TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Have people heard back about the TCLA/Willkie open day? I am yet to hear anything.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hi! That is definitely a good link! You just need to emphasise why/what about that background/experience has drawn you to the relevant area. In fact, many candidates won’t have a direct connection to such USPs, so it’s fine to focus on the aspects you can link to yourself to show genuine interest in a practice area.

For example: "Having grown up in Nigeria, I have firsthand experience with several companies operating in emerging markets and have observed the unique legal and commercial challenges they face. This background has inspired my interest in the firm’s Emerging Markets expertise, as I am keen to apply my understanding of these markets to support clients navigating cross-border opportunities."

This is really helpful thank you!

 

[annalise.keating]

hi, has anybody applied to a&o vacation scheme and just got a 'reviewing application' email today? I applied yesterday and the deadline is tomorrow. also I got a feedback report and lowkey it just told me I'm a big dummy (lowest on verbal but highest on numerical), how much should I pay emphasis on this?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi @ZNadeem thank you so much! What confuses me is the last part? Would you be able to explain this further, thank you!

Hi! You should clearly articulate/analyse why you believe the open day will help you explore the relevant interest/USP you are speaking about. For example:

• Exposure to the firm’s culture: “Attending the open day will allow me to observe firsthand how the firm operates and the working environment.”
• Understanding practice areas: “X session on the day will give me insight into the firm’s corporate law team and the types of transactions they handle.”
• Networking & learning from trainees/partners: “The opportunity to speak directly with current trainees and partners will help me understand the training at the firm.”

These examples are a bit basic and surface-level just to help you gauge, but try to dig deeper into what exactly about that particular area/USP you want to learn and how exactly at the open day.

 

[The Boy]

I just received a request to complete an online assessment with Gibson Dunn. Is this automatic or the next stage of the application process?

 

[lawlol420]

Has Gibson Dunn changed their application process? I just got an invite for their online assessment and that wasn't the process last year. anyone know what the entire process is now?

 

[iklawapps]

Out of curiosityyyyy, does TCLA have any resources for SJTs? Like lessons or practices questions or anything? Thank you!!

 

[a1024]

@vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem Hi, how would you recommend structuring this answer? Is it a normal answer about extracurriculars or do we also need to link it to elements at Paul, Weiss where the skills learnt will be helpful?
How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss? (250)

 

[James Wakefield]

Hey all, any idea what the Gibson Dunn test is? Is it Cappfinity?

 

[bh.sa]

Has Gibson Dunn changed their application process? I just got an invite for their online assessment and that wasn't the process last year. anyone know what the entire process is now?

- 650 word cover letter
- Online situational judgement and strength assessment - Cappfinity test with some elements of SJT and SPAG/Proofreading exercises. No WG
- 1st stage interview with Graduate Recruitment
- 2x 2nd stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

 

[bh.sa]

Hey all, any idea what the Gibson Dunn test is? Is it Cappfinity?

It's an online situational judgement and strength assessment - Cappfinity test with some elements of SJT and SPAG/Proofreading exercises. No WG

 

[johnnysins]

It's an online situational judgement and strength assessment - Cappfinity test with some elements of SJT and SPAG/Proofreading exercises. No WG

Sounds good, is it automatically sent out to all applicants?

 

[CharlesT47]

Does anyone know when we will hear back for Paul Weiss Open days? (Particularly the one next week)

 

[TC seeker]

@vera.mekhonoshina Hi Vera! Will law firms use AI detector to scan applications? The AI detector like grammarly always shows my application has AI rate

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

anyone heard back yet from macfarlanes?

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone managed to access Bird & Bird's application questions?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Any news from Jones Day today?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Sounds good, is it automatically sent out to all applicants?

Yes

 

[noahsmiit01]

Hi guys, if I’ve just submitted my application for A&O WVS , do you know how many days I have to do their online assessments?

 

[Chelsea101]

Anyone applied to Reed Smith open day and heard back? Thanks