TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[A worried paralegal]

My Sidley is 132 days and McDermott is 107 days. RIP.

I had 5 months from AG once who then gave me 3 days to do their VI

 

[A worried paralegal]

Has anyone here heard back from any Liverpool firms as I have applied for a few there (DLA rejected me a few weeks back)

 

[ChambersLoading]

hi, I think that if you've previously interviewed you will be a "no" for many firms.

applying with a new email is IMO a good thing, but I would always disclose that you've applied previously if they ask - most of the time you can just say "applied unsuccessfully" and they don't ask the specific stage. lying would be a fatal error though.

if you're struggling to get into American firms, you will be more attractive as a candidate at some lower ranked firms.

Wow I really appreciate this! I hadn’t realized you could just be vague about the stage you reached. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that lol. I’ve interviewed at four American firms so far, so some of my applications are okay, but I definitely need to work on my interview skills. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what to do next to improve.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Debevoise PFO finally

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone have solid WG tips or practice tests. I feel like I have done so many and I am still not really improving.
Really desperate for any help lmao

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone have solid WG tips or practice tests. I feel like I have done so many and I am still not really improving.
Really desperate for any help lmao

I am in the same boat.

 

[Bbhu19]

Does anyone have solid WG tips or practice tests. I feel like I have done so many and I am still not really improving.
Really desperate for any help lmao

Hey is this for Orrick?

 

[AryanAgg]

Hey both ☺️

Totally understand how you both feel - I'll offer my two cents! Though I'm not sure how qualified I am given my performance varies depending on the day... but in my most recent timed attempt with a firm I managed to place in the 90th percentile so hopefully that counts for something!

1. Practise on its own is not enough. My method is to (1) understand the 'game' of the test, in other words, break each section down into what they are really asking you to do and understand how your mind is supposed to think in that particular section (each section requires a slightly different mindset!), and then (2) put that theory into practise by doing actual questions.
2. When you do the questions, focus on why an answer is right or wrong. Understand what things/traps/fallacies you should be looking out for and make note of them so that you don't make the same mistake next time. Really take time to evaluate why you got a question wrong.
3. I like to review my notes on the theory side of things before I take a test - it's super easy to forget or mix up when you haven't been engaging with the Watson Glaser for a while.

Once you understand the logic behind each section you will find the Watson Glaser super easy, I promise. It will then just come down to practise. The more familiar you get with the questions the easier it becomes. There are some good YouTube videos out there on the Watson Glaser too so definitely take a look around!

Thank you so much.

 

[AryanAgg]

😭 I edited the message too many times and now it's under approval lol sorry guys

No problem. Im curious though are you allowed to reveal the name of the firm where you got the 90th percentile?

 

[maylawwww]

I am so burned out from this cycle and starting a new job that I haven't done anything to prep for the AC and the written exercise i have this week smh idk if there is any hope for me for them atp

 

[AryanAgg]

(let me try reposting XD)

Hey both ☺️

Totally understand how you both feel - I'll offer my two cents! Though I'm not sure how qualified I am given my performance varies depending on the day... but in my most recent timed attempt with a firm I managed to place in the 90th percentile (while only using half the time given) so hopefully that counts for something!

1. Practise on its own is not enough. My method is to (1) understand the 'game' of the test, in other words, break each section down into what they are really asking you to do and understand how your mind is supposed to think in that particular section (each section requires a slightly different mindset!), and then (2) put that theory into practise by doing actual questions.
2. When you do the questions, focus on why an answer is right or wrong. Understand what things/traps/fallacies you should be looking out for and make note of them so that you don't make the same mistake next time. Really take time to evaluate why you got a question wrong.
3. I like to review my notes on the theory side of things before I take a test - it's super easy to forget or mix up when you haven't been engaging with the Watson Glaser for a while.

Once you understand the logic behind each section you will find the Watson Glaser super easy, I promise. It will then just come down to practise. The more familiar you get with the questions the easier it becomes. There are some good YouTube videos out there on the Watson Glaser too so definitely take a look around!

Wait does time taken also count in the percentile or just the number of correct answers?

 

[trainee4u]

Wait does time taken also count in the percentile or just the number of correct answers?

For the genuine WG, time taken is NOT a factor - you just have an overall time limit.

For knock-off versions, they might take it into account.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hey, do you know if the interview is also part case study at all? no worries if not

Hey, no I don’t! I’ve got my AC next week.

