TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who applied to DLA Piper
I don’t see anywhere on the application form where they ask for a breakdown of module grades or work experience — is that right? And should the grades also be included in the CV?

 

[Lawlawland]

The ones that I always struggle with are Perkins Coie and Debevoise. I was under the impression Debevoise had a French pronunciation lmao. The ending actually just rhymes with noise.​

NGL I feel so relieved to realise I'm not the only one struggling to get the firm pronunciations right...

 

[Amgrad]

The ones that I always struggle with are Perkins Coie and Debevoise. I was under the impression Debevoise had a French pronunciation lmao. The ending actually just rhymes with noise.​

They should've been written on the website or LinkedIn how to pronounce their names. I saw Dechert says "Deck-ert" is written on their website 😅

 

[CamilaPG]

Grad Rec confirmed in an online event that there are a few numerical questions based on datasets. The provider is Amberjack too so it would make sense

How do you know the provider is Amberjack?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hi!

I would say that font size 10 is slightly too small - I would aim for at least size 11 if possible, as it makes it easier to read for the graduate recruitment team

 

[johnsmith]

For those who progressed to the VI portion of Latham's application, what were your top strengths and your professional development points?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thanks.

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

Hi!

I have quoted my original post on this question - if you have any further questions, just shout!

Hey! I think the best way to approach these questions is to treat them like mini personal statements. I would keep them personal and tailored to DLA Piper, and reflective of your own experiences when you can.

Here is how I’d break it down:

Personal Experience and Motivation for Law

This question is asking you to go beyond generic motivations (like problem-solving or liking to debate) and focus on something that genuinely developed your interest. This is ideally something that you personally experienced or were actively involved in.

The typical structure I would follow is:

1. Briefly explain the context - what was the experience, and why was it relevant?
2. Reflect on what you realised from this experience - did it change your perspective? Did it spark an interest in a distinct area, such as regulation?
3. Link this to your long-term career ambitions - how did it lead you to pursue a career in law? Why does DLA Piper align with that?

This doesn’t have to be a legal experience! It could be something like helping someone navigate complex systems, a moment that taught you analytical thinking, or a personal situation with a legal element. The main thing is that you have to clearly link it back to your motivation for law!

I know that there aren’t a lot of words available due to the word limit, so you should aim to be as concise as possible. Hope this helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For this question - If applicable please state any additional information which you think is relevant to your application or which you think has not been covered adequately in this form.
Can i split the answer between extracurricular activities and my visa conditions. The question they ask about visa conditions in the beginning is "Do you require permission or a visa to work in the office to which you are applying?' with a YES/NO option - with no room to explain. Would it be okay to use this space to tell them I have a visa for the VS but not for the TC?
But I'm not entirely sure if this would be right.
Any advice would be appreciated @Abbie Whitlock
Thank you in advance!!!

Hi!

Yes, you can absolutely use that additional information section to clarify both areas - it's there for anything you feel hasn't been captured anywhere else in the form.

If the visa question only gives a Yes / No response with no space to expand, it's perfectly reasonable to briefly explain your visa situation here (e.g. that you currently hold a visa suitable for a Vacation Scheme but would require sponsorship for a Training Contract). It's usually best to communicate this sort of information, as it provides the graduate recruitment team some context and clarity.

You could structure it as:

1. Visa clarification: a short sentence or two explaining your current visa status and what it covers
2. Extracurricular activities or anything else you'd like to highlight: this allows you to show a fuller picture of your experience and interests (although I'd still keep this brief)

As long as it is concise, relevant, and clearly organised, it won't look out of place - that section is designed exactly for details like this!

I hope that assists!

 

[Sharkfin]

For those who progressed to the VI portion of Latham's application, what were your top strengths and your professional development points?

Top Strengths:
Analytical / Complex Thinking
Effective Communication

Professional Development:
Self-motivation (???????)

 

[shays]

anyone struggles opening the test from Eversheds? i cant access it on any browser tells me it is invalid login details but it is literally what i click on when they sent me the email

 

[johnsmith]

Top Strengths:
Analytical / Complex Thinking
Effective Communication

Professional Development:
Self-motivation (???????)

Interesting for my OD application, I got self-motivation & effective communication as strengths, but personal responsibility as my development and didn't get invited to the VI - the irony being the roles I have at work are all about taking personal responsibility.

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi! This may be a stupid Q, but just to confirm, is the HL first stage test similar to FF and Macfarlanes first stage, in the sense that there are no VIs? Thanks!

 

[elle woods]

Hi! This may be a stupid Q, but just to confirm, is the HL first stage test similar to FF and Macfarlanes first stage, in the sense that there are no VIs? Thanks!

yes it's very similar to the HL one

 

[elle woods]

Just wondering if anyone has heard back from Hogan Lovells? I've been left in silence since completing the first OT. Should I assume PFO?

 

[wooliewoo]

Just wondering if anyone has heard back from Hogan Lovells? I've been left in silence since completing the first OT. Should I assume PFO?

I think I heard they send the tests in batches so you may be in the next batch!

 

[Amelia.05]

For those who have taken the HSFK test: how many 'moderate fit' did you guys have?

2

 

[elle woods]

I think I heard they send the tests in batches so you may be in the next batch!

😖😬 it's been 1 month so uhmmmm maybe PFO haha

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi!

Yes, you can absolutely use that additional information section to clarify both areas - it's there for anything you feel hasn't been captured anywhere else in the form.

If the visa question only gives a Yes / No response with no space to expand, it's perfectly reasonable to briefly explain your visa situation here (e.g. that you currently hold a visa suitable for a Vacation Scheme but would require sponsorship for a Training Contract). It's usually best to communicate this sort of information, as it provides the graduate recruitment team some context and clarity.

You could structure it as:

1. Visa clarification: a short sentence or two explaining your current visa status and what it covers
2. Extracurricular activities or anything else you'd like to highlight: this allows you to show a fuller picture of your experience and interests (although I'd still keep this brief)

As long as it is concise, relevant, and clearly organised, it won't look out of place - that section is designed exactly for details like this!

I hope that assists!

Thank you!! I hope you have a lovely weekend!

 

[legaleagle25]

anyone struggles opening the test from Eversheds? i cant access it on any browser tells me it is invalid login details but it is literally what i click on when they sent me the email

yes same

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

for those who passed HSFK's test, how long did you have to wait before you found out about your results?