached out to cappfinnity support and they sorted it!

 

[womp]

Regarding NRF, how long do they take to respond to applicants? I did the ArcticShores assessment 2 weeks ago, and whilst I've received the AS feedback report, when will I know if I'm on to the next stage or not?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone knows how bad is it if you get cut off at the last bit of a VI recording because of the time limit? 🫣 if it happens in one question only would it still be a rejection?

Hello!

It happens to a lot of people, so I would try not to worry too much - the assessors know that there's a time limit and they're mainly looking at the substance of what you managed to get across.

If it was just one question and you covered the key points, it's very unlikely to be an automatic rejection.

Try not to stress (easier said than done, I know!) - you've probably done better than you think!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, in an application - do you write the numbers out fully. E.g. two or 2. Also, does work experience include paid employment - for Clifford Chance TC application

Thank you

Hey!

For applications, I would say it's usually best to write numbers one to nine in words and use digits from 10 onwards, but consistency matters most - so just stick to one style throughout.

Yes, work experience definitely includes paid employment - Clifford Chance will be interested in all of your experiences that show transferable skills, not just legal roles. You can always link the transferable skills to how they would be useful in the role of a trainee

 

[Pola123]

Hi, as anyone taken the stage 2 assessments for Latham yet? The one with the video interviews?

 

[chiichii]

Does anyone know when the deadline is for PWC legal vacation scheme?

I'd assume it runs on rolling basis

 

[johnsmith]

just got 1/4, 1/4, 1/4, 1/4 for NRF's Arctic Shores Test pfo coming soon 😭

How did you get hold of actual numbers? I seemed to just get some weird dot report

 

[SamiyaJ]

How did you get hold of actual numbers? I seemed to just get some weird dot report

The report doesn’t give numbers but the dots can be interpreted e.g. first dot is 1, second dot is 2 etc

 

[johnsmith]

The report doesn’t give numbers but the dots can be interpreted e.g. first dot is 1, second dot is 2 etc

Thanks! Worked it out now. Not really sure how you get these outcomes from reaction based games…

 

[SamiyaJ]

Thanks! Worked it out now. Not really sure how you get these outcomes from reaction based games…

Ikr! Next they’ll be asking us to submit a dance video to see we are responsive to the beat..

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

how do you approach the anything else to add question on apps like Dechert and hogan - is it meant to be a way to add a why commercial law why that firm answer or is it actually for other information

Hey!

Those questions are really more of a "catch-all" section. It's mainly there if you have something relevant that hasn't had a natural place elsewhere in the form - for example, extenuating circumstances, unusual experiences, or a particular achievement that doesn't fit neatly in any of the other questions or sections.

If you feel you've already covered your motivations properly in earlier answers, I wouldn't repeat them here. However, if there is a genuine gap (e.g. something that rounds out your story or strengthens your application) this is a good place to add it briefly.

If nothing comes to mind, it's perfectly fine to leave it blank rather than force something in

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

given that some firms like freshfields only ask for work experience now, what is the best way to do the section to ensure it is hitting the points they need?

Hey!

With firms that are moving to a work-experience-only format, the key element is to make sure you aren't just listing roles. It's about showing what you learned and how it links back to the skills they're looking for in a trainee. A simple structure that might be helpful is:

1. Context - briefly outline the role / experience
2. Action - what you actually did. I would highlight your main responsibilities and / or challenges
3. Skills / Insights - discuss the transferable skills that you developed (e.g. teamwork, research, client contact, problem solving)
4. Relevance - the key part is to tie this to how it prepares you for a career in commercial law and why it matters at a firm such as Freshfields

By handling the section this way, even if the experience isn't strictly legal, you're still demonstrating your suitability and motivation in a way that they are looking for.

I hope that helps!