TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SamiyaJ]

No worries we win some and lose some. I did the test on the Monday of the week 26 or 27 Sept.

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

 

[legallybrunnette]

Hi, I completed the NRF Artic shores test. Very interesting to say the least... How did others find it? How does NRF score this?

Hi there! It was interesting indeed. Has anyone received word from the firm itself yet or no? I have only received a feedback report form the Arctic Shores company but not the firm. Any ideas of when we should be expecting firm feedback?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

Your most welcome and it might be good news for you 🤔

 

[jojo23]

Is the White and Case test timed? I have one day left to do it and I work full time. 4 days really isn't much.

It's untimed

 

[Amgrad]

Davis Polk Insight Day reserve list I'm a bit doubtful anyone would say no but they mentioned there were only 40 spaces for each Insight Day so I imagine it's really competitive.

I've emailed asking if I could be considered for their next Insight Day in November instead but somewhere in my mind I think I remember seeing it stated that I could only apply to one (I don't know if I might have mixed this up with a different firm) but I can't seem to find any information about this on their website or application portal :/ Does anyone know anything further about this?

Ask if it held hybrid and they can accommodate virtually, so all wait-list can join?

 

[legallybrunnette]

Just received NRF VI invite and my scores were 2/4, 2/4, 4/4, 4/4

Just received NRF VI invite and my scores were 2/4, 2/4, 4/4, 4/4

First of all, Congrats! Would you mind giving a bit of info on your background for example overall grade, RG, non-RG. I understand if you don't wish to share. I achieved similar scores but have not received yet a VI that's why I was wondering. Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm struggling to structure my answer to 'What is motivating you towards a career at Cooley' in 300 words for their open day. I'm mainly drawn because of their life sciences sector (I'm a biochemistry student) and the range of transactional work they do with life sciences companies, but of course a lot of firms have a strong life sciences practice and I am struggling to explain why specifically Cooley's life sciences sector. I am also worried about focusing on one sector too much, and making it sound like I am not interested in anything else they do. I also don't know how much to write about the training/culture/diversity, or if i should instead focus on another practice instead of training?

Hi!

I totally understand where you’re coming from, and it can be hard to distinguish firms from the outside!

What might help is focusing not just on what Cooley does in life sciences, but how they do it, and why that approach resonates with you. For example, Cooley is known for partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical companies from start-up to IPO (and beyond). If that full life cycle work interests you, this could be tied into your background and how you would love to see the real-world impact that commercial law has. This will show that you’ve thought about your motivations, and can distinguish Cooley from its competitors.

In relation to your point about focusing too much on one sector - I totally understand where you are coming from, and you’re right to be mindful. If you can in your answer, I would try and show that you are open-minded to trying other areas and experiencing the full range of work that Cooley offers. However, I would avoid trying to cram in information on multiple practice areas for the sake of it - it’s better to fully explain your motivations for one than half-explain a few.

As for culture / training / diversity, these can definitely be useful inclusions if you can tie in why this links to your past experiences or motivations. I would try and avoid adding it as a generic ‘plus’!

I hope that helps 😊

 

[nbjani]

How would I go about answering questions that ask about "interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements." such as for W+C? I'm stuck on this because I'm a career changer, having worked commercially for over 10 years since my undergrad. It seems a bit redundant to talk about work experience when that will be in the work experience section. Do I talk about uni societies from 10 years ago?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys,

Quick question - I was recording the VI for NRF and someone in my building decided to start work and bang a rope against my window. This was very audible in my VI responses so I waited and took longer than necessary to respond to the questions and even re-recorded one. This made me exceed the recommended 5 min prep time

Would you recommend contacting grad rec and letting them know? or is the 5 min prep time not something that is taken seriously?

Hello!

That sounds super frustrating - I’m sorry to hear that happened during your VI! If the background noise made your answers hard to hear, or you’re concerned, it is probably worth sending a quick email to the graduate recruitment team just to explain any noise (and that it caused you to exceed the prep time).

If it was just slightly over the recommended preparation time, I’d try not to worry too much - this isn’t likely to be a big issue! If it’ll put your mind at ease, you could still email the graduate recruitment team to explain.

I hope it went well! 😊

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who did the first test for Hogan Lovells, was it essentially a WG, SJT and a proofreading exercise? Also, did it have a VI element to it?

For White & Case, is there a VI with the test, once the application is sent off?

Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

HI @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock,, for this question for W&C

"Discuss a deal that White & Case has advised on in the last two years."

What do you think the word "deal" refers to here? Is it just on any matters they have worked on, including IPO's, Litigation cases and M&A, or is it just deals in the context of general M&A?

Hi!

Great question - in this context, “deal” is likely referencing transactional work, so things such as M&A, private equity, project finance, capital markets (e.g. IPOs), etc. These are typically the types of matters firms highlight as “deals” on their websites.

