TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[user55998384]

I think you’re safe to wait - the OD is next week and applications close this week so you'll hear quickly - OD will help enhance your VS application, particularly as they are VI heavy.

thank you!!

 

[TCLA0322]

Hogan Lovells stage 2 test invite, any insights would be appreciated 😱 nerve wracking on this... (Lift off track)

 

[a0]

HL Job Sim invite!! Was so nervous because I did the first assessment ages ago 😭

 

[e_turbo2]

Has anyone heard back either PFO or next stage for Macfarlanes following the simulate?

 

[WiddyJ]

HL Job Sim invite!! Was so nervous because I did the first assessment ages ago 😭

is this for summer or lift off?

 

[a0]

is this for summer or lift off?

Lift off!

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone else not heard anything at all from Simmons? Did my test on the 25th and have seen ACs and PFOs flying about but nothing here

 

[plshireme]

Hello!

I completely get where you're coming from - a lot of people don't have a single "lightbulb moment" that pushed them toward law, and that's honestly very normal! However, I'd say it's best to focus your answer around one specific personal experience, even if your motivation developed gradually. The question specifically asks for "a specific personal experience", so I would say they're looking for you to anchor your answer around a moment or situation that you can describe clearly.

That doesn't mean you need a big "lightbulb moment" - it could just be one experience that represents or crystallised what motivated you to pursue a career in law. For example, something that made you appreciate problem-solving, negotiation, advocacy, or international collaboration - this can be any experience that ties into your wider motivations towards law.

I think it's a great idea to bring in your travels or other broader experiences, I would just try and pick one defining example. For instance, you might choose a moment that stood out in particular - such as an interaction, observation, or situation that sparked your curiosity about how law shapes society, business, or people's lives. You can then explain how that particular experience made you start thinking about law in a more concrete way and influenced what kind of work or environment you see yourself in.

In other words, I would use one experience as the lens through which you show how your motivation developed. That way, your answer stays focused and personal while still reflecting the wider journey that's led you towards a legal career.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Thanks Abbie! This was a helpful perspective 😊

 

[TCseeker17]

Having really not expected anything, I am in the incredibly fortunate position of having received two winter vacation scheme offers from firms of a similar calibre (I don't have a particular preference but really like both). However, the dates of the schemes clash. I would hate to lose out on any opportunity given how competitive this all is! Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do - both firms offer summer schemes and direct TC routes (although say that most trainees are recruited via VS route)?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Also, should I still apply for the W&C spring or summer vac scheme, or there is no point as people have already started hearing back?

Hello!

I’d say it is definitely still worth applying! Most firms will get the bulk of their applications right before the deadline, and it’s likely they’ll review anything that is submitted on time.

The most important thing is that you submit a tailored and personal application

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Any news on Cleary WVS post WG?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Eversheds it asks when you have worked towards an ambitious goal. The example I have is when I developed my commercial awareness through a WhatsApp group chat discussing news stories everyday. After this I did monthly sessions over zoom calls on commercial topics like presentations. Would this be a good example.

Hello!

That has potential to be a good example! To make it stand out, make sure you clearly explain how and why this was an ambitious goal. For instance, improving commercial awareness takes sustained effort over time, especially where you are taking the initiative to organise discussions and lead sessions outside your studies.

You could explain that your goal was to develop a deeper, more practical understanding of commercial issues (something that many students find difficult to maintain consistently), and then explain how you pushed yourself (i.e. setting up the Whatsapp group).

Make sure you also show the outcome - how your confident or analytical ability improved, or how it helped you perform better in interviews or applications. That way, you are demonstrating ambition and drive, and linking these to tangible results.

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Since I was accepted onto a selective open day, should I be worried about my grades when applying for the firm's vacation scheme?

Hi!

That’s a great question - if the firm has the same grade requirements for the open day as the vacation scheme, I would take that as a sign that your grades are perfectly fine!

However, if they don’t list any grade requirements for the open day, I’d double check with the graduate recruitment team on what their grade policy is for the vacation scheme, as they may not have had any requirements for the open day

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Having really not expected anything, I am in the incredibly fortunate position of having received two winter vacation scheme offers from firms of a similar calibre (I don't have a particular preference but really like both). However, the dates of the schemes clash. I would hate to lose out on any opportunity given how competitive this all is! Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do - both firms offer summer schemes and direct TC routes (although say that most trainees are recruited via VS route)?

Hello!

That’s a fantastic position to be in - big congratulations!!

It’s definitely worth reaching out to both firms as soon as possible. I would just be honest and polite - explain that you have received two offers for the same dates and that you’re genuinely keen to attend both. Whilst it’ll depend on the firm, they’ll likely have encountered this situation many times before and will generally be very understanding - especially if they have later schemes.

If it’s not possible to be moved to a later scheme or a direct route, I’d have a think about which firm aligns most with your long-term aspirations or practice areas of interest. It’s better to fully commit to one and make a strong impression than stress yourself out trying to juggle both.

I hope it works out for you - congratulations again for the offers, I hope you celebrate well

 

[Maddy]

Anyone who completed W & C VI on 2 November, have you heard back?

 

[lawlol420]

Simmons AC!

Hey, congrats! Can I ask whether you applied for the london or bristol office and what your scores were? I'm trying to figure out what the benchmark is

 

[abc124]

Anyone who completed W & C VI on 2 November, have you heard back?

Is that for winter?

 

[Lawlawland]

People who has taken Cleary's WGT, did you guys receive any mail of confirmation from the test provider or Cleary? I didn't receive any, and I'm worried.

 

[Maddy]

Is that for winter?

Yes

 

[johnsmith]

Hey, congrats! Can I ask whether you applied for the london or bristol office and what your scores were? I'm trying to figure out what the benchmark is

Think at the time they mentioned it was London 😀