TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hi! That’s perfectly okay. Longer ongoing cases or trends can work really well, especially if you can explain the wider implications and why they matter to clients.

@Bread 100% agree with Zainab on this! An ongoing lawsuit also provides you with an opportunity to analyse what the potential outcome might be, and how this would affect the industry/ sector in a broader sense.

 

[Chriss]

me too !

same!

 

[ZNadeem]

Anyone do the Macfarlanes job simulation and can share insights on what it entails and how best to prepare?

Hi! The test is a Capp assessment run through Cappfinity — it’s mainly SJT-style questions, but you should also expect some critical thinking ones too. I don’t think it’s timed. I’d recommend checking out the Cappfinity preparation hub before attempting the Macfarlanes online assessment.

General tips for SJTs:
-Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
-Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
-Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
-Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
-Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
-Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

 

[CharlesT47]

Anyone succeeded for Jones Day even without doing their online course?

 

[ohnoselim]

i saw some people mention they had issues completing the education part on the nrf application

did anyone find a solution? the uni is fine, its adding my sixth form thats the issue

 

[tcla02]

what’s the white & case online assessment for vac schemes? is it WG or SJT?

 

[tcla02]

is dechert wvs rolling? can’t find any info online

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

is dechert wvs rolling? can’t find any info online

Hi @tcla02,

I also just checked the firm's website, and it seems that the applications are non-rolling. I usually assume that if they were rolling, the firm would mention this either in the Apply section or the FAQs, and this does not seem to be the case with Dechert.

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Hi! Does anyone know what the Hogan Lovells application questions for the Lift Off programme are?

Thanks.

 

[R2D2]

Could anyone please let me know what I can expect in the Macfarlanes second stage assesment? Kinda clueless as to what kind of questions should i prepare for.

 

[lost456]

Hi! Sure. I'll send this to all of you as soon as possible Just remember that it's just one successful application, not the best or definitive way to do it

Hi, would you mind sharing the example with me too please?

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Did anyone else not receive a confirmation email after submitting the Macfarlanes simulate test?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone know roughly when the Spring VS and Summer VS ACs usually take place? I’ll be away for part of Feb/March and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d be more likely to miss the Spring or Summer ACs during that time. I’ll apply to whichever option gives me the best chance of avoiding clashes, though I know I may miss some regardless.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Does anyone know roughly when the Spring VS and Summer VS ACs usually take place? I’ll be away for part of Feb/March and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d be more likely to miss the Spring or Summer ACs during that time. I’ll apply to whichever option gives me the best chance of avoiding clashes, though I know I may miss some regardless.

Good question! I'd say that the majority of assessment centres for spring vacation schemes start in mid-January and continue through late February. In March, you might still have the occasional spring VS AC, but they would mostly be for the summer intake.

I'd say that February and March are the prime assessment centre times. If you find yourself getting an AC invite during the time that you're away, it is always worth asking the firm if they have any earlier/ later dates available! Some firms can be quite accommodating, but others may not necessarily allow such changes - it's always worth asking regardless

Hope this helps!

 

[Sharan]

I need help about the Norton Rose Fulbright online application

for the university and A-level grades, it says that we need to provide our grades as GPA, so for a levels, I’ve used an online converter and got a ‘4’, but i just want to make sure has anyone who is applying to NRF done the same thing?

 

[TCchaser]

If a vac scheme application asks "Have you previously applied to us for any position?", does this include open days? It asks to give details if I tick yes, so if I was unsuccessful for the open day, would I tick yes and just say I was rejected?

 

[Ancika]

Hi! Does anyone know what Pinsent Mason's two video questions are that they ask. If so, I would be so grateful if you could share.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone know the eligability for the reed smith London summer vac scheme? I am not sure if I interpreted this right as it doesn't seem to mention final year law degree students?
"Are you in the penultimate year of a law degree or the final year of a non-law degree or a graduate, and eligible to start a training contract in 2027 or 2028? For further clarification, please visit our website."

 

[ZNadeem]

If a vac scheme application asks "Have you previously applied to us for any position?", does this include open days? It asks to give details if I tick yes, so if I was unsuccessful for the open day, would I tick yes and just say I was rejected?

Hi! I wouldn’t worry too much about mentioning open days, but yes — to be on the safe side, you can tick “yes” and just note that you applied for an open day and weren’t successful.

 

[ZNadeem]

Is the reed smith London summer vac scheme just for penultimate year students and graduates? I am not sure if I interpreted this right as it doesnt seem to mention final years for law degrees?
"Are you in the penultimate year of a law degree or the final year of a non-law degree or a graduate, and eligible to start a training contract in 2027 or 2028? For further clarification, please visit our website."

Hi! No, it isn’t just for penultimate-year students. It’s open to anyone who is in the penultimate year of a law degree or above (so final years and graduates are all eligible too).