TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it still worth applying to Reed Smith? Considering they have already sent out ACs.

Hi!

Yes, it is definitely still worth applying! Whilst they operate under a rolling process, they review any application that is submitted before the deadline (and often receive the majority of applications in the last few days) and there is plenty of opportunity to still be progressed.

If you are confident you can submit a strong and tailored application by the deadline, I would encourage you to apply

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Just finished the HSFK test, got moderate fit in all and high fit for one. Praying I've passed the benchmark lol!

where can u see this?😭i only got an email saying i passed and like my feedback report? but idt it says anything about high vs moderate fit etc

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Two of these are non rolling.
Some people are yet to complete there SJT for HSF Kramer, and they clearly say they don't read the applications until deadline passes.
Mishcon is also non-rolling. Given they have introduced a new method of application, I'm sure they'll take sometime before getting back.
Nobody would have possibly heard for either of them yet.

I'm unfamiliar with other two conditions other than the fact that they're rolling.

hey thanks!

Mishcon was an oversight. and then for hsf im aware that they “clearly say they don’t read applications until deadline passes” but the deadline HAS passed so that’s why i was asking x

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
This is a question I've come across quite a lot in this cycle in VI's, and I'm not entirely sure if I'm saying everything the firms wish to hear. What do you think would be the best points for this question - What will the future of legal work look like? In what ways do you think the profession is changing?

Hi!

That's a really interesting VI question, and I'd say that firms mainly want to see that you understand how the profession is evolving and that you're thinking about your role within that future. A strong answer would usually cover a mix of technology, client expectations, and the changing skill set of lawyers. Some points that I've noted over last cycle / this cycle that you might want to consider including could be:

1. Increased use of technology & AI

• Routine work (such as document review, due diligence, research) will become more automated, potentially altering the role of trainees
• Lawyers will spend more time on strategy, judgement-based work, and relationship-building rather than repetitive or administrative tasks
• Technology isn't replacing lawyers, it is changing their role and what they do
• With technology handling the grunt work, client relationships and emotional intelligence are becoming core value areas.

2. Data-driven and efficient service delivery

• In the digital era, clients are expecting faster and more cost-effective solutions (particularly when AI can do a task instantly!)
• Alternative fee structures, legal operations teams and legal project management are all growing within law firms
• Firms that can deliver efficiency to clients through tech and collaboration will likely be seen as more competitive in the market

3. Rise of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs)

• There are various new providers that are handling some traditional law firm tasks - such as the Big Four, legal tech startups and outsourced providers
• This pushes law firms to differentiate, which could be through the quality of their advice, innovation, and sector expertise

4. More cross-disciplinary teams

• Lawyers are increasingly working more closely with other elements of the firm, such as technologists, data analysts, and compliance specialists
• Soft skills (e.g. commercial awareness, communication, adaptability) are becoming just as important as legal knowledge

5. Increased focus on ESG and global issues

• Sustainability, ethics, data privacy, and regulation are all shaping what clients need advice on.
• This means that law is becoming more proactive and preventative rather than purely reactive

Therefore, to pull it all together, the future of legal work is likely to be more tech-enabled, collaborative and efficiency-focused, but with a greater emphasis on the human skills that lawyers bring. I'd say that showing you understand this shift, and how this will influence the legal world that you will work in, will be the way to fully address this question.

I hope that helps!

 

[wooliewoo]

where can u see this?😭i only got an email saying i passed and like my feedback report? but idt it says anything about high vs moderate fit etc

Hi! I've added a screenshot of where it says I have a moderate fit to the competency! My other one didn't explicitly say high, but it wasn't negative at all so I am just assuming it's high lol. Out of curiosity, how long did it take for you to hear whether you had passed or not? I am waiting a few hours now and I'm getting nervous, although I did it quite late and can't tell if it's a manual or automatic thing.

 

[anonymous.15]

where can u see this?😭i only got an email saying i passed and like my feedback report? but idt it says anything about high vs moderate fit etc

I have passed the benchmark but I haven't received any report .... im scared ... another PFO for me

 

[wooliewoo]

I have passed the benchmark but I haven't received any report .... im scared ... another PFO for me

I wouldn't worry too much! I think passing the benchmark is the most important thing, as they'll review your app! And I'm sure you answered the personality test well! I'm the opposite as I haven't been notified whether I have even passed so I'm stressing out sm lol. But good luck!

 

[anonymous.15]

I have just realised this is my last cycle and I haven't had any luck securing anything and im graduating and my visa is expiring soon. I think is it any good to do LLM? idk I think im going to go back to my home country (I don't wanna leave lol) and qualify there as it is comparatively easier

 

[LaDiva]

Any advice for Trowers & Hamlins online assessments? is it STJ, verbal and numerical?

anyone?

 

[wqueens8]

Just finished the HSFK test, got moderate fit in all and high fit for one. Praying I've passed the benchmark lol!

i got moderate for all and passed x

 

[Lawlawland]

Is Taylor Wessing test timed?

 

[Rads]

Hello for NRF, how long should the cover letter and CV be? And who should it be addressed to?

Also can anyone please send the TCLA Vacation scheme guide? Thanks

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Hi! I've added a screenshot of where it says I have a moderate fit to the competency! My other one didn't explicitly say high, but it wasn't negative at all so I am just assuming it's high lol. Out of curiosity, how long did it take for you to hear whether you had passed or not? I am waiting a few hours now and I'm getting nervous, although I did it quite late and can't tell if it's a manual or automatic thing.

ohh thank u sm🙏

 

[Lawlawland]

It's 8am Saturday and I'm watching videos and practicing how to pronounce a law firm name correctly for the video interview...

Some names sound so different from how it's written and confuses my non-Englih brain 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️

 

[A worried paralegal]

I would assume that this is just for London since the deadline was 21st of November. So for regional, would definitely say it's still worth applying

Thanks

 

[A worried paralegal]

Hello!

For Q2, as the question specifically asks you to select one articles from the DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector, it's best to choose something that clearly sits within a recognised sector area (e.g. tech or real estate). You can explore a wider industry trend within that article, but the starting point should be a sector-focused piece rather than something completely general.

This makes it much easier to demonstrate commercial awareness and link it back to why that sector interests you and how it aligns with your ambitions - which is exactly what graduate recruitment are trying to see in your answer. Picking a relevant sector article also gives you a clearer route to connect it to DLA Piper's international work and client base.

I hope that clarifies!

Thanks.

How would I approach the other question about a personal experience?

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone had issues getting onto assessment day with the taylor wessing free account?

 

[tcla02]

is calibri font size 10 fine for my NRF cover letter or should it be size 11 at least?

 

[Amgrad]

It's 8am Saturday and I'm watching videos and practicing how to pronounce a law firm name correctly for the video interview...

Some names sound so different from how it's written and confuses my non-Englih brain 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️

Even for Weil, Macfarlanes, I kept pronounce it incorrectly. Swapped my American Valley & British RP accents lmao

 

[abc124]

Even for Weil, Macfarlanes, I kept pronounce it incorrectly. Swapped my American Valley & British RP accents lmao

As a German speaker Weil always gets me haha