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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

AMullin

Star Member
Nov 18, 2025
43
112
Can anyone please provide some insight into Gowling's Arctic Shores test?

So I did this one at the beginning of the month and I'm pretty sure it was exactly the same as the NRF test. 4 timed "games" in a similar format to the practice test they let you do only they are a bit harder. One is pattern recognition, one tests ability to focus and react quickly, one tests ability to quickly switch between tasks and one is an emotional expression recognition test which I failed miserably both times. You can't really practice or prepare for them so my best advice is to make sure you are in an environment where you can focus and you are well rested and able to perform at your best. Good Luck!
 
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Jessica Pearson

Valued Member
  • Jan 25, 2024
    101
    134
    Just did the Gowling test and I'm so curious as to how this is graded alongside the application. I got the lowest in "How you attend to tasks and decisions" and "How you learn from information in your environment"😭😭. Is there a threshold or something we should know about?
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    698
    687
    Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I had a quick question about an application prompt: The world is changing in the legal sector - how do you think the profession is changing? Do you think it’s too niche to focus on the rise of blockchain in IP, even though the firm has a strong IP practice? I’m wondering whether it’s safer to take a broader approach instead.
    Hello!

    I'd say that making blockchain in IP the main focus might come across as a bit niche for this kind of question (although it sounds like an interesting discussion!). Even though the firm has a strong IP practice, the prompt is really about how the legal profession as a whole is changing, so an answer that is too narrow might not show the broader commercial awareness that they're looking for.

    If I was answering this question, I'd be more inclined to start with the major forces shaping the sector on a wider scale - things such as AI, automation, digital transformation, changing client expectations, more data-driven decision-making, and the increasing need for lawyers to have both legal and technological fluency. These trends are affecting firms across all practice areas and speak directly to how the role of a lawyer is evolving in terms of skills, service delivery, and the types of problems that clients are now seeking advice for.

    You can still bring blockchain into the discussion, but I'd use it as a single example rather than the focus of your answer. For instance, you could mention blockchain as one of the emerging technologies creating new legal challenges in areas like IP and digital assets, and then relate that back to how firms need to adapt, innovate, and build specialist knowledge to stay competitive.

    This way, you show a focused insight without losing sight of the bigger picture, which is ultimately what the question is trying to showcase.

    I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application! :)
     

    Someoneinlaw

    Distinguished Member
    Jul 23, 2024
    51
    106
    Does anyone know if Hogan L’s second stage online assessment video is timed or is it unlimited time to prepare?
    (PS : haven’t received the invite yet) just anticipating my folly😭😂) VIs will not be the end of me, I refuse😩😤
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    698
    687
    Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
    I was wondering if you have any insights into challenges and opportunities facing law firms. I know AI, ESG etc - but something more niche beyond this? And also, when the question says 'how will these affect your clients', I'm confused on how to structure this?

    Thank you
    Hello!

    A few more niche challenges and opportunities that you could explore a bit further might be:
    • Data privacy and digital trust: with increasing cyber-risk and new regulations, firms need to prove that they can handle sensitive information securely. This can pose both a challenge (cost and compliance) and an opportunity (advising clients on the same issues).
    • Rise of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs): these are pushing firms to rethink pricing, efficiency and overall service models. Whilst it can be viewed as a threat to traditional law firm structures, it also encourages firms to innovate and collaborate.
    • Client demand for multidisciplinary advice: many clients want law firms to understand not just the legal issue, but the commercial, technological and strategic context. This is often due to wanting to have all their client needs addressed from one firm, and pushes firms to hire non-legal specialists or build cross-functional teams.
    • Increased regulation around emerging technology: digital assets, biotech, fintech, online safety rules, etc. are moving faster than legislation in many areas! Firms with extensive knowledge in these areas can develop a real competitive advantage and establish themselves as a market leader in these areas.

    As for structuring the "how will these affect your clients" part of the question, a simple method that I always followed is:
    1. Identify the trend / challenge
    2. Explain how it affects law firms. What changes will law firms have to make in response? They might need new capabilities, more investment, changes in how they deliver their legal advice, etc.
    3. Explain how this impacts clients directly. For example, clients might: face new legal risks, need faster / more cost-efficient support, expect more commercially focused or tech-literate advice, benefit from new services or expertise, or need guidance through uncertainty or regulatory change.