Litigation and arbitration wouldn’t usually fall under “deals”, since those are contentious matters rather than transactions.

So I’d recommend choosing something from White & Case’s transactional work - M&A is a solid option, but IPOs or major infrastructure or project finance deals are just as valid. I would go with whichever you are most interested in!

I hope that helps

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

For those who did the first test for Hogan Lovells, was it essentially a WG, SJT and a proofreading exercise? Also, did it have a VI element to it?

For White & Case, is there a VI with the test, once the application is sent off?

Thank you!

HL test is those 3 sections but it did take me 2 hours to do. I can't speak for others but for me it was those sections which personally was too much!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Should being an advisor in your university's legal advice clinic fall under work experience or extra curriculars

Hello!

Either is likely to work, but I would include it in your work experience section. This was always where I used to list my experience in my university’s legal advice clinic, and I never ran into any issues!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have put down I have a neurodiversity on my applications. A firm is asking for proof - however I dont really feel comfortable sharing the full 30 page diagnostic report. Does anyone have any past experience of this/ know whether it would be acceptable in just providing a screenshot of the conclusion paragraph?

Hello!

I’ve been in a similar position, and it’s totally understandable to not want to share the full report!

In most cases, firms just need confirmation of the diagnosis, not the entire document. A screenshot or PDF of the conclusion / summary page (with your name and date visible) is usually enough. It is completely fine to redact any personal information that isn’t relevant as well.

If you’re unsure, you could email the firm and explain that you’re happy to provide proof but would prefer to share only the relevant section for privacy reasons - they’re likely to be very understanding!

I hope that helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock , I was reapplying to Reed Smith - but last year, I listed their Diversity and inclusion as one of the reasons. would you recommend changing that this year? - as RS has changed ED&I to Culture & Engagement.
I'm also not sure if their affinity groups exist anymore in the UK as they have been removed in the US.
If you could provide any clarification on this, I would be very grateful!

Hey!

Whilst I can only speak from the perspective of the UK offices, I’d say it’s totally fine to still discuss Diversity and Inclusion in your application if that’s one of your main motivations, as this is still applicable to the firm.

As far as I’m aware, the Business Inclusion Groups still exist in the UK offices as I was able to join PRISM when I started!

I hope that provides some clarification

 

[Legal_Beaver]

Any new HSF WVS PFOs?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello,
This is for White & Case vacation scheme.

Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these. – 300 words

Does this mean I'm supposed to mention either positions of responsibility or achievements, because I was going to mention one extra-curricular, one position of responsibility I held, and one achievement. After re-reading the question, I'm unsure. Also, how do you structure the 'how you developed these' section?

Thank you

Hello!

You can definitely include a mix - the question invites you to talk about any interests, extracurriculars, positions of responsibility, or achievements, so mentioning one of each seems like a great way to show variety and depth. If you are going to discuss quite a few, I would make sure to focus on quality over quantity - try to make sure you are discussing the skills and competencies to fully answer the question.

For the “how you developed these” part, you don’t need to go into loads of detail - just briefly explain what you did in that activity that helped you develop that skill.

It could help to structure each example like this:

What was the activity -> What did you do -> What skills did you build -> How / Why is that relevant

Keep it concise and purposeful - and if you can show how the skills are transferable to a legal environment, that’s also great!

Good luck with your application!

 

[applicant457]

First of all, Congrats! Would you mind giving a bit of info on your background for example overall grade, RG, non-RG. I understand if you don't wish to share. I achieved similar scores but have not received yet a VI that's why I was wondering. Thank you

I think they send them out in batches? I got 4332 as well, some people here seem to think there will be no other VIs given out, but last year I got 4443 and got my interview 4 days after everyone.

It is equally plausible that they will just not send anything else out though. can I ask what u got?

 

[Bbhu19]

I

Thanks for sharing that.

I did mine on 19 Sept and heard nothing back

same 😀😀

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How would I go about answering questions that ask about "interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements." such as for W+C? I'm stuck on this because I'm a career changer, having worked commercially for over 10 years since my undergrad. It seems a bit redundant to talk about work experience when that will be in the work experience section. Do I talk about uni societies from 10 years ago?

Hello!

As a career changer, you definitely don’t need to be discussing uni societies from 10 years ago. Instead, I would try to focus on what you currently do (or have recently done) outside of your day job - volunteering, mentoring, side projects, sports, or involvement in work committees (e.g. D&I).

Even achievements within your career can work if they show initiative or values that align with the firm - just frame them less as “work experience” and more as part of who you are outside of the typical role!

The aim is to show that you are well-rounded, engaged, and that you bring transferable skills from your interests and hobbies.

I hope that helps!