TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Hakbar_04]

Can someone... anyone.. please PM me insights for Hogan VI Job Sim. Please. Thank you!

From what little I know about it there are VI questions but also there's a SJT element to it as well, so don't neglect practicing that!

 

[Hakbar_04]

Hi! Is time factored into SJT/WG results? For example, Weil says “The SJT portion of the assessment is untimed, but we recommend it should take around 45 minutes to complete.” Will I be penalized if I take let’s say double the time?

Hi - most SJT/WGs that are untimed usually have some sort of time recording attached to them (though they might just be present in the background). You won't necessarily be penalised for taking longer than the recommended time, but if you're taking 5 hours to complete something which only needed 45 minutes it might raise a bit of suspicion (usually the reason it's timed is to ensure you complete it properly - i.e. without other people's help or without AI - and an unusually long time might be evidence that this hasn't been the case). It's nothing major to stress about, particularly if you're just slower at reading the text or like to double or triple check your answers!

 

[Winter]

I emailed Freshfields for reasonable adjustments (for second stage VI) 5 days ago and have not received an email back but my deadline to submit is tomorrow. I'm so stressed, what do I do!!! I feel like I already told them about my adjustments in my app but I still wanted to complete the form just in case to confirm. should I send an email to the team?

The adjustments are automatically applied if you had them in your first stage. If that is the case, you don't need to email for further adjustments.

 

[floral.tcla]

It's quite strange that they've told you not to bring in past examples! From what it sounds like, they're really looking for a proper articulation of your approach. Therefore, I'd advise focusing very clearly on this. For instance...

• If the question is 'Tell me what you would do if you made a mistake', really emphasising the need to be open, honest, and transparent is key here. It's not so much about your experience and whether you've demonstrated this in the past, but that means you should really emphasise the key values of honesty and integrity here. What would you do to make amends? How would you change your behaviour to reduce the likelihood of a similar mistake occurring in future?
• If the question is 'Tell me how you'd work together with different members of a team to achieve a shared goal', you'd want to emphasise the different aspects of teamwork. So talking a bit about the need for delegation, how you would be/work to appoint an effective leader, how you'd handle differences. Again, the specifics of a experience aren't relevant here, just the demonstration of your consideration of all the relevant factors that come into play when considering teamwork

It's more of a test of whether you understand, in depth, what is being asked of you, than a demonstration of specific past experiences. Focus on this, and on articulating yourself clearly, simply, and concisely. Those two things will make the difference. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much, this really helps to clarify things )

 

[Hakbar_04]

Does anybody have any tips on how to write about a different firm's vacation scheme that you have completed in the work experience section of job apps?

Focus on the tasks that you completed as part of the scheme (as these will provide evidence of exposure and competence for tasks that you may be asked to complete by the firm you're applying to!). I'd also steer clear of emphasising parts of the scheme that are exclusive to the firm you completed the scheme at which do not feature in the firm you're applying to (e.g. Hogan Lovells has a Public Law Team, and if you emphasised your involvement with this as part of an application for a firm which doesn't have a similar team, it might suggest you're not as well suited to them as you are to Hogan Lovells!), and instead focus on commonalities between firms

 

[Hakbar_04]

Does Linklaters automatically screen out based on WG results? Can I presume that if my application is being reviewed then I’ve passed score benchmark?

Linklaters will take into account your WG alongside the CAPP assessment (and perhaps the new application question they've added this year), so it's best not to assume anything!

 

[charlieefinch]

Does anyone have any advice for macfarlanes 2nd stage assessment test ? I would really appreciate it!

 

[SNA99]

VI for Eversheds!! Would be grateful for any tips people might have as I know it's stengths based

 

[Hakbar_04]

gosh I just did my Hogan Lovells test and found the video questions so hard and unnatural. I spoke about the topic of the third question in my second question so it felt a bit too repetitive too, though I did shift focus. I am usually a good speaker but it feels too artificial

Completely understand how you feel and, for those of us who aren't proficient at producing talking-to-camera videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, it makes sense: this isn't a skill you'd have had experience with before! The best advice I can give is honestly that practice makes perfect! And the good thing is you can practice by yourself by just filming your answers to different questions in your own time on your laptop/phone. It'll feel odd and cringey at first, but with time it'll become second nature.