    Therefore, in practice you'd end up with an answer like:
    1. The trend / challenge
    2. Impact on the firm
    3. What this means for the client

    If you follow that format, it shows a clear and direct link between the wider market change and the client experience, which is usually what the question is testing.

    Best of luck with the application! :)
     

    user55998384

    Valued Member
    Sep 7, 2025
    106
    55
    Hello!

    I'd say that making blockchain in IP the main focus might come across as a bit niche for this kind of question (although it sounds like an interesting discussion!). Even though the firm has a strong IP practice, the prompt is really about how the legal profession as a whole is changing, so an answer that is too narrow might not show the broader commercial awareness that they're looking for.

    If I was answering this question, I'd be more inclined to start with the major forces shaping the sector on a wider scale - things such as AI, automation, digital transformation, changing client expectations, more data-driven decision-making, and the increasing need for lawyers to have both legal and technological fluency. These trends are affecting firms across all practice areas and speak directly to how the role of a lawyer is evolving in terms of skills, service delivery, and the types of problems that clients are now seeking advice for.

    You can still bring blockchain into the discussion, but I'd use it as a single example rather than the focus of your answer. For instance, you could mention blockchain as one of the emerging technologies creating new legal challenges in areas like IP and digital assets, and then relate that back to how firms need to adapt, innovate, and build specialist knowledge to stay competitive.

    This way, you show a focused insight without losing sight of the bigger picture, which is ultimately what the question is trying to showcase.

    I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application! :)
    thank you so much - sorry just another thing - would you just focus on one change?
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    698
    687
    Does anyone know how firms tend to deal with requests to unsubmit an application?
    Hi!

    Whilst I can't say with complete certainty, the outcome will probably depend on what you want to do next. If you're hoping to unsubmit the application but not reapply in this cycle, it may be best to simply leave it as it is (as it won't affect any future applications you make). Alternatively, you could politely contact the graduate recruitment team and ask whether they can withdraw it from their end.

    If the intention is to unsubmit and then resubmit a new application in the same cycle, this is less likely to be permitted. Many firms don't allow candidates to reapply within the same recruitment round once an application has been submitted, and they may not be comfortable accepting a second submission, as you would have technically already applied in that cycle.

    I'd say the safest approach is to email the graduate recruitment team, explain the situation, and see what they can do - they'll be able to give you the most definitive answer! :)
     
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    1stCycleApplicant

    Distinguished Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    72
    213
    End of Week Update: Travers pfo post app | W&C pfo post vi | DLA submitted | Sullivan & Cromwell submitted | Akin/K&E this weekend

    Weil ✅📝
    W&C ✅📝🎥
    Sidley ✅❌
    Cleary ✅❌
    Willkie ✅🎥✍️
    Milbank ✅📝🔵
    Dechert ✅✍️❌
    DLA Piper
    Jones Day ✅❌
    Slaughters ✅❌
    Paul, Weiss ✅❌
    Freshfields* ✅📝🔵
    Macfarlanes ✅📝🔵
    Mayer Brown ✅📝
    Gibson Dunn ✅📝
    Travers Smith* ✅
    A&O Shearman* ✅📝
    Clifford Chance* ✅📝🔵
    Latham & Watkins ✅📝🔵
    Sullivan & Cromwell

    Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🔵 = Invited to 2nd test/met benchmark; ✍️ = Written Exercise; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection

    *Training Contract applications.
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    698
    687
    thank you so much - sorry just another thing - would you just focus on one change?
    Hey!

    No worries! This depends on the word limit that you have for the question, but I think discussing 2-3 well-developed issues would be the optimal amount. This allows you to cover a few things, but also go into depth and tailor your points.

    If the word limit is relatively small, I’d say 1 well developed point works well! The focus should be on depth not breadth, so I’d focus on writing in more detail on fewer issues where you can :)
     
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