TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bread]

Just make sure you don't use Chat GPT when writing app and these long dashes as you'll get rejected immediately

Long dashes existed long before ChatGPT 😭

 

[Afuturetrainee]

This isn’t true, they look at your application holistically. It even says at the end of the video that your responses will now be manually reviewed.

They look at your application answers after taking the test. You don't get passed to the next stage yet just because you passed the test. You would have to pass their internal benchmark and then they review it in line with what you have said in your application as well. Everyone gets the test invite. I attended a program where Grad rec spoke to us. They said they send out their invites manually, that's why it doesn't come automatically, but it doesn't mean they read all apps before sending out the VI invite. It's just like Gibson Dunn and HSF, you get the tests but your application won't be reviewed unless you pass their internal benchmark. They also said they are rolling but they won't progress people to written exercise until after the deadline. Why exactly would I mislead anyone on here? The point of automatic tests are to help them filter applications out.

 

[corporatelawyer1908]

Do all applicants of the DLA Piper Summer Internship receive a WG invite?

 

[AP2000]

Hey, for the Cooley open day does anyone know what the timings of the event are? I applied for the December 4th open day and haven't heard back yet, but just had to use my last days of annual leave from work for the CC and Reed Smith open days so if it's a full-day event I might have to withdraw from the process.

 

[dannyp123]

Long dashes existed long before ChatGPT 😭

Yeah this is hella annoying, I use em dashes because I grew up using them but because Chat GPT likes using them people call it AI

 

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, I'm applying for Mishcon de Reya's Summer Vacation Scheme this year. I was wondering whether there are pre-set questions for the AI chatbox style questions and what these might be? Thanks!

 

[elizabethkate]

mishcon was long omg i felt like i was typing for hours

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hey, for the Cooley open day does anyone know what the timings of the event are? I applied for the December 4th open day and haven't heard back yet, but just had to use my last days of annual leave from work for the CC and Reed Smith open days so if it's a full-day event I might have to withdraw from the process.

Assuming that the 4th Dec timings are identical to the 20th Nov timings, it would be 10am - 5pm, so a full day essentially.​

 

[noahsmiit01]

Yeah this is hella annoying, I use em dashes because I grew up using them but because Chat GPT likes using them people call it AI

Most of the grad teams don't like seeing them in any of the applications; hence, it is always better to avoid them.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys,

I have a couple of quick further queries about the Taylor Wessing application form - if anyone has any ideas, I'd be hugely grateful!

1. For the questions towards the bottom of the form (asking candidates about a time they showed a particular quality, or about an candidate's achievement), there's a character limit of 2500 characters (which probably equates to somewhere above 400 words). The problem is that I'm not sure I can necessarily provide an answer of more than 400 words without going into superfluous amounts of detail (in other words, it might look as though I'm waffling!). Often on similar questions on other firms' applications, there's a word limit of about 250-300 words; do you reckon an answer in the region of about 250-300 words might be enough on the Taylor Wessing form (at least, if necessary), or would it be advisable to aim higher?

2. The final part of the form asks candidates whether they've used AI whilst writing the application, and then asks them (again, with a limit of 2500 characters) to "provide details on your decision and elaborate on the reasons behind your choice". In all honesty, I've got no plans to use AI for this application (as, frankly, I feel that, when putting together an application, I work better under my own steam), and so I expect my answer to the question will be brief (probably in the region of about 50 words at most) - does this sound okay, or do you reckon that candidates are expected to go into more detail (or, indeed, that candidates are expected to use AI as, for instance, it shows that they're comfortable to doing so in the workplace)?

Hi @pfoapplicant for the first question, while it is ideal to reach a word count close to the provided limit (unless that is very high), I think as long as you can at least fill in 70-80% of the provided space, you should prioritise your writing style and avoid waffling. One of the key points of having application form questions is so that recruiters can test your writing ability; and being able to express your points clearly and concisely is a key part of that.

For the second question, I again think your plan sounds good - however, maybe I would add something to the effect of an explanation that you have no issues with and appreciate the value-add of using AI tools in particular contexts, but that in your case applications is not one of them; maybe because you want to make your application very "personal" in writing style and general manner of expression, maybe because you think applications research and writing on your own develops valuable skills, etc.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Any PFOs from Slaughters? I submitted my app a loooong time ago and received nothing.

I would not be too worried. Back when I was applying, I submitted my Slaughters VS application sometime at the end of September/early October and only heard back about being progressed to the interview stage mid-December.

 

[Amgrad]

Assuming that the 4th Dec timings are identical to the 20th Nov timings, it would be 10am - 5pm, so a full day essentially.​

Interesting, for the last open day is 2pm to 7pm

 

[boots pharmacy]

It really is horrid!!! And it’s 1 min prep time and 3 mins to answer!! And you’re welcome

Scary! Do they give you the materials beforehand to read atleast? Or are you expected to read materials & come up with an answer all in 1 minute?

 

[Harvey Specter]

For anyone attending Meet Cooley event on the 20th - have you heard back since confirming your attendance?

Think the deadline to confirm attendance for the Meet Cooley event was today (10th Nov). Seems likely the firm will confirm details by Friday.​

 

[roo4]

Think the deadline to confirm attendance for the Meet Cooley event was today (10th Nov). Seems likely the firm will confirm details by Friday.​

Perfect - thanks!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Scary! Do they give you the materials beforehand to read atleast? Or are you expected to read materials & come up with an answer all in 1 minute?

Omg your username 😁😩😂

 

[boots pharmacy]

Omg your username 😁😩😂

Thanks! Need medicine after all these applications 😂

 

[Lawlawland]

Just make sure you don't use Chat GPT when writing app and these long dashes as you'll get rejected immediately

Me, a literature graduate, slamming the table because I can't use emdashes and "honed" anymore after AI because it'll be ruled out as one (I've always loved using them😭)

 

[yk1906]

Any AC invites for Milbank at all? or PFOs

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone - just a note that I'll be running a session with Osborne Clarke">@Patrick - Osborne Clarke, our first-ever application session with OC. It's a virtual session tomorrow at 6pm.

Would love to see you there!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/P97zp-J3RWurp2QnbmcaRQ#/registration