TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlife5]

Hi! Here are some tips that always worked for me:

I would suggest picking 2-3 USPs of the firm you would like to learn more about and can evidence an interest in through your experiences. Then follow the PEA structure for each point.

P — introduce the USP and that you would like to learn more about that aspect of the firm
E — why that USP resonates with you
A — why the open day will help you learn more about that

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

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

is it rolling?

Yep!

 

[broxia]

Hi guys, has anyone done an SJT with leaving the browser and then coming back onto it at a later time and still gotten through? Will they know if you didn't do the whole thing in one sitting?

 

[brtz]

Hi everyone, I'm considering applying to Hogan Lovells Lift OFF programme, and one of their application questions is about open days! I want to attend their open day(so i can engage with the firm).

However the earliest one i'm eligible for is on the 21st Oct, and the deadline for the LIft Off application is 31st oct!

Just wondering if I should wait till after 21st to submit my application (the application is on rolling basis btw)?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Is my cv being 1 and a half pages acceptable for NRF and other firms or should I try and cut it to 1 page?

 

[a1024]

Hi, what is the stage after the online assessment for Latham VS? Is there another test with the video element or is there a direct AC?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

@vera.mekhonoshina Hi Vera! Will law firms have requirements for the grades of PGDL? will they mention that conditions if candidates have been offered a training contract?

Hi @TC seeker,

Different firms will have different requirements as to the individual grades/ overall mark that you need to achieve during the PGDL, but they will make you aware of those requirements when you get a TC offer. Hope this helps!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

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

Hi @Lawlife5,

I might be able to help out with this.

From my understanding, you'd want to specify the exact things one might do at an open day that could help you learn more about that particular USP.

Some of the common things applicants do at an open day are:

1. Listening to panels, where trainees, partners, or associates from a particular practice area or group talk about their work at the firm
2. Having the option to ask a question during a structured Q&A
3. Informal networking with trainees, associates and partners, where you can ask any questions about the firm's culture, deals, etc
4. Hearing from the graduate recruitment team, who share their top tips and tricks for the application process
5. Completing fictional case studies, discussing client scenarios, and participating in mock negotiations

So, these are the types of things you might want to mention within that final point. Of course, this would be firm-specific, as no two open days are the same.

I hope this helps!

 

[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.joyn]

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?