TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

Hi! @Abbie Whitlock I attended Willkie's application writing event yesterday, and their grad rec said that we shouldn't talk about skills developed in the WE sections but mere results/achievements in each WE, and she recommended the CAR structure (context; action; result) => is it okay to mix action+result together, since writing about them separately seems a bit odd? e.g. "I drafted x document (action), that helped y.. (result)" instead of putting the result in the next paragraph?

Also: she advised against describing skills in WE entries but their open day application form doesn't have a separate skills Q - would it be a really bad idea to talk about relevant skills in WE after all? she pointed out that candidates sometimes connect experiences with unrealistic skills (e.g. working at McDonalds won't give you commercial awareness) but what about actually valid skills eg. Juggling an internship with my studies developed my time management skills that will help me manage conflicting deadlines as a trainee?

 

[whywhy88]

Hey! My understanding is that they removed the test this year? I could be wrong but I remember grad rec saying this somewhere. The next stage is interview I believe.

Oh cool I wasn't aware of that, thank you for letting me know!

 

[Chelsea101]

For those who have applied to Freshfields, is there verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning in the online test?

 

[TCLA0322]

macfarlanes summer vs rej

 

[Chriss]

Macfarlanes PFO

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Macfarlanes PFO following job simulate. Jones Day interview tomorrow so wish me luck!

 

[ohnoselim]

Hi all,

for video interviews are we expected to prep for situation based questions eg: xyz happens how do you deal with it?

or do they typically tend to be motivational and competency based only?

 

[jacksollaf]

After a previously unsuccessful cycle (did not convert my VS into a TC), we're back to applying... So far Slaughter and May and Macfarlanes PFOs...

Applied to 30 firms already, down 2, 28 remaining.

 

[jacksollaf]

Macfarlanes PFO following job simulate. Jones Day interview tomorrow so wish me luck!

Is Jones Day for summer? If yes, if you don't mind, when did you apply?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Is Jones Day for summer? If yes, if you don't mind, when did you apply?

This is for winter

 

[jacksollaf]

I applied to White and Case 10 sep for summer vs, because they're rolling... And I didn't receive an email to complete the test, and just logged in and saw the test was issued 10 sep as well... Did anyone else not receive an email informing them to do the test?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , I have a question on the DLA Piper Vac Scheme Application question 2. The question is : Select one article from the DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? (Max 200 words.)

There is a podcast episode within the Insights Page on a topic I find really interesting. Would this count as an article for the purpose of this question? Or would you suggest that I find another written article instead?

Hey!

That’s a great question! While the podcast seems really interesting, I’d recommend choosing a written article for this question - just to be on the safe side. Since DLA Piper specifically asks you to select an article, they’re probably expecting a direct reference to a written piece from their Insights Page that you can analyse and link clearly to your ambitions.

Using a written article could make it easier to structure your answer and demonstrate your ability to engage with DLA Piper’s insights in a clear and thoughtful way. However, you could potentially draw inspiration from the podcast when choosing an article on a similar topic, so your genuine interest comes through

 

[Bbhu19]

I applied to White and Case 10 sep for summer vs, because they're rolling... And I didn't receive an email to complete the test, and just logged in and saw the test was issued 10 sep as well... Did anyone else not receive an email informing them to do the test?

White and case opened the 1st of October didn’t they?

 

[msclm]

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but this is my first actual application cycle and I was wondering why firms issue rejections and then don’t progress people soon after? I’ve noticed so far that people have been rejected from HSF and macfarlanes but they haven’t released any assessment centres yet? Is this normal?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! @Abbie Whitlock I attended Willkie's application writing event yesterday, and their grad rec said that we shouldn't talk about skills developed in the WE sections but mere results/achievements in each WE, and she recommended the CAR structure (context; action; result) => is it okay to mix action+result together, since writing about them separately seems a bit odd? e.g. "I drafted x document (action), that helped y.. (result)" instead of putting the result in the next paragraph?

Also: she advised against describing skills in WE entries but their open day application form doesn't have a separate skills Q - would it be a really bad idea to talk about relevant skills in WE after all? she pointed out that candidates sometimes connect experiences with unrealistic skills (e.g. working at McDonalds won't give you commercial awareness) but what about actually valid skills eg. Juggling an internship with my studies developed my time management skills that will help me manage conflicting deadlines as a trainee?

Hello!

On your first question: I think it’s totally fine to combine the action and result into one sentence or short paragraph, especially in a short work experience section where space is limited. Something along the lines of ‘I drafted X document, which was later used in Y’ is clear and efficient, and shows the impact whilst making the most of the space.

