TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ancika]

Has anybody not got the first test for hogan lovells winter scheme after applying?

Should I email grad rec?

I have not received anything yet. I applied on the 2nd October.

 

[flower1]

Hey!

Just to add to @Andrei Radu's great answer, I thought I'd share the resource that I used when preparing to take the WGT for Clifford Chance a few cycles ago (which I passed).

On top of the free resources I used (many of which are listed in Andrei's post!), I paid for the JobTestPrep course (the one-week pack) and completed that the week before the test. The main benefit for me was the practice questions and tests, which helped me get familiar with the question style. However, if you are able to find plenty of practice tests online, I don't think a paid course is necessary! I also utilised a lot of YouTube videos which were a great way of breaking down each individual topic / section and helped me understand what they were looking for - these were also by JobTestPrep!

I hope that gives you some options - best of luck with the WGT!

Thank you for your response. Would you say the JobTestPrep ones resembled the difficulty level of the Clifford Chance one - like which was harder, and if it helped in the actual test? Thank you

 

[johnsmith]

Hello!

From my experience, it's absolutely fine to use the prep time to research and structure your answer. Some firms (e.g. Reed Smith) even encourage candidates to take advantage of the unlimited preparation time to think through their responses before recording. You won't be penalised for using that time to prepare - after all, they wouldn't offer the unlimited prep time if they didn't expect you to utilise it.

I would just make sure that when you are recording your answer, you aren't staring at notes or reading from a script. If they can tell that you are doing this, it is likely to disadvantage you

Thanks - that’s what I was hoping to hear!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Is Hogan Lovells' 2nd stage test automatic?

wondering the same thing!!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Has anybody not got the first test for hogan lovells winter scheme after applying?

Should I email grad rec?

no same. i applied september 28th

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you for your response. Would you say the JobTestPrep ones resembled the difficulty level of the Clifford Chance one - like which was harder, and if it helped in the actual test? Thank you

Hey!

It's been a couple years (and my memory isn't that great... 😅) but I think it was a pretty accurate reflection of the difficulty level of the Clifford Chance one! I don't remember thinking one was necessarily easier / harder than the other. I think the most important thing is to gain an understanding of each section (from YouTube videos and other sources), and then completing as many practice tests as you can

 

[flower1]

Hey!

It's been a couple years (and my memory isn't that great... 😅) but I think it was a pretty accurate reflection of the difficulty level of the Clifford Chance one! I don't remember thinking one was necessarily easier / harder than the other. I think the most important thing is to gain an understanding of each section (from YouTube videos and other sources), and then completing as many practice tests as you can

Thank you - that's really helpful

 

[BillSikes]

Are PwC London apps closed?

 

[Legallywhatever]

No problem at all!!

That question is really about giving them a sense of the additional exposure you have had. If you've taken part in mentoring schemes, insight days, vacation schemes, scholarships, diversity or access programmes, or any structured work experience, it's worth including.

In terms of what you should be trying to showcase in your answer, I would focus on:

• Commitment & Initiative - try and show that you've actively sought out opportunities to learn more about the industry
• Skills & Insights - demonstrate the skills you gained from taking part, such as networking, commercial awareness, communication skills, or a better understanding of the profession
• Progression - I would discuss how those experiences have influenced your journey so far and why you've prepared you for the role you're applying for

It doesn't need to be a long list, but I would try to focus on quality and what you got out of it, rather than just the name of the programme.

I hope that answers your question!

Perfect, thank you very much!!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Does anyone know if the Latham VI is competency based questions or motivatonal for the open day?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Does anyone know if the Latham VI is competency based questions or motivatonal for the open day?

Hey Lovey, It's SJT-based. There is a scenario, and then u answer what you would do. 3 minutes to answer, 1 minute of prep time, and there are two video interview questions. The rest are WG questions

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Did anyone get two Latham tests? I just completed the first one, and the second is the same. I couldn't do two tests at once, so I refused to do it. The email only said we had one test to complete 😂

 

[vacschemes]

Hey Lovey, It's SJT-based. There is a scenario, and then u answer what you would do. 3 minutes to answer, 1 minute of prep time, and there are two video interview questions. The rest are WG questions

Wait does this mean there are three video interview questions or two?

 

[lawstudent2]

Can anyone find the Weil vac scheme application link?

 

[lawstudent2]

Did anyone get two Latham tests? I just completed the first one, and the second is the same. I couldn't do two tests at once, so I refused to do it. The email only said we had one test to complete 😂

This happened to me ahah, I haven't done the second one as it is identical
I emailed them about it on Sat but obv they haven't responded yet
I think it is a glitch tho as one has the same reference number as my old first year scheme application whilst the other has the reference number for the open day application so I just did that one

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Wait does this mean there are three video interview questions or two?

Two dear. The first one is a practice question but grad rec views it so take it seriously. It just asks about your day or something like that

 

[lawyersum]

does DLA Piper still require you to submit a CV for the vac scheme ?

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

For the first time, graduate recruitment at Osborne Clarke is live in the forum to answer your questions. You can ask them anything here.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Jaysen

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Hey!

Great question - yes, if the article touches on multiple sectors but you can clearly relate it to your interests in one of them, I think it’s totally fine to use. The key is to make a strong connection between the article’s content and your personal / professional ambitions, especially in a sector that genuinely interests you.

Just be sure to keep your focus clear and personal, but it sounds like you’re on the right track!

Best of luck with your application!

Thank you this is helpful. It was just the article discussed the impact on like 3-4 sectors. It is reassuring that I can choose this article. I was just stressing out discussing the wrong article.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Is there an automatic test for HL?