TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Hello guys, just wanted to ask, in the why commercial law question, can I say that I solidified my interest when attending an open day at ...., even though the Open day is at another firm, not the one I am currently applying to?

Hi! Great question. You can definitely mention that an open day helped solidify your interest, but I’d avoid naming the specific firm as it isn't necessary and probably a waste of words. Instead, keep it general and focus on the activity or learning point. For example, you could say: “After attending an open day where I took part in a negotiation exercise and heard from trainees about their involvement in cross-border work, I solidified my interest in pursuing commercial law.”

That way, you’re drawing on the experience and showing genuine motivation, but without shifting attention to another firm. It also gives you the chance to highlight the exact aspects of commercial law that resonated with you (teamwork, problem-solving, global business context, etc.), which will naturally flow into why you’re pursuing this career path.

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone had the Taylor Wessing test meant to be sent today come through yet?

I now have the preparation hub with no test lol

 

[SamiyaJ]

I now have the preparation hub with no test lol

I haven’t received the test either! Weird

 

[msclm]

received invite to jones day interview today! applied on Tuesday.

 

[FAS444]

anyone heard back from macfarlanes?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

received invite to jones day interview today! applied on Tuesday.

That's fantastic news - huge congratulations! 🎉

Best of luck as you prepare for the interview - if you need to prepare for any competency questions, this thread is super helpful! Let us know if we can help with any further preparation

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know whether what are the deadlines for DLA Piper's vac scheme and whether they are rolling? I couldn't find those information on their website and they didn'y mention it on their brochures (

Hey @Tangcy !

From what I've seen, in previous years DLA Piper has recruited on a rolling basis ("Open Until Positions Filled").

However, as you mentioned, there is nothing on their website to confirm whether that's the case this year. It might be worth dropping Graduate Recruitment a quick email just to double-check!

Best of luck - you've got this!

 

[c.t.tc]

I haven’t received the test either! Weird

Must just be a glitch or a mistake!

 

[Jennifer2003]

Any advice on how to answer “Why have you chosen to become a solicitor? What relevant skills do you possess?” In 200 words? Thank you

 

[jojo23]

When a firm asks have you applied to us before then asks details, should this include open events (even if rejected) or just vs/tc's- stupid question

 

[Kakaboo]

Does anyone know whether what are the deadlines for DLA Piper's vac scheme and whether they are rolling? I couldn't find those information on their website and they didn'y mention it on their brochures (

It doesn’t look like it. I will say I went to their open day last year and they told us the video interview questions so I rlly recommend

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice on how to answer “Why have you chosen to become a solicitor? What relevant skills do you possess?” In 200 words? Thank you

Hello @Jennifer2003 !

Great question! This comes up a lot, and having a structure can really help you stay within 200 words. A simple structure could look like this:

1. Why solicitor? (80-100 words)

• Explain why this career path appeals to you specifically (rather than barrister or another profession).
• You may want to discuss things such as: working directly with clients, applying the law in a practical and commercial way, experiencing a variety through seat rotations, or enjoying teamwork and collaboration.
• I'd keep this personal, and link it to a past experience or moment that confirmed your interest.

2. Relevant skills (80-100 words)

• Pick 2-3 key strengths and give a short example for each. This could be communication (e.g. explaining complex issues clearly at Citizens Advice), organisation / resilience (e.g. managing a busy reception or balancing deadlines), or analysis / research (e.g. through academic work or problem-solving in another role).
• It's important to then show how each skill prepares you to be effective as a trainee.

3. Conclusion (1-2 sentences / 20 words)

• End your answer with a line that ties your motivation and skills together, e.g. "These experiences have reinforced my ambition to qualify as a solicitor".

Heres an example (although your answer should be more detail and tailored):

"I aspire to be a solicitor because the role blends intellectual challenge with real client impact. My role in the university legal advice clinic has reinforced this interest through experiencing the impact first-hand, and strengthened my research and problem-solving abilities. I bring organisation, resilience and strong communication skills, which equip me to work effectively with colleagues and support each individual clients' needs".

Make sure that you can relate the skills that you possess back to the reasons that you'd like to be a solicitor - for example, if you are motivated by the client-facing elements, I would discuss communication skills.

