TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith , I hope you're doing well! I was wondering how to answer this question in an interview - Two managers give you important tasks that are both due at the same time. How would you handle this situation?/ The partner asks you to take on more work when you’re already at capacity.

Hi!

I am well, thank you - I hope you are too!

When you get a scenario like this in an interview, the best approach is to show that you can prioritise, communicate, and stay professional under pressure. A clear structure could be:

1. Acknowledge that you’d assess the situation - what factors would you take into account (e.g. complexity, deadlines, etc.) and what method is likely to have the most impact in resolving the conflicting deadlines
2. Communicate - explain that you’d speak with the supervisor to clarify priorities and manage expectations
3. Problem-solve - show that you’d suggest practical ways to handle the workload (e.g. adjusting the deadline, seeking support, or reorganising tasks)
4. Reflect - emphasise what you would take away and learn from the situation in order to improve in the future

Throughout your answer, I would keep in mind the traits that are expected of trainees and how you could demonstrate those in answering the question. Your answer should demonstrate good judgement, self-awareness, and time management - all qualities that firms look for!

I hope that assists, and best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

In Reed Smith test, after completing my SJT, can I close the tab and then join again for the VI the next day? Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith

Hi!

Unfortunately, I’m actually not too sure on this as I completed my SJT and VI in one sitting! However, if you have been able to do this for other firms’ assessments, I would say that it is likely also possible with the Reed Smith assessment.

It may be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team just to double check

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey all! HSFK AC today and received same day offer for WVS. So excited!

Congratulations!! That’s an amazing achievement, and so nice to hear back the same day - you must’ve really impressed them!

I hope you take the time to celebrate 🎉

 

[LawAspirer]

Do you guys think its OK to add mitigating circumstances when I had a 63% final grade? (Conversion from Dutch grades). My university had a specific teaching type which got screwed during the corona time. My point being that in the first 2 years I had more like 59% and 60% average, while in the 3rd (no corona), I brought it up to a 68% average. What do you think?

 

[johnsmith]

Do you guys think its OK to add mitigating circumstances when I had a 63% final grade? (Conversion from Dutch grades). My university had a specific teaching type which got screwed during the corona time. My point being that in the first 2 years I had more like 59% and 60% average, while in the 3rd (no corona), I brought it up to a 68% average. What do you think?

I think the firms are often quite firm that COVID disruptions impacted everyone, so they don't accept that as mitigating circumstances - I'm sure you could discuss it with the specific grad recruitment team, though, to get their thoughts, as your situation may be unique.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For this question, Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? - i chose a litigation-based article but now I'm not too sure if commercial litigation is a client sector? I mean, it does affect financial services and litigation funding - but im not sure if litigation funding is a client sector?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Hiya! I am going to their IRIS day Tuesday. I heard back two weeks ago.

Okay amazing! I applied for the disputes one, have the best time!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Ashurst AC post-WE 🎉

 

[elizabethkate]

I am referring to the Summer vac

how long did it take for you to progress to the next stage? I applied to Reed Smith and HG both on the 13/10

 

[TortillaTC]

HL second stage test invite. Applied on 29 September, did the first test 14 October.

 

[trainee4u]

What's the Cappfinity Job Simulation for Hogan Lovells like?
It says "mixture of scenario-based rank questions, video response questions and written response questions".

The scenario-based sounds like an SJT which I already did. Is the video response typical VI stuff ?

 

[trainee4u]

HL second stage test invite. Applied on 29 September, did the first test 14 October.

I did mine yesterday so clearly sending out all the invites to 2nd stage at once!

 

[elliece]

how long did it take for you to progress to the next stage? I applied to Reed Smith and HG both on the 13/10

I only did mine a few days ago and nothing yet! I heard others say it took 2 weeks for the first test to come

 

[Maddy]

I did mine yesterday so clearly sending out all the invites to 2nd stage at once!

I haven’t received any updates since completing my first test on 10th October. Does this mean I have been rejected? I also haven’t received the Ashurst WE invite, so I guess I’ve been unsuccessful.

 

[Maddy]

Did anyone who completed the Reed Smith SJT get a half empty feedback report?

 

[whywhy88]

Really starting to lose hope about receiving the second HL test 😞 With a lot of firms moving towards SJTs and the Cappfinity model I feel more disheartened than ever given my neurodivergency makes such tests so much harder. Anyone else feeling the same?

 

[WS]

Did anyone who completed the Reed Smith SJT get a half empty feedback report?

Yes - mine was empty; just email grad rec and they'll send you the full one

 

[Tattyasha]

Really starting to lose hope about receiving the second HL test 😞 With a lot of firms moving towards SJTs and the Cappfinity model I feel more disheartened than ever given my neurodivergency makes such tests so much harder. Anyone else feeling the same?

Yep, totally

 

[Anon145]

is there any chance that the Milbank Online Assessment will have a VI component? They haven't been very clear, and they are hosting the assessment on a platform primarily used for VIs. However, it is only the first assessment after the application so unsure.

 

[WiddyJ]

is there any chance that the Milbank Online Assessment will have a VI component? They haven't been very clear, and they are hosting the assessment on a platform primarily used for VIs. However, it is only the first assessment after the application so unsure.

I’m going to do it on friday and am assuming it will be a short VI