TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, I’m applying to Jones Day and have received mixed advice about including committee roles in the Work Experience section. I currently lead two societies, which are my main experiences and demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills. However, the 100-word Extra-Curriculars section doesn’t give me enough space to showcase them properly. Would it be inappropriate to include these roles in the Work Experience section instead?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina please could you provide any guidance on how to approach answering open day application questions like what do you hope to gain from attending etc? Are you meant to do the why the firm and link to you type answers by researching the firm in the same way you would for vacation scheme applications? Thanks for any advice you have

Hi @Lawlife5

This is a really good question, and you are definitely on the right track with your suggestions and ideas!

The way that I would approach this type of question is by researching the aspects of the firm that I could genuinely get a better idea of by speaking to the firm's representatives. One of such examples would be the use of innovation and technology - there is no better way to find out about its practical, day-to-day application than by speaking with people who actually get to use it every day.

A point that I would try and incorporate is culture, as this aspect of the firm is best represented through genuine interactions with law firm representatives - again, something that you can only truly experience by interacting with trainees, associates and graduate recruitment during an open day.

In short, you should use your 'why the firm?' points as initial anchors, and then develop your answer in the context of how an open day specifically would help you to get to know this area better.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey guys, I’m applying to Jones Day and have received mixed advice about including committee roles in the Work Experience section. I currently lead two societies, which are my main experiences and demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills. However, the 100-word Extra-Curriculars section doesn’t give me enough space to showcase them properly. Would it be inappropriate to include these roles in the Work Experience section instead?

Hey @dannyp123

This is a great question!

I included university society positions in the work experience sections in pretty much every single law firm application that I submitted, and did not face any issues!

Hope this helps!

 

[radssss]

Who will go first and find out? I am wondering if these are sent to everyone or can people fail the previous stages?

The first test was automatic and the second test we just received is after passing the previous stage test and it was viewed along with our application. This is there on their website.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey guys, I am beginning to apply for Vacation Schemes again, and I was just wondering if you had any advice for applications where you have no direct legal work experience. I have volunteered for numerous charities, and also had a part time job throughout university, but as I decided I wanted to apply for law in my last year of a non-law undergrad I am concerned that my lack of legal experience will mean I am unable to land a Vacation Scheme.

Any advice would be massively appreciated!

Hi @CupOfTea17

First things first, I want to reassure you that it is 100% possible to get a vacation scheme/ training contract without legal work experience. However, it is worth bearing in mind that law firms will expect a deep level of understanding of what a commercial solicitor does and why this type of work attracts you, so it's definitely worth researching different practice areas and understanding the day-to-day work that solicitors in those areas do.

You can definitely present your non-legal work experience as an asset by illuminating the transferable skills that you developed You can start by considering the types of qualities that every lawyer needs, such as:

- Attention to detail
- Communication (both written and oral)
- Analytical skills
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving

Then, you would want to highlight those skills through the prism of your work experiences!

Don't let your non-law background keep you from applying - I have been in the same boat, and trust me - your non-legal experiences are an asset. Good luck!

 

[Lawlife5]

Hi @Lawlife5

This is a really good question, and you are definitely on the right track with your suggestions and ideas!

The way that I would approach this type of question is by researching the aspects of the firm that I could genuinely get a better idea of by speaking to the firm's representatives. One of such examples would be the use of innovation and technology - there is no better way to find out about its practical, day-to-day application than by speaking with people who actually get to use it every day.

A point that I would try and incorporate is culture, as this aspect of the firm is best represented through genuine interactions with law firm representatives - again, something that you can only truly experience by interacting with trainees, associates and graduate recruitment during an open day.

In short, you should use your 'why the firm?' points as initial anchors, and then develop your answer in the context of how an open day specifically would help you to get to know this area better.

Thank you @vera.mekhonoshina that was really helpful!

 

[Lawlife5]

I have another question @vera.mekhonoshina @Amma Usman what advice would you have for building your commercial awareness from scratch? I tend to dip in and out. How did you approach this and what resources did you use and still use? Thank you!

 

[tosin4774]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina, I am about to apply for a virtual speed networking event focused on Corporate Law, where I will have the opportunity to learn more about US firms such as Sidley Austin, Weil, Kirkland, Ropes & Gray, Mayer Brown, and K&L Gates. The application question asks, "What specific goals do I hope to achieve by participating in this Speed Networking Event? How do I answer this? Do I specifically discuss the firm I am genuinely interested in learning more about? However, I fear that doing this comes across as if I am not interested in these firms.

