TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman hey guys, im just planning the NRF cover letter but its a bit different than the usual. "Tell us why you want to join, what excites you about our programme, and how your skills match our values. Keep it personal and specific."
Im interpreting this as - Why NRF, why this specific TC (training and opportunities), then why me (then match to values). Am I on the write lines? + any suggestions as to structure/content would be amazing. Thank you so much!!!! <3

Hello!!

Yes, sounds like you are absolutely on the right track. The way you've broken it down into 'why NRF', 'why their programme', and 'why you' is how I would generally interpret it too! It seems like a slightly more personal twist on the cover letter, but I think following those questions makes a lot of sense.

In terms of structure, I would perhaps follow something along the lines of:

• Why NRF ("Tell us why you want to join"): Start by showing what draws you to the firm itself - maybe their global presence, standout practice areas, or commitment to innovation or sustainability. If you've spoken to NRF lawyers or read about a deal or initiative that really resonated with you, mention it here to make your answer specific and authentic.
• Why this TC ("What excites you about our programme"): I would then move into what excites you about their training contract in particular - e.g. the international opportunities, variety of seat options, client exposure, or emphasis on professional development. Make sure that you show how these aspects align with what you're looking for in your training experience, with reference to your past experiences and future ambitions.
• Why you ("How your skills match our values"): Finish your cover letter by connecting your own skills and experiences to NRF's core values. I would back up each point you make with a brief example - for instance, times you've shown collaboration or adaptability. This helps demonstrate that your motivations and approach fit naturally with the firm's culture. They'll be wanting you to display self-awareness and reflection on your past experiences and skills, and why this makes you a good fit.

I'd write a short closing paragraph that ties it all together - something that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the firm and your eagerness to contribute to the firm in the future. Just make sure that you are making the cover letter personal and specific, such as including references to your past experiences and personal motivations where you can.

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is there any added advantage if you do the virtual work simulation of the law firms you're applying to?

Hello!

I would say that the advantage of doing the programme for a firm that you are applying for is that you can demonstrate genuine interest and motivation in the firm. It shows that you've taken the time to understand the type of work they do and what trainees might be tasked with.

You can also reference specific insights you gained from the programme in your application or interview - for example, a task or case study that stood out to you, or how it developed your interest in a certain area. That helps make your answers more specific and personal, rather than generic.

It's also a good way to confirm for yourself whether the firm's work actually interests you, which makes your motivation feel more authentic when you write about it!

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Hello!!

Yes, sounds like you are absolutely on the right track. The way you've broken it down into 'why NRF', 'why their programme', and 'why you' is how I would generally interpret it too! It seems like a slightly more personal twist on the cover letter, but I think following those questions makes a lot of sense.

In terms of structure, I would perhaps follow something along the lines of:

• Why NRF ("Tell us why you want to join"): Start by showing what draws you to the firm itself - maybe their global presence, standout practice areas, or commitment to innovation or sustainability. If you've spoken to NRF lawyers or read about a deal or initiative that really resonated with you, mention it here to make your answer specific and authentic.
• Why this TC ("What excites you about our programme"): I would then move into what excites you about their training contract in particular - e.g. the international opportunities, variety of seat options, client exposure, or emphasis on professional development. Make sure that you show how these aspects align with what you're looking for in your training experience, with reference to your past experiences and future ambitions.
• Why you ("How your skills match our values"): Finish your cover letter by connecting your own skills and experiences to NRF's core values. I would back up each point you make with a brief example - for instance, times you've shown collaboration or adaptability. This helps demonstrate that your motivations and approach fit naturally with the firm's culture. They'll be wanting you to display self-awareness and reflection on your past experiences and skills, and why this makes you a good fit.

I'd write a short closing paragraph that ties it all together - something that reaffirms your enthusiasm for the firm and your eagerness to contribute to the firm in the future. Just make sure that you are making the cover letter personal and specific, such as including references to your past experiences and personal motivations where you can.

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

Thank you so much Abbie! <3

 

[busybee070]

is freshfields application process just the online form, then the online assessment (sjt, critical reasoning, & motivation in context) before AC?

 

[abc124]

Hey!

Whilst I'm not too sure on all the considerations they make, I scored 25 overall in my Reed Smith SJT so I'd say that there definitely is still a chance based on your scores!

Hi, do you know if there's an overall score cut-off? I think I did okay in the video interview but I scored really poorly in 2 of the pillars so my total is 22 and I'm scared it won't even get watched :')

 

[Bbhu19]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They check that you completed them but they don’t check your answers supposedly

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

What's the etiquette for incoming vacation schemes on the work experience section?
Do applicants generally put 'incoming vacation scheme at X firm' in their work experience section?

Should I;
A) Not include the incoming scheme (as I haven't completed it yet + don't want Y firm to think I prefer X firm, or that I'm more likely to receive/accept a TC at X firm first).
B) Only include the incoming scheme for firms which are very similar to X firm (e.g. they operate in the same key sectors).
C) Include the incoming scheme when applying to all firms.

I'm conscious that for non-CV firms, putting in a blank entry on Candid for an 'incoming scheme' might also seem odd. However, I also recognise just how beneficial it is to have a VS under your belt, and that other law firms might see this incoming VS and think I am a competitive applicant. (Equally they might hate it for reasons outlined above).

Any help will be much appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock eager to hear your thoughts too

 

[SR99]

How would you recommend structuring a cover letter for an open day? Would it be 1. Why the Open Day 2. Why you 3. Why commercial law 4. Why the firm?

