TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Hello!

From my understanding of the section, I would focus on more established activities rather than personal hobbies. Things such as university societies, volunteering, sports teams, music, or any other hobbies where you've shown commitment and developed skills are all good to include. Achievements or positions of responsibility within those activities are especially valuable, as they highlight qualities like leadership, teamwork, and dedication.

It's less about listing every interest you have and more about showing meaningful involvement and what you've gained from it

Thanks - I'm about 15 years past societies unfortunately, but will rack my brains for other ideas! Appreciate your help.

 

[ilikelaw]

Hi, I’m applying to a vacation scheme and they have asked on the form whether you have applied for any position at the firm before. I applied to an open day, does this count as a position? It isn’t part of the drop down list but there is a toggle for ‘other’ so I just wanted to check, thank you !

 

[WeGotThis!]

Does NRF evaluate the test scores along with the application or is it a way to screen out candidates?

 

[Tyler2203]

Just wondering if making it to the second HL assessment means my application has already been screened for the minimum requirements

I’ve been seeing lots of discussion around having a 2:1 in every module, which I don’t have - not a great first year, but I achieved an overall first class in my degree (non-law). Would I still have a realistic chance of making it further?

Thanks

 

[johnsmith]

Just wondering if making it to the second HL assessment means my application has already been screened for the minimum requirements

I’ve been seeing lots of discussion around having a 2:1 in every module, which I don’t have - not a great first year, but I achieved an overall first class in my degree (non-law). Would I still have a realistic chance of making it further?

Thanks

Is that the job simulation?

 

[Tyler2203]

Is that the job simulation?

Yes, I received an email telling me I passed the Watson Glaser/ SJT, and now must complete this one.

 

[johnsmith]

Yes, I received an email telling me I passed the Watson Glaser/ SJT, and now must complete this one.

Well done to you! Out of interest when did you take your last test?

 

[Tyler2203]

Well done to you! Out of interest when did you take your last test?

Thank you, I sent it out on the 19th, and heard back last Wednesday 😀

 

[abc124]

For the HL job simulation assessment, how many video interview questions should we expect if it’s a mixture of SJT, video, and written response questions and is supposed to take around 40 minutes?

 

[johnsmith]

Thank you, I sent it out on the 19th, and heard back last Wednesday 😀

It sounds like they probably have reviewed it!

 

[msclm]

Hello!

That's amazing - huge congratulations on getting to this stage for all of those firms! You've clearly put in a lot of hard work, and it's really paying off.

Jones Day Partner Interview

I haven't completed an interview at the firm, but I could share what you might encounter in a general partner interview! The partners tend to explore your motivations and how you think, so try to show curiosity, commercial awareness, and a genuine understanding of how the firm remains competitive. I can imagine they will like candidates who can articulate why the non-rotational training model suits them - for example, that you enjoy taking responsibility early on or like the idea of shaping your own training.

I would be prepared to discuss your application in depth, especially any experiences that show initiative, teamwork, or resilience. They also appreciate when you've thought carefully about why Jones Day beyond the basics - have a think about why they stand out to you, and how they are well suited to your working style and future aspirations.

Sidley HR Interview

I would expect this to be more competency and motivated focused. They'll likely cover topics such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and attention to detail, so have 4-5 strong examples ready (using the STAR method if that helps). I would practice these in advance, just so that your mind doesn't go blank in the moment, and you have a clear idea of the structure of what you want to say.

You may also get questions about why Sidley specifically, so I would do a bit more research into their standout practice areas and any recent deals or pro bono work. Showing that you've connected their global work with your own interests makes a strong impression, and demonstrates how you would be a good fit for the firm!

Dechert Written Exercise

I've copied some advice below that I shared a few days ago on how I would prepare for the written exercise. Whilst I'm not sure on the specifics of the Dechert exercise, these are the main steps I would take:

• 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.

You've got a busy week ahead, but you're clearly in a really great position - just remember to take some time to relax in between as well! Wishing you the best of luck, you've got this! 💪

this is so amazing and helpful, tysm !!!!!!

 

[ISK]

Does NRF evaluate the test scores along with the application or is it a way to screen out candidates?

Hi did you do the Arctic shores test? I’m losing my mind over it. Can you remember what the 4 games were if you don’t mind sharing? Thanks

 

[ISK]

Hi did you do the Arctic shores test? I’m losing my mind over it. Can you remember what the 4 games were if you don’t mind sharing? Thanks

Also I don’t think it’s to screen ‘out’ candidates - it’s more about having a wholistic picture I guess.

 

[elliece]

Hi! Has freahfields removed their winter vacation scheme for this year?

Yes, I enquired about this in September and they said this "We have made some changes to our programme timelines, and as a result, the Winter Vacation Scheme will not be running this year."