I hope that makes sense! Best of luck with your application

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When a firm asks have you applied to us before then asks details, should this include open events (even if rejected) or just vs/tc's- stupid question

Hello @jojo23 !

Not a stupid question! I would probably include open events (and any other insight days) as well as VS / TCs

 

[llblawstudent]

I'm not sure if it would be advantageous to apply for the Hogan Lovells Lift Off programme (because you're automatically fast tracked to vac scheme AC anyway) but would it be more competitive/ harder to get into than just applying for the vac scheme outright? I'm intrigued by the programme especially because I haven't really got an insight scheme or anything like that as it is, so would be useful to have

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm not sure if it would be advantageous to apply for the Hogan Lovells Lift Off programme (because you're automatically fast tracked to vac scheme AC anyway) but would it be more competitive/ harder to get into than just applying for the vac scheme outright? I'm intrigued by the programme especially because I haven't really got an insight scheme or anything like that as it is, so would be useful to have

Hello @llblawstudent !

I think the Lift Off programme could be a good option if you're looking for more exposure to the firm, especially since you mentioned you haven't had the chance to do many insight schemes yet. It gives you a chance to build up knowledge and connections before the vacation scheme stage, and being fast-tracked to AC is definitely a bonus!

In terms of competitiveness, I wouldn't say it's necessarily harder than applying directly for the vacation scheme. Even if you haven't done loads of previous experience, the programme is designed to help you grow and learn - and showing that you're keen to develop is exactly what they are looking for. The main thing is that Lift Off gives you an extra step to learn more about the firm and develop your commercial awareness (which all firms really value), and this will put you in a stronger position going into the AC.

I'd absolutely apply! In general, I don't think it will necessarily be more competitive / harder to get a place on the Lift Off programme, and I'd focus on what you feel you would benefit from the most out of the two

 

[whywhy88]

I'm not sure if it would be advantageous to apply for the Hogan Lovells Lift Off programme (because you're automatically fast tracked to vac scheme AC anyway) but would it be more competitive/ harder to get into than just applying for the vac scheme outright? I'm intrigued by the programme especially because I haven't really got an insight scheme or anything like that as it is, so would be useful to have

I did Lift Off and although I wasn't successful on gaining a place on the summer vac scheme after my AC, It was a really useful scheme. Great insight into the firm and really handy commercial awareness workshops with trainees, associates and partners. Also, if you apply for Lift Off and get rejected, you can still apply for the summer vac scheme, as opposed to having to wait for the next application cycle. I remember grad rec encouraging people to apply to Lift Off for this reason, as you don't really have anything to lose!

 

[GV]

Does anyone know whether what are the deadlines for DLA Piper's vac scheme and whether they are rolling? I couldn't find those information on their website and they didn'y mention it on their brochures (

Spoke to an ambassador for the firm today. The application is not rolling

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi, I did the Ashurst online test and my strengths were driven and growth mindset. However, my weakness was adaptability but I made sure to really cover that so I’m a bit confused. Is this something that is bad?

 

[Ronaldo04]

Hi! Great question. You can definitely mention that an open day helped solidify your interest, but I’d avoid naming the specific firm as it isn't necessary and probably a waste of words. Instead, keep it general and focus on the activity or learning point. For example, you could say: “After attending an open day where I took part in a negotiation exercise and heard from trainees about their involvement in cross-border work, I solidified my interest in pursuing commercial law.”

That way, you’re drawing on the experience and showing genuine motivation, but without shifting attention to another firm. It also gives you the chance to highlight the exact aspects of commercial law that resonated with you (teamwork, problem-solving, global business context, etc.), which will naturally flow into why you’re pursuing this career path.

Thanks a lot!!

 

[ZNadeem]

Any advice on how to answer “Why have you chosen to become a solicitor? What relevant skills do you possess?” In 200 words? Thank you

Hi! I’d recommend splitting your answer into two clear paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1 – Why solicitor: Use the PEA structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis). Make your point (e.g. you’re motivated by the variety of work, client interaction, or problem-solving), back it up with evidence (an experience, internship, or observation), and then analyse how that confirms your career choice.
• Paragraph 2 – Relevant skills: Pick 1–2 strong skills (e.g. teamwork, research, communication, attention to detail) and apply the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will keep your answer focused, concrete, and within 200 words.