TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

does anyone know if it is okay to sit Lathams first online test after the deadline? I did not realise there was a deadline when I received the email and supposedly I am 2 days late but it says I can still take the test. Any insight would be helpful!

 

[Dannie]

Guys when will we hear from freshfields for direct tc! post test 2

 

[x_law2004]

Me too! Nothing yet

I applied 23:59 deadline and have not received. I understand everybody gets sent the WG.

 

[Ams4567]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock!

For RS, would talking about the SQE intern be discouraged in my reasons for why RS?

I used it as one of my reasons and got progressed - it's quite a unique feature of the firm and directly impacts how you are onboarded/trained so I'd say go for it

 

[Bread]

When will the links for the Willkie event in an hour be sent out?

 

[Harvey Specter]

When will the links for the Willkie event in an hour be sent out?

I received my link after I registered so it’s likely it is somewhere in your inbox. Might be worthwhile checking the junk folder incase it’s there.​

 

[Bread]

I received my link after I registered so it’s likely it is somewhere in your inbox. Might be worthwhile checking the junk folder incase it’s there.​

Found it, thank you!

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi guys,

I'm currently going through the Bird & Bird application form, and I had a few queries - if anyone has any tips, I'd be really grateful!

1. On the Work Experience section, candidates are asked:

"Please list any experience(s) where you feel you've developed your skills or knowledge, this could include paid or unpaid work, legal or non-legal internships, volunteering, societies/clubs, and attending events."

How detailed do you think candidates should be in this section - after all, it appears to cover not only work experience per se, but also a wide range of extra-curricular stuff (e.g. attending events). For instance, would it be relevant to talk about doing Bird & Bird's online Virtual Experience Programme? Moreover, do you think candidates would be expected to mention any work experience they've done (even, for instance, a short volunteering role at a local charity several years ago?). I'm quite anxious about failing to write down something which I ultimately should have written down; but at the same time, I'm aware that if I interpret Bird & Bird's definition of "work experience" too broadly, then I might end up writing down about so many events that it actually ends up having a detrimental effect on my application!

2. I took some time out of my degree due to unforeseen circumstances, and so although I took exams at the end of three academic years, it took me more than the usual three years to graduate from university. The problem is that the application form assumes that if, for instance, your degree lasted four years (i.e. there was four years between the start date and end date of your degree), then you received academic results for each of those four years - the form doesn't allow me to leave "Year 4" blank, and so I've had to resort to typing in "N/A" in the "module name" and "module grade" section. Does this sound okay?

3. The application form asks candidates to give their "Overall university average score/GPA". Is this literally just a case of adding up all of my module scores (as a percentage), then dividing them by the amount of modules I took? Or do I have to take weighting into account? To be honest, I'm not even entirely sure how my university grade are weighted - all I know are my marks for each module, the grade I received at the end of each year, and the final grade I was awarded!

4. The application form asks: "Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird?" - would it be valid to include some reasoning explaining why I am thinking of becoming a commercial solicitor (in other words, why I'd like to go into commercial law), or is best just to focus on "why Bird & Bird?"

 

[e_turbo2]

Is it normal for a WE assessment to be 2 hours long???

 

[Chriss]

Does lartham have VI element this year?

 

[Lawlawland]

How long did it take to hear from FF after the stage 1 test?

 

[e_turbo2]

Does lartham have VI element this year?

Stage 2

 

[lolololol]

Stage 2

so none with the SJT?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Any more TW WE invites?

 

[Ella101]

Just received the test link for Eversheds Sutherland, nervous!!

Hi! Have you completed it? Was wondering what it is like?

 

[yk1906]

Hi! Have you completed it? Was wondering what it is like?

It’s a slightly more difficult but shorter version of WG

 

[applicant457]

Does anyone know what the HSFK test benchmark is? I got 2 moderate 2 weak and 1 good, and 1 technical expertise that said I was balanced and had both + and -. This was a ridiculous test

 

[legallybrunnette]

Hello!

I would structure a strong 300-word answer to Ashurst's question by following a clear framework that shows: (1) you understand the firm, (2) you understand the sector, and (3) you can analyse future opportunities. A good structure could follow something along the lines of:

1. Opening (40-50 words)

Start by briefly stating the sector you've chosen (e.g. energy transition, digital economy, real estate, etc.). Show that you understand Ashurst's strategic focus and global position in the sector - this can involve discussing deals, published insights, or public statements from the firm.