I know they did a case study last year during the interview but didn’t have a written exercise on the AC.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the written exercise has replaced it.

 

[t2so]

I wonder if we will hear back from Hogan Lovells about Summer ACs this week.
Does anyone have insight into when we're due to hear at all?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock i have a video interview to complete and I’m not very strong at these. There is only one question. Please could you help with some tips on how to prepare for it? Thank you!

Hey!

I can definitely relate, as video interviews were always my weakest point! I would really recommend checking out the TCLA Wiki page for video interviews - many of the posts (especially Andrei's competency interview advice) was super helpful for me last cycle!

In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)

Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.

If you are given unlimited prep time, make sure that you utilise this, as it is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording. I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording). If you are only given a minute or so to prepare, I would try to make a rough bullet-point plan that just highlights the main points you want to address and any specific examples - just in case your mind goes blank and you need to jog your memory!

Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock - hope you are well! I have got a vacation scheme coming up at a strong national law firm, and I have been thinking of my seat choices. Personally, there are definitely some seats that I prefer over others, however I'm also genuinely very happy to explore any area of work. I was wondering if there is a strategy I could apply to seat selection that would allow me higher chances of success towards a TC (evidently, this is dependent on a range of factors but just for a starting point - thinking about it from a 'setting myself up for success' way)

1. Should I go for the biggest departments / teams so that I have access to the more structured support to fall back on, and potentially impress people who have a bigger impact on the firm's revenue stream?
2. Should I choose the areas that firm is "known for" - high Band rankings (this would have some, but not complete overlap, with the above)
3. Or should I select seats in smaller teams, where I can get to know members more closely, and potentially make a clearer impact?


Any tips to the selection process would be very appreciated! Thank you so much in advance

Hello!

Huge congratulations on the vacation scheme - that is amazing news!

I would honestly keep it quite simple - the best "strategy" is usually to pick the area that you are genuinely most interested in and think you'll perform well in. You are far more likely to impress if you are engaged, asking good questions and actually enjoying the work.

If you are truly unsure, I think all three of your approaches are sensible in different ways:

• Bigger teams can mean more structure and exposure
• The firm's strongest / best known areas could carry visibility
• Smaller teams could allow you to make a clearer impression

There really isn't a guaranteed formula for conversion! On my first vacation scheme, I chose Real Estate because I had previously paralegalled in that area and thought it would help me make a stronger impression. However, when I was later rejected, one of the key feedback points was that I hadn't asked enough questions about the work and the context - on reflection, this was probably because I felt comfortable with it. It made me realise that sometimes choosing an area that you don't have experience in, but are genuinely interested in, can work better. Therefore, I would pick the area that you are most likely to ask questions, show curiosity, and demonstrate that you are actively learning!

If you are still torn, it does make sense to lean towards a core or high-demand practice area, but only if you have an interest in it. Ultimately, firms are assessing your attitude, work ethic and fit - you will demonstrate these best in a seat you are genuinely interested in

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Hey is this for Orrick?

No...

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I am so burned out from this cycle and starting a new job that I haven't done anything to prep for the AC and the written exercise i have this week smh idk if there is any hope for me for them atp

If you need advice preparing for ACs, I would recommend familiarising yourself with your application and research notes (if you have any). Look at the firm's website especially their recent news or deal. Also look at any news happening in sectors the firm specialises in. Then, on the morning of, look at any recent news or stats regarding the UK economy.
That should ensure you cover the main things. Also keep in mind things like SWOT and PESTLE. If you ask about the firm on here, some people may have insights.

 

[Bbhu19]

No...

Ok thanks for replying, sorry can’t help with WG practice, I genuinely don’t have any tips for that

 

[wrpark]

Hey guys, I'm working on my Kingsley Napley work experience app and 3 of the questions sound very similar so I don't really know how to distinguish my answers to these, would appreciate any help on figuring these out!:

- Why have you chosen to apply for a work experience placement at Kingsley Napley? Consider alignment with your own goals and provide specific examples to support your response. (250)
- How do you see Kingsley Napley’s work experience programme contributing to your journey and long-term career aspirations? (250)
- Which of our practice areas are you interested in? (250)

I initially thought Q1 should be about practice areas and Q2 more about what the work experience can offer / what I can learn, but with Q3 in the picture I really don't know what to do haha.

@Abbie Whitlock