TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the following question for HFW:
Please identify an issue currently in the mainstream media and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that HFW represents and the type of work that the firm undertakes. 350w

What type of issue should be considered? is it only something legal?
I have failed every application with that type of questions so woudl love any advice!

Hello!

You definitely don't need to pick a purely legal issue for that HFW question - in fact, many strong answers use a commercial, geopolitical, or industry-specific issue that has legal implications. The key is to choose something that clearly connects to HFW's core sectors (such as shipping or insurance).

Some examples of what you could discuss include the Red Sea shipping disruptions, new sanctions regimes, ESG / climate regulations, or volatility in global energy prices. These are all mainstream issues with obvious knock-on effects for shipowners, insurers, traders, and energy companies.

The key is to:

1. Briefly explain the issue
2. Show how it impacts HFW's clients (e.g. delays, disputes, war-risk premiums, compliance risks, contract frustrations, renegotiating contracts, etc.)
3. Link it to the work that HFW does (arbitration, insurance coverage advice, drafting / renegotiating contracts, etc.).

The question is really testing whether you understand HFW's sector focus and can connect a real-world event to the firm's work. I'd keep it simply and commercial, and this should be more than enough to write a strong answer.

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Skadden's question on our interests outside work, should we tie it back to the firm somehow?

Hi!

You don't need to tie your outside interests back to Skadden. That question is usually about showing personality, balance, and what you'd be like to work with, rather than demonstrating firm knowledge.

Skadden will already get plenty of information on "why the firm" elsewhere in the application. For this question, they genuinely want to see what you do outside academics and work: this could be sports, music, volunteering, travel, creative projects, and anything that shows consistency and enthusiasm.

The main thing to keep in mind is to be authentic and specific. Instead of listing hobbies, give a short insight into what you do and why you enjoy it. If a skill naturally overlaps with qualities that are useful in law (such as teamwork or resilience), that can come through subtly, but I would try not to force the link.

So there's no need to connect it back to Skadden - just focus on giving them a sense of who you are as a person!

 

[ACHat8r]

Hello!

I don’t necessarily think that it is too late - even if invites to later rounds have been sent out, it is likely that they will review all applications that have been submitted before the deadline (and there is plenty of chance to still be progressed).

The most important factor is whether you can submit a strong and tailored application - therefore, if you believe you can do that for the spring deadline, I would encourage you to apply if that scheme is more suitable.

However, if you feel you may benefit from some additional time to refine your application (and aren’t too fussed on the particular scheme), I would aim to submit early for the summer scheme.

Best of luck!

thanks abbie. tbh had to apply to spring cos the summer dates are during my exams 😞 we'll see how that goes

 

[M_m]

Anyone else pushing the Taylor Wessing application deadline today and regretting not doing it early 😭?

Is it safe to assume that the deadline is 11:59 PM?

 

[Lawlawland]

Is it safe to assume that the deadline is 11:59 PM?

It was for the Spring scheme.
I'm pushing the deadline ever since that scheme 😂😂😂😂

 

[DavidJC]

just finished FF Stage 2, that was something, probably some of the harder and more time-constrained (relative to question depth) VI questions I've done so far lol

 

[LCamilaPG]

Does anybody know to whom we should address the cover letter for Freshfields?

 

[bh.sa]

Does anybody know to whom we should address the cover letter for Freshfields?

There's no cover letter / written questions - you just submit a form with your education, work experience etc and then complete 2 tests

 

[fbtrainee]

ffs dla piper pfo after passing wg two weeks ago😭

Sorry to hear that. Do you mind sharing what rankings you got in the WG report?

 

[Trophy]

I’ve received Milbank test is this a standard sjt? I assume it’s automatic, how does this first test differ from the second one?

What platform is the test?

Thanks.

 

[Amgrad]

I’ve received Milbank test is this a standard sjt? I assume it’s automatic, how does this first test differ from the second one?

What platform is the test?

Thanks.

The first one is SJT and second one is critical thinking test, good luck!

 

[yk1906]

Should we include ODs and extracurriculars like mooting, etc. in Skadden's work section?

 

[Gr33n]

I swear some of these TikTok influencers give such conflicting advice. Some say to apply to loads of firms and some say to do 5 or 6? Idrk who to believe

 

[yk1906]

I swear some of these TikTok influencers give such conflicting advice. Some say to apply to loads of firms and some say to do 5 or 6? Idrk who to believe

I would say trust your own gut. For example, last year I only applied to a handful of law firms (like 5), as I was busy with uni. This year, I am on a gap year, so I have plenty of time to make as many high-quality applications as possible.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Should we include ODs and extracurriculars like mooting, etc. in Skadden's work section?

There is an app question (additional 4) which asks for hobbies, interests and achievements, so it could be better to include extracurriculars in that part of the form. If you have quite a few insight days, I think you could amalgamate them into a single work experience entry. I asked grad rec at their open evening about adding open days or Forage and they said have one entry each and then put them all in, as opposed to having one entry each open day and internship. Not sure if the form has a maximum work entry limit though.​

 

[yellowbirds008]

freshfields svs ac!!

 

[yk1906]

There is an app question (additional 4) which asks for hobbies, interests and achievements, so it could be better to include extracurriculars in that part of the form. If you have quite a few insight days, I think you could amalgamate them into a single work experience entry. I asked grad rec at their open evening about adding open days or Forage and they said have one entry each and then put them all in, as opposed to having one entry each open day and internship. Not sure if the form has a maximum work entry limit though.​

Thanks, yeah, I did put all of the ODs in one entry.

 

[user55998384]

freshfields svs ac!!

congrats!!!! when did you apply

 

[yellowbirds008]

congrats!!!! when did you apply

i applied the day it opened i believe!

 

[Goodbyetc]

How long does dla piper take to get back after telephone interview?