2. Context of the sector (80-100 words)

Move on to explain what key facts or market trends are creating opportunities in that sector. For example:

• Regulatory reform
• Technological disruption
• The global push toward net zero
• Increased private capital deployment
• Geopolitical risk and supply chain restructuring

You can support these points with news articles and current market insights, statistics, or trends - although there is no need to go into huge detail on the specifics!

3. The biggest opportunity (100-120 words)

Identify one major opportunity and go into more detail on it - for example, digital assets regulation or demand for sustainable infrastructure funding.

Whichever opportunity you choose, explain why this is a priority, who the clients are, what problems they need solving, and how the opportunity is likely to evolve over time commercially and legally.

4. How Ashurst is positioned (40-60 words)

Finish your answer by linking the opportunity to Ashurst's specific strengths - for example:

• Cross-border capabilities
• Strong regulatory advisory practice
• Financing and project development experience

To wrap up your answer, end with a confident line that shows how the firm can capitalise on this shift!

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

Hi Abby,


Thank you very much for this structure — it’s been really helpful.


I was wondering what your view is on “opportunity” and how we should present it. For example, I’ve identified a regulatory reform as my commercial issue, which is highly relevant to one of Ashurst’s core practice areas, but I’m not sure how to frame it as an opportunity.


What I’ve done so far is explain that Ashurst is already strong in this practice area, so they could use that as a platform to attract more clients and resolve the challenges they face. Do you think that’s the right approach, or does it need to be a completely new opportunity — for instance, investment in a new practice area? At the moment, I’ve focused on how their existing strength positions them well to support clients through these upcoming reforms but I am not sure if that is enough.

Would really appreciate your thoughts!

Kind Regards,
LB

 

[Dannie]

Does anyone know what the HSFK test benchmark is? I got 2 moderate 2 weak and 1 good, and 1 technical expertise that said I was balanced and had both + and -. This was a ridiculous test

you will find out tomorrow ! you get the results in a day I think, i did last year. my report was really bad and i sitll passed the benchmark

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi guys,

I'm currently going through the Bird & Bird application form, and I had a few queries - if anyone has any tips, I'd be really grateful!

1. On the Work Experience section, candidates are asked:

"Please list any experience(s) where you feel you've developed your skills or knowledge, this could include paid or unpaid work, legal or non-legal internships, volunteering, societies/clubs, and attending events."

How detailed do you think candidates should be in this section - after all, it appears to cover not only work experience per se, but also a wide range of extra-curricular stuff (e.g. attending events). For instance, would it be relevant to talk about doing Bird & Bird's online Virtual Experience Programme? Moreover, do you think candidates would be expected to mention any work experience they've done (even, for instance, a short volunteering role at a local charity several years ago?). I'm quite anxious about failing to write down something which I ultimately should have written down; but at the same time, I'm aware that if I interpret Bird & Bird's definition of "work experience" too broadly, then I might end up writing down about so many events that it actually ends up having a detrimental effect on my application!

2. I took some time out of my degree due to unforeseen circumstances, and so although I took exams at the end of three academic years, it took me more than the usual three years to graduate from university. The problem is that the application form assumes that if, for instance, your degree lasted four years (i.e. there was four years between the start date and end date of your degree), then you received academic results for each of those four years - the form doesn't allow me to leave "Year 4" blank, and so I've had to resort to typing in "N/A" in the "module name" and "module grade" section. Does this sound okay?

3. The application form asks candidates to give their "Overall university average score/GPA". Is this literally just a case of adding up all of my module scores (as a percentage), then dividing them by the amount of modules I took? Or do I have to take weighting into account? To be honest, I'm not even entirely sure how my university grade are weighted - all I know are my marks for each module, the grade I received at the end of each year, and the final grade I was awarded!

4. The application form asks: "Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird?" - would it be valid to include some reasoning explaining why I am thinking of becoming a commercial solicitor (in other words, why I'd like to go into commercial law), or is best just to focus on "why Bird & Bird?"

Hi! I have some thoughts / advice for your Qs, but please take it with a pinch of salt as I'm no expert lol.

1. Based on the Q Bird & Bird itself proposes, it seems like you can talk about anything really. Is this for the work experience section? I would honestly add any experience I had if there were no restrictions.

2. Yes - I would also put N/A and explain the unforeseen circumstances in the application.

3. Yes, add up and divide based on how each module is weighted. It seems like you can just use your final degree grade here.

4. I would personally just focus on why Bird & Bird, because you don't want to risk seeming like you haven't read the Q properly if you start discussing more general reasons about wanting to pursue commercial law. But that's just my take!