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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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I realised after submitting my application to Covington that I made two small errors. Firstly, I forgot to mention the year for one of my modules and I wrongly stated my position in one of my work experience I am a little concerned, as I felt confident about the rest of my answers. Do you know if Covington is very strict about minor mistakes like these. Is there anything you would suggest I do in this situation? Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith
Hello!

I would try not to worry, as those are really minor mistakes and are unlikely to hurt your application. Whilst I don't know too much about Covington, I'm sure they'll focus on your overall answers and motivations more than some tiny admin slips!

You could email the graduate recruitment team to clarify if it is making you anxious, as this might put your mind at ease. However, I wouldn't say this is essential - everyone has made a small mistake on an application before, and it's unlikely it'll count against you :)
 

FutureTrainee100

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Premium Member
Sep 12, 2022
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Hello!

I totally get how you're feeling - even last cycle, I was shocked by how many firms had switched to Cappfinity or similar SJTs, and it seems to be an even larger number this year! They can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but as you do more of them the format becomes a bit easier to understand. A few tips and resources that might help:

Understand the Format

Cappfinity SJTs usually assess how you'd respond to realistic work scenarios in the role of a trainee. They're designed to test judgment and alignment with company values rather than intelligence. You'll often be ranking or rating responses, so have a look at what the specific firm values, and try and select options that you would do AND that align with those values.

Practice with Realistic Examples

As some others have said, there are a few resources online that allow you to practice. A lot of firms will have their own practice examples, however, you can also look at websites such as: Cappfinity, AssessmentDay, JobTestPrep, and Graduates First - they should all have some good practice tests (paid and unpaid) to help you understand what the format looks like.

Simulate Test Conditions

I would try to do the practice tests timed and without distractions. This will help you build confidence and familiarity so that the actual test feels less stressful on the real day.

I've also included some SJT advice that I always found really useful that Zainab shared last cycle - definitely have a look!



Most importantly - don't panic! The tests often sound scarier than they are. I definitely wasn't the biggest fan of them initially, but once you've done a few, you'll start spotting patterns and your confidence will grow.

Best of luck! :)
Thank you sooo much!! This is so helpful, are these tests timed? Specifically, the ones for Weil, Freshfields, Mayer Brown, Gibson Dunn, and Milibank.
 

Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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Thank you sooo much!! This is so helpful, are these tests timed? Specifically, the ones for Weil, Freshfields, Mayer Brown, Gibson Dunn, and Milibank.
No problem at all!

I think this will differ from firm to firm, but I've found that most of the ones I have completed were untimed. I would say it is still useful to complete practice tests under timed conditions just in case! :)
 
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l789

Legendary Member
Aug 19, 2020
201
259
There is a VI in the second stage assessment as well as another test! If you pass this, you receive the open day invite.
I only recieved, an invitation to a two part assessment (second assessment had no video interview) Completed that on the deadline, and was emailed my cappfinity report on Wednesday

I haven’t heard anything since- I’m not sure what to make of this. Do you have any further guidance?
 

InterestInPublicLaw

Legendary Member
  • Feb 7, 2024
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    Have Hogan Lovells AC invites been sent out?

    Is Hogan Lovells' 2nd stage test automatic?

    has anyone heard of Hogan Lovells post Job Sim? Any AC invites?

    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 ?

    Hi all, for those who have completed the Hogan Lovells Job Simulation test, I was just wondering whether you wouldn't mind sharing whether the questions were more focused on the situations themselves in the test (i.e., how you would respond in different scenarios), or could be related more to your personal motivation, skills, and competencies? Prepping for possible questions such as Why the firm, why commercial law would take up so much more time. Thank you so much!
     
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    Andrei Radu

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    Sep 9, 2024
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    IS DLA Piper Watson Glaser test automatic? I got it on a Sunday and i'm wondering if it's automatic or it was actually assessed.
    Back when I was applying it was definitely not automatic, and I do not think that they have changed their process. I would not read too much into the fact you heard back on a Sunday - this has happened to me a number of times when hearing back even after a VI/online test. Sometimes, recruiters also work in the weekends; and sometimes, while they may send invites all together in a semi-automised process which kicks in at the end of the week, that does not mean your application has not already been considered and that the process was not selective - the automised invites may be sent periodically to people whose applications were listed in "to be progressed" categories.
     
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