TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

I did the first on the 12th, so we were in that same first batch of assessment invites. So maybe an incoming PFO, but who knows. What did your feedback report say?
My two least developed skills were "we thrive as a team" and "embracing transformation", so once I saw that, I kind of assumed this one was a burner.

I got the invite on the 12th and completed it on the 4th or 5th day.

My least developed skills were 'embracing transformation' and 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' which really scares me. That said my most developed skills were thriving as a team, thriving under pressure and challenging ourselves so I'm unsure if they balance the "weaknesses' enough?

Failing on 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' feels like it would be a huge red flag for them so expecting a PFO.

 

[silonthesofa]

I got the invite on the 12th and completed it on the 4th or 5th day.

My least developed skills were 'embracing transformation' and 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' which really scares me. That said my most developed skills were thriving as a team, thriving under pressure and challenging ourselves so I'm unsure if they balance the "weaknesses' enough?

Failing on 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' feels like it would be a huge red flag for them so expecting a PFO.

Okay, well that just adds more intrigue because my top three were thriving under pressure, championing our clients and giving them the edge, and delivering extraordinary outcomes lol so one of our least developed skills is the same, one of your top skills is my worst, and one of your worst is one of my top.

Honestly though, I don't think there's much point in overanalyzing the results. It's like, what does it mean to have top three and bottom two because any of those skills will seem bad if you ranked lowest in them and you necessarily must rank lowest in something.

 

[johnsmith]

hi!! was just wondering is there unlimited prep time?

Yes!

 

[whywhy88]

How do you know about HL? I'm still waiting to get the link for the first test this year (submitted a direct TC application about a week and a half ago), but last year, I didn't get a report from them after completing it.

HL do send feedback reports after the tests this cycle as they’ve changed to cappfinity as opposed to WG. But what I meant was the actual test questions for the critical reasoning section of the test were almost identical for me between Freshfields and HL, not the feedback reports. Sorry for the confusion!

 

[Dannie]

I got the invite on the 12th and completed it on the 4th or 5th day.

My least developed skills were 'embracing transformation' and 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' which really scares me. That said my most developed skills were thriving as a team, thriving under pressure and challenging ourselves so I'm unsure if they balance the "weaknesses' enough?

Failing on 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' feels like it would be a huge red flag for them so expecting a PFO.

I got a stage 2 invite and 'delivering on extraordinary outcomes' was also my weakness!

 

[l789]

Hi, just wondering if anyone heard back from Akin for their Virtual Open day. They said they will get back by the 24th 🥲

I recieved an invite!!!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Same here!!

Massive Congratulations to all who made AS CAC semi finals

See you there as well Skadden Cohort! @Vakil

See you there!! 🤩 Huge well done to you both and best of luck @johnsmith

 

[applicant457]

anyone heard back from WFW?

 

[BealMcAlly]

I got a stage 2 invite and 'delivering on extraordinary outcomes' was also my weakness!

Don't give me hope 🤩🤩🤩 when did you complete your online assessment please?

 

[Dannie]

Don't give me hope 🤩🤩🤩 when did you complete your online assessment please?

Oct 12

 

[Andrei Radu]

This might sound silly, but does anyone know what Taylor Wessing's cover letter requirements are? I know that it is usually supposed to be one page long, but is there any word/font/text size limit?

Unless the firm provides more specific information about this on their website, you can generally assume the following will hold true for cover letters:

• The font size should be 11 or 12;
• Times New Roman is generally the best option, but other "classic" fonts should also be acceptable;
• You should write 1-2 pages, and preferably either a full one page or a a full/close to two full pages. You should only write more than one page if you (I) think the extra length is justified by substantial value-add of the additional content you can include and (II) you will still be observing the strict norms of conciseness that generally apply to application writing through the cover letter.

 

[TCLA0322]

For those who signed up for Latham Nov Open Day, do you know when we expected to hear back?

 

[Tattyasha]

I recieved an invite!!!

Me too! Eeek! Massive well done to you both!! @Anniee

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does passing DLA's WG mean you've made it to the next stage in their application process or can you still not be progressed?

In past cycles I know passing the WG did not mean you would automatically progress to the VI stage. After you passed the WG, the firm used to holistically reassess your written application and your WG performance and would only subsequently make a decision as to progression.

 

[Lawlawland]

Akin Open Days invite 🙂

While I would also be attending HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells and RPC open days, I would like to know some tips to make the most out of the open day to convert it to a VS!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is anybody like terrified of VI's to the point where the entire week leading upto it/preparing just feels dreadful?😂😂

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Akin open day invite

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

 

[Suii]

Fieldfisher test invite.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Akin Open Days invite 🙂

While I would also be attending HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells and RPC open days, I would like to know some tips to make the most out of the open day to convert it to a VS!

Hi @jaisrihere and first of all huge congrats for getting all these open days invites - it is a great achievement! As for my best tips in terms of how to make the most of it:

• Throughly research the firms before the open day and try to be inquisitive while doing so, making note of any areas you think you may ask questions about to further improve your understanding. Asking good questions (so, questions for which you would not be able to find an answer online) is a great way to show interest and to stand out from the crowd.
• Figure out what "Why the firm" reasons you will likely want to include in a VS application, and try to ask questions relating to it - this will make it easier to include mentions of your interactions in your subsequent application.
• Ask questions about the application process - try to find out what qualities the firm is most looking for, what mistakes to make sure to avoid, etc.
• Try to connect with the firm's graduate recruiters: instead of only speaking to the firm's trainees and its lawyers, you should also try to get to know the firm's graduate recruiters - as they are the people who will ultimately make progressions decisions up to the Assessment Centre/final interview. Making a good impression (which does not only mean appearing competent and smart, but also showing that you are an interesting, personable, and kind person) when speaking to the firm's recruiters could significantly increase your chances of progressing past the application stage.