TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[User2640]

If I may ask, for those who have passed NRF’s application stage, what’s the expected word count for the cover letter? I read somewhere that the maximum used to be around 750 words, but to keep it to one page I can only fit roughly 500. Is it acceptable to reduce the font size a bit - would 10 be okay? Or is it fine if the letter goes slightly over one page? Many thanks!

 

[V2002]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC?

 

[James Wakefield]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

 

[Lawlawland]

For the Dentons question asking for source references, How can one refer without taking a huge word count?

 

[Prudentia]

anyone have any insight on the CC WG? Was it super hard..

It's about the same difficulty as the practice test. I just got ChatGPT to drill me on each section and make the questions harder than the actual test. GPT can also explain the technique and reasoning behind each section (which is where most people mess up). I would recommend reading each question very carefully and going with your instinct. When I was practicing I tended to get the answer wrong if I spent too much time thinking about it. You have plenty of time to complete all the questions (it's not actually 40 questions as some of the 'questions' are examples), so don't rush it.

 

[Jaysen]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

 

[Jaysen]

For the Dentons question asking for source references, How can one refer without taking a huge word count?

I'd suggest either doing it organically ('Data from The Lawyer reports that...') or in brackets ('55% of people said...(The Lawyer)). My personal preference is the former!

 

[Goodbyetc]

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

 

[Jaysen]

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

I suspect there is someone taking over in the meantime, but I'm not completely sure!

 

[yk1906]

wait, theres two tests? i only did one, when did they send you the second test?

I did the first one around 1,5 weeks ago in the morning, and they sent me test 2 invite in the evening the same day

 

[Harvey Specter]

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

Will this have an impact on Willkie’s recruitment process and approach to hiring future trainees? I believe Gemma introduced the CV blind process to their graduate recruitment process. It’s sad to hear she has left Willkie. Looking forward to the future of Willkie with the new graduate recruiter though!​

 

[Dannie]

I did the first one around 1,5 weeks ago in the morning, and they sent me test 2 invite in the evening the same day

does that mean pfo if you didn't get the second test...

 

[Trophy]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

I have met Gemma and I can say she was one the most genuine graduate recruitment person I’ve ever met and I’ve been to lots of firms. Such a shame she championed inclusivity from the jump. No matter the university, disability or background you were not overlooked. One of the reasons I applied to Willkie was because of the culture and the trainees were a representation of that. Hopefully that stays the same she did a great job.

I’m sure she’ll crush her role at rare technology.

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

Hi @James Wakefield

I'm temporarily looking after Graduate Recruitment since Gemma left Willkie, but our new Graduate Recruitment Manager joins us on Monday. In the meantime applications are being reviewed as usual.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[Lawlawland]

I have a few questions regarding Freshfields application.
1. I realise there is no questions in the form, how are we gonna display the motivation?
2. Do we have to do an interview in the first stage of application (aka the online SJT/WGT)

 

[LCamilaPG]

Anybody knows until when we can take the WG for DLA Piper?

 

[yk1906]

does that mean pfo if you didn't get the second test...

I honestly don't know

 

[yk1906]

I have a few questions regarding Freshfields application.
1. I realise there is no questions in the form, how are we gonna display the motivation?
2. Do we have to do an interview in the first stage of application (aka the online SJT/WGT)

There will be some video elements in the second stage of the test (aka job sim). You're not supposed to show motivation at the app stage, as I've understood.

 

[addy2004]

For Ashurst's summer vac scheme question 'Based on your research of Ashurst, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?', how would you recommend structuring the answer using all 300 words? Thank you!

 

[anonymous.15]

documenting my rejections which I am collecting like pokemons -
BCLP post interview (haven't gotten feedback as in why I was rejected so atp idk)
PW post app
Akin post app
DLA post app
CMS post WG
Covington post app
HSFK post test
Bird and Bird post app
Reed Smith post app
Gibson dunn post test
Links post app
WnC post app
FF assuming PFO bec blabbered nonsense in the VI
MB assuming PFO
Jones Day post app
HL post job sim
Davis polk post app
Mac post 2nd test
A and O post app

I have no ounce of hope left and I hope my rejections help someone feel better that you are not alone in this.