TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jojo23]

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

I can't work out whether this is a good or a bad thing....

 

[lawyersum]

Are you sure？I think they still haven‘t open the application？

Yes I heard direct from grad rec at Legal Cheek's Law Fair

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

guys does anyone have any advice about Pinsent and Masons blended assessment

Hiya
Is this automatic or is the test stage 2?

 

[lawyersum]

I can't work out whether this is a good or a bad thing....

Leaning towards bad...but I mean from their pov would they rather read 4000 850 word personal statements or filter out 4000 applicants based on a singular pointless test benchmark...

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

How do we gain access to Bloomberg Law/Law.com International etc?

 

[futuretrainee417]

The Reed Smith app questions are identical to the Direct Training Contract App a couple of months ago... how unwise is it to use the same answers that got me past the first round?

 

[jojo23]

Leaning towards bad...but I mean from their pov would they rather read 4000 850 word personal statements or filter out 4000 applicants based on a singular pointless test benchmark...

I made the mistake of writing the 850 piece early... all for it to be scrapped💀

 

[noahsmiit01]

I can't work out whether this is a good or a bad thing....

Probs bad because last year it was only to write that cover letter, and if you're shortlisted, then they sent you WG. Whereas they are now all being lazy and starting to follow Linklaters structure. A&O changed their structure to this one as well.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Leaning towards bad...but I mean from their pov would they rather read 4000 850 word personal statements or filter out 4000 applicants based on a singular pointless test benchmark...

But from your pov you'd rather write a good cover letter and then if you get shortlisted towards the next stage, it just motivates you more and gives you a bit of energy that you're one step up compared to just receiving an automatic WG or SJT, which is just nothing special about...

 

[robertg22]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

 

[noahsmiit01]

I made the mistake of writing the 850 piece early... all for it to be scrapped💀

Use a few bits from it for White Case and Taylor Wessing, as they both require you to submit a cover letter. Last year, W&C's was 1000 words.

 

[Vakil]

ps i heard back from hsf kramer a few moments ago and have been invited for an open day

Congrats! May I ask if this was the open day or the social mobility open day?

 

[lawyersum]

But from your pov you'd rather write a good cover letter and then if you get shortlisted towards the next stage, it just motivates you more and gives you a bit of energy that you're one step up compared to just receiving an automatic WG or SJT, which is just nothing special about...

100% agree with you. Unfortunately the only pov that seems to matter at Freshfields is their own! It seemed very obvious that they were overjoyed at the prospect of not having to read any authentic cover letters.

 

[jojo23]

Use a few bits from it for White Case and Taylor Wessing, as they both require you to submit a cover letter. Last year, W&C's was 1000 words.

Ive already written the white & case one too🤣
As for Taylor wessing, I'm trying to do it as quickly as possible since it's rolling?
The problem is, I'm anxious about the tests as I always seem to struggle with them...

 

[jojo23]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

Someone previously said today.. but I'm doubting that now

 

[WillkieGemma]

Guys, does anyone know when we are expected to hear from TCLA x Willkie open day? I literally can't buy my plane tickets (prices rising by the hour) and plan my next month till I get a response... It was supposed to be out today, right? @WillkieGemma , would you have any insight/direction?

Hi @robertg22 - I have mentioned before that @Jaysen and his team are looking after the applications, so I'm sure they will get back to you today as planned (as the day is far from over!). Thanks, Gemma

 

[Amz2006]

Congrats! May I ask if this was the open day or the social mobility open day?

open day

 

[Amz2006]

Hiya
Is this automatic or is the test stage 2?

the amberjack one i think its automatic it comes with a video assessment i believe

 

[Bhavana]

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

 

[lawyersum]

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

Yeah, I guess you could say that! But, I would recommend checking their website for regular updates, as it is all very new it seems.