Am I missing anything?
Thank you!

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Is there any added advantage if you do the virtual work simulation of the law firms you're applying to?

For Clifford Chance, I believe so. In particular, their global virtual internship. They really promote it quite heavily.

 

[bh.sa]

Any info on Paul Hastings openings this year? Either for DTC or VS or both....

Do you mean dates? If so:

DTC: 5 Jan-30 June 2026
PHirst Steps placements: 20 Oct-4 Jan 2026

 

[Andrei Radu]

How would you recommend structuring a cover letter for an open day? Would it be 1. Why the Open Day 2. Why you 3. Why commercial law 4. Why the firm?

Am I missing anything?
Thank you!

I think you are covering everything relevant, but I would switch up the ordering a bit to help it flow more naturally. Thus, my structure would go like this:

1. Why commercial law: starting from the highest level of generality, it makes sense to explain why you are interested in this profession in the first place before discussing your interest in the firm or why you are a good fit, as without an interest in the career it would make no sense to have an interest in the firm or to care about any "fit" in terms of skills and abilities.
2. Why the firm + why the open day: I would discuss these two together, as the "why this open day" part is normally just wanting to learn more about an aspect of the firm that already interests you.
3. Why you: this should come last in my opinion, as once again it only makes sense to discuss your "fit" if your interest in the firm is already established. Furthermore, since this is where you will likely bring in your most impressive skills and achievements, it makes for a good ending note to leave the reader with.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Does anybody know what the email address is to email Hogan Lovells’ early careers? The test was sent by [email protected] but in the email itself, it states if we need to send an email regarding adjustments, we need to email [email protected]. I’m not sure which one is the right one.​

 

[Lawlawland]

Does anybody know what the email address is to email Hogan Lovells’ early careers? The test was sent by [email protected] but in the email itself, it states if we need to send an email regarding adjustments, we will need to email [email protected]. Not sure which one is the right one.​

I've had two way communications with both emails... I send my queries to Earlycareers mail, I received Open day and other events confirmation from gradrec email.

I would prefer Earlycareers mail for clarifying doubts, and gradrec for event related queries.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, do you know if there's an overall score cut-off? I think I did okay in the video interview but I scored really poorly in 2 of the pillars so my total is 22 and I'm scared it won't even get watched :')

Hello!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure on whether there is an overall cut-off - apologies! Even if you believe you scored poorly in 2 of the pillars, I think an overall score of 22 is still strong so I would try not to worry too much

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What's the etiquette for incoming vacation schemes on the work experience section?
Do applicants generally put 'incoming vacation scheme at X firm' in their work experience section?

Should I;
A) Not include the incoming scheme (as I haven't completed it yet + don't want Y firm to think I prefer X firm, or that I'm more likely to receive/accept a TC at X firm first).
B) Only include the incoming scheme for firms which are very similar to X firm (e.g. they operate in the same key sectors).
C) Include the incoming scheme when applying to all firms.

I'm conscious that for non-CV firms, putting in a blank entry on Candid for an 'incoming scheme' might also seem odd. However, I also recognise just how beneficial it is to have a VS under your belt, and that other law firms might see this incoming VS and think I am a competitive applicant. (Equally they might hate it for reasons outlined above).

Any help will be much appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock eager to hear your thoughts too

Hello!

That's a great question, and something that I also wondered last cycle as well!

When I applied, my approach was to not include my upcoming vacation schemes in my vacation scheme applications, but I did include them in my direct training contract application. My reasoning was that, for a DTC application, it can be useful for graduate recruitment to know that I'll have gained some legal experience before attending their assessment days - whereas for a vacation scheme, that information felt less relevant.

In my application, I phrased it along the lines of: "After a competitive application process, I will be completing a two-week vacation scheme at the firm's office in London in June 2025" and "After placing second place in the British and Irish University Commercial Awareness Competition 2024, I will be completing a two-week vacation scheme at X in July 2025." This gave some context of how I gained the vacation scheme(s), and showed which firms they were with.

Ultimately, it'll really depend on each firm's preference. If you're concerned about it being perceived negatively, you could leave it out - but I honestly can't imagine it would harm your application either way. I'm sure that the graduate recruitment teams see this quite often!

 

[sooae]

Hello! Has anyone heard back from WC for Spring/Summer?

 

[yuhhhh]

Does anybody have insights on Weil's Assessment? More than happy to share tips on other assessments/ACs.

 

[jamsparkle]

is freshfields application process just the online form, then the online assessment (sjt, critical reasoning, & motivation in context) before AC?

app form then OA then if you pass that then OA 2 (job sim inc VIs) then AC

 

[DavidJC]

Curious what everyone's thoughts are but if you've submitted a successful Open Day application with a firm and the VS application asks the exact same question with the same word limit, is there fundamentally anything wrong with resubmitting the exact same answer?

 

[c.t.tc]

Curious what everyone's thoughts are but if you've submitted a successful Open Day application with a firm and the VS application asks the exact same question with the same word limit, is there fundamentally anything wrong with resubmitting the exact same answer?

I think if the questions include elements like ‘why Law’ then those won’t have fundamentally changed since the open day so you could easily reuse those parts. How ever I would really recommend rewriting other parts to include mentioning the Open Day and things you learnt from it and strengthening the application overall - they will probably expect a higher quality application for a Vac Scheme!