 

[elliece]

Hi everyone,

I have been invited to an Assessment Day for A&O Shearman's winter vacation scheme, does anyone have any tips for the finance-based case study interview, or any case study interview tips in general? This is my first application cycle and first AC, so I have no idea what to expect! I know i will be expected to know basic finance terminology and numeracy, but any further insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks for your help

 

[a1024]

Hi, does anyone have any insight about the 2nd test for Latham? I just wanted to know how long are the video responses supposed to be and what kind of questions are there?

 

[Amgrad]

I think someone highlight the reason why most firms right now focus on grades and require additional tests as a result of the low passing rate of SQEs are obvious

Also, what I've seen some firms have shifted the recruitment openings due to market changes as well, for example

Getting stronger in APAC (highest/higher revenue or deals):

• Freshfields, massive expansion in Asia, probably remove the London WVS because wanted to hire more asians in their TC or VS program
• Bird & Bird, new office in China
• Goodwin, new office in Japan
• DAC Beachcroft, new office in China

Getting weaker in APAC (shut down their office/stopped partnership), but stronger in EMEA (particularly GCC):

• BCLP, closed office in China & Singapore, shows real estate growth in UAE
• McDermott, closed office in Singapore & China, shifted business focus in Europe
• White & Case, ended partnership in Indonesia, open plenty of VS & TC in Saudi Arabia

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I’m applying to a vacation scheme and they have asked on the form whether you have applied for any position at the firm before. I applied to an open day, does this count as a position? It isn’t part of the drop down list but there is a toggle for ‘other’ so I just wanted to check, thank you !

Hello!

I think it's fine either way! If there isn't an option on the drop down list, I don't think they would be expecting you to include it. However, you might choose to include it under 'other' if you want to show that you have previously tried to engage with the firm - it's totally up to you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone,

I have been invited to an Assessment Day for A&O Shearman's winter vacation scheme, does anyone have any tips for the finance-based case study interview, or any case study interview tips in general? This is my first application cycle and first AC, so I have no idea what to expect! I know i will be expected to know basic finance terminology and numeracy, but any further insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks for your help

Hello!

Huge congratulations on getting an invite - that's a great achievement, especially in your first cycle!

Case studies are usually designed to test your commercial awareness, logical reasoning, and ability to interpret financial information. Whilst I haven't completed the case study interview at A&O Shearman, here are a few general tips:

• Get comfortable with basic financial concepts: as you mentioned, I would have a look at thinks such as revenue vs. profit, market share, valuation, interest rates, and how macroeconomic factors can impact businesses. I would recommend sites such as Investopedia, as this is what I used when trying to digest all of the basic financial concepts for commercial awareness.
• Practice breaking down information / data logically: you might be given a short brief and asked to make recommendations or discuss implications. Focus on structuring your thoughts clearly - identify the key issue, explain the relevant factors, and conclude with a reasoned judgment. There won't necessarily be one 'right' answer, however, you should make sure to show your thought process and be able to defend your stance if questioned (although make sure you are also flexible if it is an aspect that you hadn't thought of!).
• Stay calm under time pressure: it can feel very overwhelming to be handed a bundle of documents and know that you have to go through it all under the time limit. I would start by reading through all of the documents, and then go back over and start highlighting the important parts and areas that you would want more information. They're more interested in how you think and communicate than whether your answer is 'right'.
• Brush up on A&O Shearman's key practice areas: if this is a finance-based case study, make sure to have a look at their finance, M&A, and restructuring teams. Have a look at recent deals, and see if you can link these to your reasoning in the case study.
• Practice: if you have time before your AC, I would try a few practice case studies online just to get used to analysing data quickly.
• Structure: I would go into the case study interview with a clear structure of how you have analysed the brief and what your conclusions are. How you want to structure this is completely personal to you, but I would make sure that you have a rough idea so that you can go into the interview and discuss all the most important points without missing something out. Some case study interviews have set questions, whilst others will be a conversation on the brief, but going in with a rough idea is a great way to prepare yourself and manage nerves.

There are also some amazing resources on TCLA that I used when I was preparing for the AC that resulted in my TC, so I would absolutely check these out as they were a lifesaver:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies
• Private Equity: A Basic Guide

Overall, I would treat it as a conversation where they're assessing how you approach problems. If you show curiosity, commercial reasoning, and an open-mind - you'll do great!

Wishing you the best of luck, and I'm sure you'll smash it

 

[User2640]

Hello!

I think it's fine either way! If there isn't an option on the drop down list, I don't think they would be expecting you to include it. However, you might choose to include it under 'other' if you want to show that you have previously tried to engage with the firm - it's totally up to you

If I was rejected from the firm's open day last year, is it still worth mentioning that I've applied to the firm before? While it shows my interest in the firm, could the unsuccessful application be a disadvantage, as it might suggest I couldn't even secure an invitation to the open day? If I don't include it, will it seem dishonest (although there isn't an option on the list other than "other"), as I feel like the firm should have access to the applicants' application histories. Many thanks!