TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[calebnash]

I was invited to Ashurst Written Exercise on Friday

Was this for their WVS?

 

[jojo23]

I took it last Monday morning, and I am still waiting for a follow-up, if that helps.

Me, still waiting to receive the test:

 

[TortillaTC]

Hello!

For the open days and firm events, you don't need to go into detail about every session or presentation, as this can make things feel a bit list-like. Instead, focus on what you took away from the experience - what you learned about the firm's culture, practice areas, or working style, and how that helped shape your interests or career direction. I would perhaps briefly mention the main sessions of the event, but the focus of your entry should be about what stood out to you on the day. For example, mentioning how an open day clarified your preference for a certain type of firm or practice area tends to read much more insightfully than listing the day's activity.

In terms of how many WE entries to include, 9-10 isn't necessarily "too many", as long as each one adds value and you're not repeating the same points. It's fine to include long-term extracurriculars as semi-WE if they've helped develop relevant skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork, time management). Just make sure each entry has a clear purpose and shows personal growth or reflection - quality over quantity!

I hope that answers your question

It does thank you so much!!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Has anyone heard anything back from the following firms post test?

• Taylor Wessing
• Hogan Lovells (I’ve done the first assessment and aware people have started to receive the second)
• HSF Kramer (reached the benchmark)
• NRF
• Clyde & Co
• Bird & Bird (WG)

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Well done! When did you do the WG? I have only received the sjt report, not a separate WG score

Thank you🥹 I completed it yesterday and emailed Grad Recruitment asking for my scores to be emailed. If you don’t ask you will not receive them. What was your sjt report like? Wishing you all the best with your application!

 

[smasher]

Hi guys,

I'm struggling with the "what recent work at x has interested you" questions. I know I should pick a deal/case and explain why it specifically caught my interest, but I'm struggling to find information on a lot of these cases on firms websites. They generally just provide an overview of the deal, without much extra information as to complexities etc. that could enable me to provide more thoughtful analysis. Any tips?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I have received my Watson Glaser results yet but for sky I received commercial thinking and working with others as highest, leadership as lowest, cri

That’s great! The sjt is hard to judge for me personally because all these skills are essential to a trainee. I am assuming sjt, WG and our general application will all play a part in the next round.

 

[Hopefully2025]

Anyone who's given the HL job simulation assessment, would you be willing to disclose how many VI questions it has and what category they are? (i.e. Competency, motivational, skills, commercial, SJT)

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone heard anything back from the following firms post test?

• Taylor Wessing
• Hogan Lovells (I’ve done the first assessment and aware people have started to receive the second)
• HSF Kramer (reached the benchmark)
• NRF
• Clyde & Co
• Bird & Bird (WG)

For Taylor Wessing one of the early careers team told me that if someone fails the test outright they would find out 'shortly' after their test window closes - I'm not sure how helpful that is but if a few weeks go by with no news I would assume it means you passed the test and 'in the running' for the next stage

 

[Bbhu19]

That’s great! The sjt is hard to judge for me personally because all these skills are essential to a trainee. I am assuming sjt, WG and our general application will all play a part in the next round.

I would think so, tbh with such a high Watson Glaser I wouldn’t worry about critical thinking being your lowest grade!!

 

[Bbhu19]

Did anyone get an email about Weil insight day, as I got rejected but they were “impressed by my application and I should apply to their second open day” is that a generic response?

 

[SamiyaJ]

For Taylor Wessing one of the early careers team told me that if someone fails the test outright they would find out 'shortly' after their test window closes - I'm not sure how helpful that is but if a few weeks go by with no news I would assume it means you passed the test and 'in the running' for the next stage

That’s really good to know, thank you for the insight! I did mine on 28 Sept so fingers crossed🤞🏽

 

[SamiyaJ]

Omg Willkie VI invite!!! Super surprised as my uni grades are not the best

 

[Amgrad]

For Taylor Wessing one of the early careers team told me that if someone fails the test outright they would find out 'shortly' after their test window closes - I'm not sure how helpful that is but if a few weeks go by with no news I would assume it means you passed the test and 'in the running' for the next stage

Wow that's very reassuring. I had not applied yet for the VS, but I'll do it after the open day! I want to get to know them better before submitting my app. Thank you for confirming this, so I can prepare too.

 

[yasmars]

Omg Willkie VI invite!!! Super surprised as my uni grades are not the best

Amazing news! I would say Willkie definitely have a holistic approach to reviewing applications which is great so congrats 🎉

 

[tk.42_]

Does Willkie review on a rolling basis?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Amazing news! I would say Willkie definitely have a holistic approach to reviewing applications which is great so congrats 🎉

Thank you! Xx

 

[TortillaTC]

Omg Willkie VI invite!!! Super surprised as my uni grades are not the best

Congrats!! Was this the open day or their spring vac scheme?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Congrats!! Was this the open day or their spring vac scheme?

Thank you! It’s for the VS (to be considered for both spring and summer as they don’t give you an option to choose)

 

[TortillaTC]

Does Willkie review on a rolling basis?

On their website it says: “We do not recruit on a rolling basis as two of our application stages (written exercise and partner-led interview) will not take place until after the application deadline, meaning we won’t make any offers at all until after the deadline and will not fill up places before the deadline.”

I think this means that VI invites are sent out before DL but the rest of the stages are after.