TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Just got rejected from the HSF Kramer open day is it even worth applying for their VS?

Hi @RaniaH062002

Sorry to hear about the open day rejection - I completely understand that it’s disheartening, but it definitely doesn’t mean that you are out of the running for the vacation scheme.

Open day and vacation scheme applications are often assessed separately, and graduate recruitment are typically looking for different elements in each. Additionally, firms understand that people develop their applications over time, and you might have improved your commercial awareness or just written a stronger application by the time you apply for the vacation scheme.

Open days are extremely competitive, and it often comes down to very small margins. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are not a strong candidate!

It is absolutely still worth applying for the vacation scheme, especially if:

1. You can tailor your vacation scheme application specifically to HSF Kramer’s work, values, and culture.
2. You show genuine motivation and development since your last application.
3. You’ve taken time to make clear links between your skills / experiences and what the firm looks for in a vacation scheme candidate (e.g. teamwork, commercial awareness, communication)

People do get rejected from open days and still secure vacation schemes or training contracts - it’s more common than you’d think! Definitely don’t count yourself out, as it’s always worth applying. Best of luck

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Has anyone gotten their Ashurst feedback report? Did the asessment on the 13th and have not received the feedback still.

 

[berocca567]

Does the Hogan Lovells test have a video interview element? or is it just an SJT?

 

[floral.tcla]

please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps getting emails from AOS about the feedback report, every time I open them I think it's the outcome of my application and I panic lol

 

[SamiyaJ]

Does the Hogan Lovells test have a video interview element? or is it just an SJT?

SJT, no video interview element

 

[aspringlawyer25]

please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps getting emails from AOS about the feedback report, every time I open them I think it's the outcome of my application and I panic lol

OMG, same. Not sure what's wrong with their assessment platform

 

[baj5]

Does anyone have insight as to Covington’s application process post submission of the written app?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Does anyone have insight as to Covington’s application process post submission of the written app?

It's AC after application, and we hear back after application closes on 24th october for the WVS.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Can anyone provide insight as to whether having passed the SQE is an advantage or disadvantage for applications?

 

[ZNadeem]

Can anyone provide insight as to whether having passed the SQE is an advantage or disadvantage for applications?

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification.

For London applications, however, I don’t think it makes a difference either way. Firms design their recruitment processes on the assumption that most applicants won’t have taken the SQE yet. To keep things fair, they aren’t going to favour or disadvantage candidates based on that. What will carry much more weight are your academics, work experience, and the quality of your application.

If anything, having passed the SQE might demonstrate commitment and proactivity in competency questions, but it’s not something that will tip the balance.

Thanks a lot!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

 

[Maddy]

In the Ashurst feedback report, what are we graded on?

 

[lawyersum]

Is DLA still rolling? Last year it was plastered all over their website that apps are very rolling and will close as soon as there is capacity. Now, there's a clear deadline for apps (21 Nov). Does anyone know?

 

[Kakaboo]

What are law firms looking for when they ask you how you manage competing deadlines? Thanks!

 

[tk.42_]

When did everyone schedule their Jones Day interview for?

 

[tk.42_]

I've just been invited to the Jones Day AC which includes a group exercise and a case study interview. If anyone has any tips or insight into how best to prepare and succeed on the day I would really appreciate it!

When was your video interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

I know this is for VS advice but I’ve got no idea where else to ask! I have an interview for a paralegal role at Addleshaw Goddard next week and I have no idea where to turn what to expect or how to prepare? Has anyone got any advice/ been through this? Thanks

Hey,

Congrats on the interview! Getting to that stage is such a huge achievement.

Well in my experience, you will likely be interviewing for a particular practice, so have prepared solid answers for why that practice area, over others in the firm. Any recent developments? What's going on in that sphere? What about the clients? What do they want now? What could they want in the future giving certain economic and social trends? Answers to all these questions will help solidify your answer to that particular question.

Next, why a paralegal role? Why not a trainee role? Why not legal secretary? The basic tasks and skills acquired may be similar across all roles, but speak to people and centre on the specific job description to know exactly what it is your role will entail. Is it a full-spec paralegal role? Is the focus on doc review? What will you actually be doing?

Following this, why a paralegal role at THAT firm? Have you spoken to anyone there who inspired you to join? Have you been keeping up with firm news?

Lastly, you don't need to have all the answers. Prepare to be asked questions that may seem out of the ordinary. Just be confident in yourself and your abilities. Know your CV in and out - you may be probed on it. If you know your skills well, you can easily apply them to any question.. no stress. If you're not sure about a question, you could always ask for more clarification - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You were invited to the interview for a reason, so please see that and give it your all, I am very sure you will excel in this.

Best wishes, and do let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[Amma Usman]

What are law firms looking for when they ask you how you manage competing deadlines? Thanks!

In addition to a basic introduction relating to things like scheduling, putting the most urgent tasks on top of your desk, etc, firms want a real life example. What challenge did you face in relation to this? What specific tasks did you have to do, and how did that experience change you or make you a better candidate? Essentially, use STAR. Following that, did you receive any notable feedback for your ability to meet those competing deadlines?

 

[Amma Usman]

Is DLA still rolling? Last year it was plastered all over their website that apps are very rolling and will close as soon as there is capacity. Now, there's a clear deadline for apps (21 Nov). Does anyone know?

This is an excerpt from their website...


"Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications close for our 2026 Summer Internship as follows:
London - 21 November 2025
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester - 12th December 2025 "


LINK HERE - https://careers.dlapiper.com/early-careers/europe/uk/summer-internship.html