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone got an Dentons VI tips?

Hi, when did you do the Dentons high potential assessment?

 

[Aimee :)]

Anyone else here able to get top-notch work experiences outside all these vac schemes? I managed to basically get in everywhere else like in house in bigtech/fintechs etc but I haven't been able to get a single vac scheme... wondering if that's something that's maybe off putting to law firms?

I think it's great and really useful that you've managed to get work experience outside of standard vac schemes and I don't think it is off putting to law firms at all!

I managed to get a few in-house experiences during my second year of university (after I had received rejections from every single vac scheme application I made that cycle) but when it came to applying in third year, I was genuinely asked during a vac scheme interview why I hadn't applied for a DTC considering I already had plenty of experience. My experience wasn't just legal either, it varied from finance to public affairs, and I really utilised my many years of hospitality work!

I must have applied to 50+ vacation schemes over three years and secured 3 schemes total, but I was invited to the final stages for 4 DTC's before I was finally offered a TC, all because I was able to use my work experience outside of vac schemes to my advantage. I promise that all experience is good experience!

My advice would be to focus on the transferable skills, how and why that experience has pushed you to apply for X firm, and be honest/realistic about the differences between the experience you have and the experience you want to continue gaining.

I hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi guys, for the people that have applied to Reed Smith, how quickly did you get the test invite? Also any tips on how to do well on the Amberjack (I’ve seen that’s what Reed Smith use) would be greatly appreciated

 

[umkcl]

Anyone else here able to get top-notch work experiences outside all these vac schemes? I managed to basically get in everywhere else like in house in bigtech/fintechs etc but I haven't been able to get a single vac scheme... wondering if that's something that's maybe off putting to law firms?

I completely understand this feeling as I went through the same concerns, but it ended up not being an obstacle. I had experience in big tech companies and smaller law firms outside the UK, and ended up getting a direct training contract with a City law firm without even doing a vacation scheme. Don't let a non-traditional path discourage you, it's all about how well you can translate the skills you learned in the application. Highlight the tasks and skills that align with the law firm's work. Personally, I really emphasised what I had learned while working at big tech and how it taught me about the corporate world as a whole. They appreciate people coming from different backgrounds, so this can actually be an advantage! Make sure you can explain why you are looking to work in a law firm as opposed to in-house now, highlight the ups and downs of working in-house, and why that experience led you to the conclusion that a law firm is more suitable for you.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Hi, when did you do the Dentons high potential assessment?

Hi. I did it 06/12

 

[Archie]

Is 3 strengths to leverage and one opportunity for development ok as a DLA WG report?

Thanks!

Yes, absolutely!

These reports are designed to highlight an 'opportunity for improvement' to help you build the skills needed in law and strengthen you as a candidate and future lawyer (because, hey, none of us are perfect)!

Be super proud of the strengths the report highlighted, and reflect on times in your life you've demonstrated these strengths and how you could leverage them again at a law firm. You can then use these examples in future applications and/or interviews throughout your legal career.

I would suggest seeing the 'opportunity for development' as something also to reflect on, consider when you have demonstrated this in your life and how you can go about leaning into that more. That way you become an even more well-rounded candidate/lawyer.

So much in any career is responding to constructive feedback, and seeing it as an opportunity to continually improve. They're not weaknesses, you're just stronger in the other areas!

Remember, though, these reports will always highlight strengths and and opportunity for improvement. As far as I'm aware, they will never tell you there's no opportunities to improve!

 

[Aimee :)]

I appreciate the sentiment within your message. But my thought process isn't based on a single person's success. It's a view which I've developed across multiple application cycles (after seeing who makes it, and who doesn't).

I'd say that around 40-45% of my LLB cohort landed a role in commercial law prior to (or immediately after) graduating from university. In stark contrast, I've also seen some very bright people return to their home countries because they were unable to land a TC. And, these people didn't return home because they were incapable of becoming a commercial solicitor – they were effectively forced to return because they couldn't impress graduate recruitment.

This application cycle, I've written some of my best applications ever. I have only applied to firms which specialise (or have strengths) in the areas of law I am passionate about. I've had my applications reviewed by future/current trainees at the firms I've applied to. Their feedback has been very positive. These applications have been tailored, specific to the firm, and have demonstrated my knowledge/interest/experiences. Yet, for the vast majority of applications I've made, I haven't even been invited to a second stage.

