TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Unknowncabbage]

Is Ashurst rolling? It says rolling then it says you will get the test after the deadline?

• No, we review all applications after the closing date. from the Ashurst website

 

[Chriss]

Anyone do the Macfarlanes job simulation and can share insights on what it entails and how best to prepare?

 

[dannyp123]

Definitely attend those events

‘Screened on a rolling basis, but all decisions after the deadline’ might as well be ‘non-rolling’ imo.

There have been numerous cases where people apply to ‘rolling’ firms on their deadlines and end up getting VS/TCs, whereas those who applied earlier in the cycle didn’t.

As long as you submit a strong application, and ideally submit it at least a week before the deadline, you’ll be absolutely fine for 99% of firms (especially those that specify all decisions will be made after the deadline).

Alright perfect thanks for the advice @SoonToBeTrainee @abbietc03!

 

[tobywstress]

Does anyone know what sort of grade profile these firms (HFW, WFW, Stephenson Harwood, Mayer Brown) are looking for? I saw most of them being a 2:1 but no information online as to what exact % candidates need. Will applying to their open day (and getting an invite, hopefully) mean that my academics will not be a problem?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey guys, I noticed that Taylor Wessing's vacation scheme applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, the virtual taster weeks and open days are not till mid to late October. Do you think it's fine to wait to do an application until after then, or should i try sending one out earlier? Thanks!

Hi! I’d suggest holding off until after the events — attending the open days will give you stronger insight into the firm, which you can then reflect in your application. That way you’ll be able to show a more genuine and informed interest in Taylor Wessing. They would take these event dates into account when starting to progress people past the application stage.

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know what sort of grade profile these firms (HFW, WFW, Stephenson Harwood, Mayer Brown) are looking for? I saw most of them being a 2:1 but no information online as to what exact % candidates need. Will applying to their open day (and getting an invite, hopefully) mean that my academics will not be a problem?

Hi! There isn’t an exact % cut-off for most firms — they generally just look for at least a 2:1 overall. Whether or not you get an open day invite doesn’t change that benchmark, though open days are more about showing interest and getting to know the firm. If you’re worried about your grades, remember that firms do take mitigating circumstances into account, so it’s always worth explaining those if they apply.

 

[ahasan]

very worried for mine, was just wondering if u could let know the VI questions and the general vibe of the test.

me too !

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Does anyone know what sort of grade profile these firms (HFW, WFW, Stephenson Harwood, Mayer Brown) are looking for? I saw most of them being a 2:1 but no information online as to what exact % candidates need. Will applying to their open day (and getting an invite, hopefully) mean that my academics will not be a problem?

Hi @tobywstress,

I would take the firm's 2:1 benchmark at face value In terms of the latter point, I completely agree with @ZNadeem - getting an open day invitation is unlikely to change the academic requirements. Hope this helps!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Might be a silly question, but should I really be tailoring my work exp section to each firm? I have never done this in the past as my work exp is really more a list of things I have done in each role rather than explaining the skills I've learnt in the role. Should I be looking at the competencies of each firm and tailoring my work exp for this? I just assumed this was only really needed in the questions tailored to each firm.

Also, am I okay to leave this section in bullet points (ofc they are full sentences), rather than paragraphs - I just felt it was easier to read this way since each point is an entirely different task.

Hi @zara elles,

Great questions!

I kept my work experience the same. I made sure that each entry is as strong as it can possibly be (clarity, level of detail, structure, ease of understanding), but I did not necessarily tailor them to every single firm that I applied to.

To answer your second question, most firms prefer it if you write out your work experience entries as continuous text, as opposed to bullet points. Transforming bullet points into continuous prose shouldn't be too bad, as you only need to change the formatting. Writing out paragraphs will also allow you a bit more flexibility in terms of providing more depth for some of the experiences if you wish!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hi! That’s perfectly okay. Longer ongoing cases or trends can work really well, especially if you can explain the wider implications and why they matter to clients.

@Bread 100% agree with Zainab on this! An ongoing lawsuit also provides you with an opportunity to analyse what the potential outcome might be, and how this would affect the industry/ sector in a broader sense.

 

[Chriss]

me too !

same!

 

[ZNadeem]

Anyone do the Macfarlanes job simulation and can share insights on what it entails and how best to prepare?

Hi! The test is a Capp assessment run through Cappfinity — it’s mainly SJT-style questions, but you should also expect some critical thinking ones too. I don’t think it’s timed. I’d recommend checking out the Cappfinity preparation hub before attempting the Macfarlanes online assessment.

General tips for SJTs:
-Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
-Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
-Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
-Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
-Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
-Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

 

[CharlesT47]

Anyone succeeded for Jones Day even without doing their online course?

 

[ohnoselim]

i saw some people mention they had issues completing the education part on the nrf application

did anyone find a solution? the uni is fine, its adding my sixth form thats the issue

 

[tcla02]

what’s the white & case online assessment for vac schemes? is it WG or SJT?

 

[tcla02]

is dechert wvs rolling? can’t find any info online

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

is dechert wvs rolling? can’t find any info online

Hi @tcla02,

I also just checked the firm's website, and it seems that the applications are non-rolling. I usually assume that if they were rolling, the firm would mention this either in the Apply section or the FAQs, and this does not seem to be the case with Dechert.

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Hi! Does anyone know what the Hogan Lovells application questions for the Lift Off programme are?

Thanks.

 

[R2D2]

Could anyone please let me know what I can expect in the Macfarlanes second stage assesment? Kinda clueless as to what kind of questions should i prepare for.

 

[lost456]

Hi! Sure. I'll send this to all of you as soon as possible Just remember that it's just one successful application, not the best or definitive way to do it

Hi, would you mind sharing the example with me too please?