TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Suii]

If anyone has done Gowling VI before I would love insights into the types of questions. I can provide VI and AC insights into other firms like CMS, DLA, Eversheds, AG and others including VI insights into US firms.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

can resilience be considered a skill?

 

[lawyersum]

woahhh. a very unique combination😯

 

[ttlaw12344]

My DLA portal says 'Thank you for your interest in DLA Piper. We are fully considering the information provided' - any idea what this could mean..

 

[DavidJC]

can resilience be considered a skill?

I think it's more of a trait/competency, Goodwin explicitly asks about this in their app form and it's been a headache for me (one situation/challenge, how you overcame it, and how did you display resilience in 300 words)

 

[johnsmith]

I think it's more of a trait/competency, Goodwin explicitly asks about this in their app form and it's been a headache for me (one situation/challenge, how you overcame it, and how did you display resilience in 300 words)

I agree with David, but I also think we can improve our resiliency, whereas a triat feels more hardcoded.

 

[MONA23]

My DLA portal says 'Thank you for your interest in DLA Piper. We are fully considering the information provided' - any idea what this could mean..

Hi, no point in stressing, just wait and see I would say, I think people are still probably applying unless you applied to the London office.

 

[ttlaw12344]

Hi, no point in stressing, just wait and see I would say, I think people are still probably applying unless you applied to the London office.

this was London and says last updated on the day after I got the email saying I passed their WG

 

[Winter]

HSF PFO. Passed benchmark on 3 Dec.

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hello! I am just about to submit my application for FieldFisher VS
I was just reviewing my application and I am slightly worried as as the questions have such a low word count (800 characters/ 130ish words) I am worried I have not been thorough enough in either showing my knowledge of the firm and selling myself.

For example, for a Q like this - 'Describe the personal event or experience that, more than anything else, made you realise your desire to work in a law firm and specifically at Fieldfisher. (800 characters)' How should I split talking about my skills / personal experience with the knowledge of the firm?

 

[lawstudent2]

What is Kirkland like with grades, do they accept 2.1s overall with a few 2.2s or no point applying

 

[LRR23]

Is the Clyde & Co OA automatic ?

And is there a VI aspect in it - the email doesn’t specify whether there will be…

 

[BealMcAlly]

I thought the Simmons pillars were out of 9?

it's out of 10. (I just checked my feedback report to verify)

 

[Suii]

Kennedys pfo.

 

[J333]

Kennedys pfo.

Hi, sorry to hear that Is this for the dtc? Do u rmb when u applied to them? I’ve been waiting almost over a month.

 

[plsgivemetc]

Did HSF Kramer's test on Saturday and still haven't heard back. My report had 3 weaknesses (of course saying the complete opposite about who I actually am IRL) so I have no hope but I still want the confirmation email to fully accept it and put them aside. It's really frustrating because it's my favourite firm, I've taken every opportunity to interact with them at their open day, virtually and events at my university. I actually didn't pass their benchmark last year when applying to be their campus ambassador so I kept asking for tips on passing the test and I did what they said. I researched situational judgement scenarios, asked their lawyers how they would approach them and I memorised the firm's values but that STILL didn't help. Whenever I get a gmail notification I get a mini heart attack, I've even had a vivid dream opening their email and to add to that, someone I sat next to in a lecture opened up their email saying he passed the test AND THE NEXT DAY someone from my course also opened up an email saying he passed while we were talking. The universe really hates me haha idk what I'm doing wrong. I spend hours interacting with firms, writing applications, preparing for their tests and neglecting my uni work just to get rejected at the initial test stage. I wish they would take a glance at my application, 3 months of legal work experience that I've worked so hard to get this summer and achievements and give me a chance at interview.

finally got email. didn’t reach benchmark

 

[Flu1dity]

View attachment 7453
woahhh. a very unique combination😯

Brb gonna apply to Winston's vac scheme after Taylor Wessing rejected me, they won't get rid of me that easily!

 

[ninarosee]

What is Kirkland like with grades, do they accept 2.1s overall with a few 2.2s or no point applying

they just ask for an overall 2:1

 

[Rads]

Tell us about any open days and events you have attended in the legal sector. (250 words)
Hello for this question for HL, do they want us to write it in prose? and if yes, what should be culled out?

 

[silonthesofa]

Tell us about any open days and events you have attended in the legal sector. (250 words)
Hello for this question for HL, do they want us to write it in prose? and if yes, what should be culled out?

Prose, pick 2-3 events you've attended. Prioritize ones that involved Hogan Lovells or hypothetically tie into an area HL is involved in so you can connect it back to the firm.