In relation to including skills, I’d say that this is definitely firm dependent. I would follow the advice that the Willkie graduate recruitment outlined for their application (as that will reflect what they are looking for). Some firms will prefer a very factual, CV-style approach whereas others are more open to candidates discussing key skills. The key is to keep it relevant and realistic, such as your example about juggling an internship and studies to show time management - that is a solid, credible link.

I would say that as a general rule of thumb (unless otherwise stated), I would link key transferable skills if they are relevant, but try to not overdo it. Firms will want to see that you know what skills trainees need and that you can demonstrate how you have them, but I wouldn’t try and force a connection that isn’t there.

I hope that helps!

 

[TortillaTC]

Hello!

On your first question: I think it’s totally fine to combine the action and result into one sentence or short paragraph, especially in a short work experience section where space is limited. Something along the lines of ‘I drafted X document, which was later used in Y’ is clear and efficient, and shows the impact whilst making the most of the space.

In relation to including skills, I’d say that this is definitely firm dependent. I would follow the advice that the Willkie graduate recruitment outlined for their application (as that will reflect what they are looking for). Some firms will prefer a very factual, CV-style approach whereas others are more open to candidates discussing key skills. The key is to keep it relevant and realistic, such as your example about juggling an internship and studies to show time management - that is a solid, credible link.

I would say that as a general rule of thumb (unless otherwise stated), I would link key transferable skills if they are relevant, but try to not overdo it. Firms will want to see that you know what skills trainees need and that you can demonstrate how you have them, but I wouldn’t try and force a connection that isn’t there.

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much, very helpful!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all,

for video interviews are we expected to prep for situation based questions eg: xyz happens how do you deal with it?

or do they typically tend to be motivational and competency based only?

Hi!

Generally, video interviews will focus mostly on motivational and competency-based questions, such as ‘Why X Firm’ and ‘Tell us about a time…’.

However, some firms do include situational or scenario-based questions, particularly considering ‘strengths-based’ assessments have become more prevalent. This is a way to see how you would handle specific problems, and the traits that you possess that make you a good fit for the firm (e.g. “How would you handle X?”). I would say it’s definitely worth preparing for a few situational questions just in case - I’d say the best way is to reflect on your previous experiences, and highlight the key strengths you displayed in each scenario. You can then apply this to the situational question in the interview, and link back to your past evidence of displaying it if applicable.

I would focus most of your preparation on motivational and competency questions, but be ready for some situational questions too as they may pop up!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but this is my first actual application cycle and I was wondering why firms issue rejections and then don’t progress people soon after? I’ve noticed so far that people have been rejected from HSF and macfarlanes but they haven’t released any assessment centres yet? Is this normal?

Hello!

Not a dumb question at all! Firms often have different timelines for communicating decisions at various stages. Whilst they can send out decisions for those not moving forward, the rest of the process (such as assessment centre invites) can take a bit longer to finalise. It is quite normal to see some rejections before you hear about who’s progressing.

There is also the logistical side - firms will need time to organise assessment centres, especially if they’re in person and require scheduling multiple dates or rounds.

I would say that it is pretty standard for there to be a gap! However, not hearing back when others have isn’t necessarily a bad sign - there’s a million factors that could be taken into account

 

[ohnoselim]

Hi!

Generally, video interviews will focus mostly on motivational and competency-based questions, such as ‘Why X Firm’ and ‘Tell us about a time…’.

However, some firms do include situational or scenario-based questions, particularly considering ‘strengths-based’ assessments have become more prevalent. This is a way to see how you would handle specific problems, and the traits that you possess that make you a good fit for the firm (e.g. “How would you handle X?”). I would say it’s definitely worth preparing for a few situational questions just in case - I’d say the best way is to reflect on your previous experiences, and highlight the key strengths you displayed in each scenario. You can then apply this to the situational question in the interview, and link back to your past evidence of displaying it if applicable.

I would focus most of your preparation on motivational and competency questions, but be ready for some situational questions too as they may pop up!

Thank you!

Another question, if they did ask a question relating to a deal or current news story affecting the firm/clients, would it be okay to mention the same deal i did in my application?

or if i wanted to display a sector strength would it be okay to mention the same deal?

Im not sure where to draw the line with repeating things in my application to the VI

 

[mg42guy32]

I thought I was having an epileptic episode. Scored 1/5 in all metrics. Apparently my keyboard's input lag is indicative of me not being a good team player lol

Same here lol if it makes you feel any better (it probably doesn’t)