TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Is using a headset with a mic a good option during a VI or should I just speak as normal?

I don’t think it matters as long as you look professional and using them is.

 

[Atam!]

I just realised that by accident in my cover letter and application to A&O Shearman, I said "Sherman" instead of "Shearman" for about 80% of the times I used the name... How cooked am i... such a stupid mistake, I didn't even notice... At least they know that it's not Chatgpt tho 😂😂😂

oh you are absolutely COOKED 😩😩😩 burnt even
i once submitted an application for a firm with the wrong name (i was juggling 2 applications), i have never applied to that firm again😔

 

[arbitrationfan]

is anyone still waiting to hear back from HSFK & WC for WVS? Should I just assume PFO.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I just realised that by accident in my cover letter and application to A&O Shearman, I said "Sherman" instead of "Shearman" for about 80% of the times I used the name... How cooked am i... such a stupid mistake, I didn't even notice... At least they know that it's not Chatgpt tho 😂😂😂

Hey!

It happens to the best of us! It’s hard to say how the graduate recruitment team will approach it, but I’m sure if your overall application is very strong they’ll overlook it.

Try not to worry too much!

 

[LawAspirer]

are you meant to get a confirmation email after Dechert we - I can't tell if mine submitted

Same problem here. Did it 3 weeks ago and never got a confirmation.

 

[johnsmith]

I just realised that by accident in my cover letter and application to A&O Shearman, I said "Sherman" instead of "Shearman" for about 80% of the times I used the name... How cooked am i... such a stupid mistake, I didn't even notice... At least they know that it's not Chatgpt tho 😂

You made me worry I’d missed a cover letter… seems the DTC app doesn’t ask for one!

 

[taniachahal]

I have already messed up on the first VI question for Macfarlanes simulate assessment. I panicked and didn't really make much sense. Am I better off not submitting it so that they won't have a record of it if I want to apply in the future?

Hi!! do you have any tips on how to prep for the Macfarlanes' VI? is it SJT or competency based or motivational? or a blend?

 

[taniachahal]

Do we not receive email confirmations after completing the second assessment for Macfarlanes? Completed mine about half an hour ago and still not got any confirmation.

Congrats on getting to the second stage! Do you have any tips on how to prepare for the VIs/what I sort of questions I should expect? I appreciate any sort of help!

Thanks,
T

 

[V2002]

Has anyone heard from Dechert post WE?

 

[V2002]

Same problem here. Did it 3 weeks ago and never got a confirmation.

Have you heard back?

 

[rosedunn]

any advice on Dechert written exercise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Trophy]

When is A&O Shearman deadline for assessment it does not say on the email.

Do we get feedback report for Freshfields? I did 1st test and said I would but I didn’t get one.

 

[silonthesofa]

When is A&O Shearman deadline for assessment it does not say on the email.

Do we get feedback report for Freshfields? I did 1st test and said I would but I didn’t get one.

Took 24 hours for mine to come in.

 

[jojo23]

Hello!

I'd try to keep it short and focused - 100 words goes quickly, so stick to the most important information that shows your skills. Briefly mention what you did, what your responsibilities were, and what you learned / the skills it taught you.

You don't need to describe everything - just highlight the most relevant or impressive parts, and use bullet-point style sentences to help keep it clear and concise. In essence, think "impact + reflection" rather than a long description.

Thank you!

 

[jojo23]

I had the same worry, I got an 8, 7 & 5 but remember it's holistic - you have your verbal & numerical, but even more importantly, your VI answers, which I'm sure carry a huge amount of weight!

What were the pillars? Are there only 3?

 

[TCLA0322]

Just finished FF 2nd test- my tip is really spend time on reading the instructions and materials, and prep time will be 2 minutes, 2 minutes answering time: 4 VIs. Rest of them are SJTs and one short written Q. Cannot say more on that.

 

[emily3827]

has anyone done the white and case vi yet and wants to talk about it bc why did I find it so much harder than last years

 

[JasmineM9]

Anybody still waiting to receive the FF Stage 2 Test? For reference I did the Stage 1 Test on 18 October.

 

[silonthesofa]

Hi, this is a question for @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu. How do you approach a cover letter for a firm that doesn't include a separate written answer to detail the "why law, why us, why you" answer? A page seems too limited to be able to exemplify every point i.e. if I say I'm interested in the firm's work on xyz, if I then go on to give an example of a case and why it's interesting, that's half a page already gone. Similar issue with talking about skills that I bring to the job if I use a fully developed STAR approach to my answers.

So any advice or suggestions would be a great help!

 

[Dannie]

Anyone heard from GD for spring? or White & case?