The simple fact is that, while my grades are decent, my experiences aren't that impressive. You had a vac scheme before you secured a TC at a top US firm. My experience is limited to open days and the subjects I studied at university. I promise you, no matter how hard I try to spin the experiences I have, I won't be as successful as you without a great deal of luck.

I absolutely don't want to diminish what you are feeling, and as you have said you have already tried to spin your experiences, but I truly think that any experience you have can be used in an impressive way. I found that the work experience/CV sections meant a lot for my applications, so While I didn’t need to write about how working at McDonald’s made me want to be a solicitor in my main application, it was hugely beneficial in the work experience section to highlight transferable skills and basically tell firms that if I can handle all the downsides that come with a job like that, I can handle a law firm.

My second piece of advice is to call/email anywhere with a legal team and see if they have the capacity to offer you work experience. Most of my experience was outside traditional law roles and I really struggled to secure vac schemes, but I managed to get experience in a company’s in-house legal team. It’s probably one of the most valuable things on my CV now.

I know how disheartening the process can be. All it takes is one firm to say yes, and that will happen if you keep going!

 

[elle woods]

😮 so many new faces

 

[boots pharmacy]

Just checking again if Gibson has replied to anyone post-first stage interview, and how long it typically takes for their reply.

Is this for the Spring/Summer VS?

 

[elle woods]

Just checking again if Gibson has replied to anyone post-first stage interview, and how long it typically takes for their reply.

I've heard varying things - my friend apparently is "on hold" and then my other friend has already gotten an offer lol

And here i am, still not having applied HAHA

 

[umkcl]

I appreciate the sentiment within your message. But my thought process isn't based on a single person's success. It's a view which I've developed across multiple application cycles (after seeing who makes it, and who doesn't).

I'd say that around 40-45% of my LLB cohort landed a role in commercial law prior to (or immediately after) graduating from university. In stark contrast, I've also seen some very bright people return to their home countries because they were unable to land a TC. And, these people didn't return home because they were incapable of becoming a commercial solicitor – they were effectively forced to return because they couldn't impress graduate recruitment.

This application cycle, I've written some of my best applications ever. I have only applied to firms which specialise (or have strengths) in the areas of law I am passionate about. I've had my applications reviewed by future/current trainees at the firms I've applied to. Their feedback has been very positive. These applications have been tailored, specific to the firm, and have demonstrated my knowledge/interest/experiences. Yet, for the vast majority of applications I've made, I haven't even been invited to a second stage.

The simple fact is that, while my grades are decent, my experiences aren't that impressive. You had a vac scheme before you secured a TC at a top US firm. My experience is limited to open days and the subjects I studied at university. I promise you, no matter how hard I try to spin the experiences I have, I won't be as successful as you without a great deal of luck.

If I can chime in, I just want to broaden the perspective a little, because what you’re describing is honestly very common.

It’s completely normal not to have anything secured before graduating, even though it can feel like you're falling behind when you see people around you succeeding. However, I personally know many people who only secured training contracts after graduating. I’m one of them. I came to the UK for an LLM with absolutely no UK law firm experience and still managed to secure a TC after completing my degree.

After my first two rejections, I realised I was becoming really stressed and couldn’t keep up with both my studies and constant applications. Everyone around me was applying to countless firms, but that approach just wasn’t working for me. When I was almost done with my degree, I took a step back, waited until I had less academic pressure (though I was definitely stressed about my visa timeline), and focused properly on the quality of my application rather than the volume. That’s when things finally clicked.

In my final-stage interview, the other candidates were a mix of final-year students, people who had paralegalled for a few years, consultants, and career-changers. It really reinforced for me that there isn’t one “right” timeline. If you don’t secure a vac scheme, there are still plenty of other ways to build relevant experience that firms value.

There are genuinely many paths to becoming a solicitor. It doesn’t have to look like the fresh-out-of-uni route we often imagine. The average age of qualification is around 30 for a reason. Taking longer, working elsewhere, or doing things in a different order doesn’t mean you’ve failed;it just means your path looks different.