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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

TortillaTC

Legendary Member
May 10, 2025
186
162
Not at all - and probably contributed to why I got rejected, but it was 8 August, applications opened on a rolling basis on 1 August.
Do you mean you think got rejected because you applied 7 days after the application window opened? I doubt they’re THAT rolling, I applied last year a week before the deadline and got rejected only 4 weeks later. Could be different this year though.
 

Sachin Chandra

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2020
125
111
At least one firm I am applying to has 'numerical and verbal reasoning questions' as part of their application process. Can people recommend some good resources/websites to practice and improve?

I am looking at AssessmentDay's numberical and verbal resources. But any other suggestions would be appreciated.
 

Sachin Chandra

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2020
125
111
I have another question about online assessments. CMS's application process involves a Critical Thinking test, which I believe to be a Watson Glaser Test. Can anyone confirm this for me?

I attach the link here for the page on which CMS lists a 'practice test', meaning you can click on the test and take a look

All the best wishes,
SC
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
267
717
I have another question about online assessments. CMS's application process involves a Critical Thinking test, which I believe to be a Watson Glaser Test. Can anyone confirm this for me?

I attach the link here for the page on which CMS lists a 'practice test', meaning you can click on the test and take a look

All the best wishes,
SC
Hi! Yes, this is the Watson Glaser test
 
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TortillaTC

Legendary Member
May 10, 2025
186
162
Happy Friday everyone! @Jaysen and others, if a firm asks for PGDL completion on a separate page of their application form, should I still list it as a postgraduate entry under academics? or the latter is more like actual Master's degrees not just the conversion
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
267
717
Happy Friday everyone! @Jaysen and others, if a firm asks for PGDL completion on a separate page of their application form, should I still list it as a postgraduate entry under academics? or the latter is more like actual Master's degrees not just the conversion
Was the first question more of a Yes/No, or did it allow you to fully list your PGDL including individual module marks?
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
251
334
Does anyone know if any law firms actually look at the content of your submitted tasks on Forage virtual work experience programmes?
I mentioned one I had done on an application form and another completely different firm I applied to asked me about it and clearly knew what the tasks were (obviously couldn't access my answers) but did ask me about how I approached something as a non law student!
 

Moo&mak

Active Member
Feb 27, 2024
18
7
Good morning,
When drafting work experience for law firms app. Is it always better to specifically tailor it ( highlight a core value or skill the firm needs and mention how it is related to your experience) e.g ‘I have developed communication skills through… which is a core value that is valuable to xxx firm.’
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
267
717
Good morning,
When drafting work experience for law firms app. Is it always better to specifically tailor it ( highlight a core value or skill the firm needs and mention how it is related to your experience) e.g ‘I have developed communication skills through… which is a core value that is valuable to xxx firm.’
No, I don't think you need to add that this is a core skill the firm looks for in its trainees, as this will be known to those reading your application, and you should aim to make the most of your word count!

However, if there is a specific way in which your skills matter to the firm, this may be worth emphasising! For example, for firms with very small trainee intakes (1-8), I found myself emphasising how my experiences as the only junior member of the team would assist me, and therefore I specifically pointed out that a very small trainee intake at XXX firm would mean that I'd often be the only junior member in their teams :)

In general, though, you won't need to state something like "Attention to detail is a core skill for a trainee at XXX" firm. Only provide an explanation where you think the link is not clear without one!
 
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Trainee590

Standard Member
Aug 30, 2025
5
1
Happy Friday everyone! @Jaysen and others, if a firm asks for PGDL completion on a separate page of their application form, should I still list it as a postgraduate entry under academics? or the latter is more like actual Master's degrees not just the conversion
Hi there,

If a firm's application form has a separate section for the PGDL/SQE, I think you should list your PGDL in that section and there is no need to re-list it in the postgraduate section (unless the firm has explicitly asked for it to be listed here). If you have a Master's degree or have done any other postgraduate study, these courses can go in the postgraduate section. I hope this helps!
 

Trainee590

Standard Member
Aug 30, 2025
5
1
At least one firm I am applying to has 'numerical and verbal reasoning questions' as part of their application process. Can people recommend some good resources/websites to practice and improve?

I am looking at AssessmentDay's numberical and verbal resources. But any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Sachin,

It's great that you're looking for ways to improve. After a quick search online, I've found a couple of resources that might be helpful:
  • Assessment Day has some free practice tests, along with a paid option. In my experience, these questions are very similar to the questions asked by the firms I applied to.
  • Job Test Prep also has some free practice questions, which could supplement the ones from Assessment Day, and they have a paid option, too.
Both Assessment Day and Job Test Prep have practice and preparation tips, which I also found helpful. You can definitely use these sites to build your confidence going into the test.

I also want to highlight that I do not think it is necessary to buy verbal and numerical reasoning practice packages in order to do well in these tests.

Aside from these resources, I would recommend brushing up on your basic arithmetic skills, e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averages, ratios, percentages, and reading graphs.

My top tip for verbal reasoning tests would be to ensure that you are reading the text carefully and avoid jumping to any conclusions. Make sure you answer exactly what the question is asking. Choose your answer based on the text, rather than basing it on any assumptions you might have unintentionally made along the way. When reading the text, look for any key words and watch out for subtle differences in phrases, e.g. replacing the word "must" with "should" can change the meaning of a sentence.

Finally, make sure to manage your time when completing the test. If the test is time-capped, do not spend too long on each question. If you are struggling to find the answer, move on to the next question and come back if you have time.
 

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