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Hi!

I don’t think it’s the Arctic Shores one, but it is a game-based test. Ashurst uses versions that include elements like Cognify and Emotify – quick-fire, gamified assessments that are the complete opposite of something like Watson Glaser, which requires slower, more detailed reasoning.

You can’t really “study” to improve your score, but you can get more comfortable with the format. The best prep is just to get used to answering at speed. Some people find it helpful to do general brain-training apps to warm up, and also to test which device (laptop, phone, iPad) feels most natural and responsive for them.

You can use the Elevate app, as quite a few of the exercises are said to be really similar in style. It’s less about the content of the questions and more about hand-eye coordination and reaction speed.

I spoke to early recruitment from Ashurst team today and they said they've changed their tests. I think its cappfinity now but im not entirely sure.

 

[balshertiwana]

Anyone know what the Macfarlanes second stage assesment entails? the one with video interview.

 

[wrpark]

Does anyone know if we're allowed to apply for both Spring & Summer vac schemes at the same time for HSF Kramer? Website only says that you're not allowed to submit another application after a rejection in the same cycle, but doesn't say anything about applying to both schemes at once.

 

[WillkieGemma]

When will we hear back regarding the willkie open day?

Hi @jojo23 if you mean the TCLA/Willkie open day, Jaysen has said in a previous post that everyone will hear back by 9 September.

 

[Shahenshah]

Who will go first and find out? I am wondering if these are sent to everyone or can people fail the previous stages?

As I am yet to receive it, I fear I have failed the test of whether I can count and can reason. Shall go contemplate my life (as simply as I can)

 

[studenttolawyer]

Hey there!

While I cannot say for a fact what the second stage would involve in this case, I would try and prepare for it under the assumption that there is no opportunity to re-record your answers.

The best way to go about it is by practising as many questions as possible and recording your answers, even if you don't feel 100% sure that you are answering the question in the right way.

And here's the most important part - you also want to watch your answers back and review your performance! I personally found this type of practice to be the most useful for second stage assessments that may involve a video interview element.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Hi Vera, thanks a lot for your helpful advice! I'll proceed on the assumption that I cannot re-record my submissions.

 

[studenttolawyer]

I spoke to early recruitment from Ashurst team today and they said they've changed their tests. I think its cappfinity now but im not entirely sure.

It is Cappfinity, they mentioned this during their recent Ashurst Unpacked event.

 

[studenttolawyer]

Who will go first and find out? I am wondering if these are sent to everyone or can people fail the previous stages?

They said in the email that it's (i) a job simulation, (ii) with a video element, (iii) and "no prior knowledge of Macfarlanes or legal experience is needed." Based on this, I can only assume it's a Forage-type job simulation with tasks and the video might involve providing legal advice or something similar. At the end of the day, we don't know so I guess it's best to prepare for anything, from motivational questions to competency etc.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

For the question (from Sidley app):

Detail your extra-curricular activities and interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)

Do you think it is necessary to link something back to the firm? Would be interested in others opinions

 

[radssss]

Hi @jojo23 if you mean the TCLA/Willkie open day, Jaysen has said in a previous post that everyone will hear back by 9 September.

Hi @WillkieGemma , I just wanted to check, does Willkie just require a 2:1 overall or is there an individual module grade requirement which is taken into consideration. For context, I have a 2:1 from a top RG uni but I didn’t score very well in my first year due to mitigating circumstances which I will mention on the application form!
Thank you

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi @WillkieGemma , I just wanted to check, does Willkie just require a 2:1 overall or is there an individual module grade requirement which is taken into consideration. For context, I have a 2:1 from a top RG uni but I didn’t score very well in my first year due to mitigating circumstances which I will mention on the application form!
Thank you

Hi there,

A 2.1 overall - we always take mitigating circumstances into account.

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[cheeseontoast]

I can't speak for Jones Day, but Hogan Lovells definitely focus on the overall degree classification - I got a 2.2 in a module yet progressed through the application with an overall 2.1!

does hogan lovells have a strict a-level requirement? I have an overall 2:1 but i did not perform well on my a-level equivalent.