TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Should I include information about things other than work (f.e. student society roles, etc.) on a work history section of application forms if there is nowhere else to detail them (or the provided word limit is very limited)?

Yes, definitely! I’d recommend including all relevant experiences — even student society roles or things from school — if there isn’t another section to capture them. They still show skills and commitment that matter for applications.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey guys, does anyone know if we are able to apply to Sidley Austin's other Vacation Schemes if we are unsuccessful in the Winter Scheme. I haven't applied to the Winter Scheme yet and as it is due tomorrow, I am just wondering if it is worth waiting or if I will be able to apply multiple times.

Also - does anyone know if the Sidley Austin application closes at midnight tonight or midnight tomorrow night?

Hi! I’d double-check Sidley’s website or email their graduate recruitment team, since many firms only allow one application per cycle — so you’ll want to clarify whether submitting the Winter scheme means you can’t apply to other schemes later.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Those who have been reapplying to firms and been successful, did you keep your application mostly the same or did you change it immensely?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Yes, definitely! I’d recommend including all relevant experiences — even student society roles or things from school — if there isn’t another section to capture them. They still show skills and commitment that matter for applications.

Agreed! I included society positions and volunteering roles in my work experience section. It shouldn't be a problem at all

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey guys, does anyone know if we are able to apply to Sidley Austin's other Vacation Schemes if we are unsuccessful in the Winter Scheme. I haven't applied to the Winter Scheme yet and as it is due tomorrow, I am just wondering if it is worth waiting or if I will be able to apply multiple times.

Also - does anyone know if the Sidley Austin application closes at midnight tonight or midnight tomorrow night?

Hey there!

I would imagine that you can only apply to one vacation scheme per application cycle, as is the case with most law firms. However, I do suggest double-checking with the firm's graduate recruitment team to confirm!

As for the application deadline, given that the website states the closing date is 12 September, I would treat this time conservatively and aim to submit the application before 23:59 on the 11th of September (so, today). Good luck!

 

[tobywstress]

Does anyone know if Stepenson Harwood's online assessment contains a video interview at the end like the other firms using Amberjack? Their website only mentioned the SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning sections but I cannot find more information.

 

[Jamtaz12]

Hey @vera.mekhonoshina, do you have any advice on how to approach this question. Like can it be completely unlaw realted, what do you think there looking for here
If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why?

 

[dannyp123]

Hey everyone, I went to a networking event recently and spoke with a trainee from a firm I’m interested in applying to. I only realised afterwards that I’d forgotten their name, and I’ve had no luck finding them on LinkedIn or the firm’s website. Do you think there’s still any point in referencing the conversation in my application (e.g. ‘when speaking to a trainee at X event I realised…’), or would that come across as uncredible?

 

[yasmars]

Hey everyone, I went to a networking event recently and spoke with a trainee from a firm I’m interested in applying to. I only realised afterwards that I’d forgotten their name, and I’ve had no luck finding them on LinkedIn or the firm’s website. Do you think there’s still any point in referencing the conversation in my application (e.g. ‘when speaking to a trainee at X event I realised…’), or would that come across as uncredible?

the insight you gained from the conversation is much more important that “name dropping”

 

[dannyp123]

the insight you gained from the conversation is much more important that “name dropping”

That makes sense — thank you! The only reason I was wondering is because one of their application questions is about tech, and the insight I gained was specifically from the trainee describing their experience using tech at the firm. So I felt like it might make more sense to reference that I heard it directly from them.

 

[yasmars]

That makes sense — thank you! The only reason I was wondering is because one of their application questions is about tech, and the insight I gained was specifically from the trainee describing their experience using tech at the firm. So I felt like it might make more sense to reference that I heard it directly from them.

Maybe you could provide some context?

 

[dannyp123]

Maybe you could provide some context?

The application question is: ‘Is technology and AI an opportunity or a threat for the firm and why?’ The trainee I spoke with mentioned that they use the firm’s AI tools every day and that it really improves their efficiency. That’s why I thought it would be useful to mention this conversation in my answer.

 

[tk.42_]

Is it okay to make abbreviations in applications, like private equity -> PE?

 

[whywhy88]

For the HL 'tell us about any experiences' question, would it be okay to only talk about one experience, or do we have to mention a few? I've only done one volunteering thing which was linked to my main hobby so not sure what else I could mention! I did do some solo travel on my year abroad which built my resilience, adaptability etc, but I am unsure as to whether that is too informal of an experience in include here? Can anyone advise? Thanks!!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Did NRF Arctic shores and I seriously cba. Scored 4/4, 4,4, 3/4 and 1/4 don’t think I’ll progress so already gave myself a mental PFO!

 

[abbietc03]

Does anyone know if Stepenson Harwood's online assessment contains a video interview at the end like the other firms using Amberjack? Their website only mentioned the SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning sections but I cannot find more information.

Hey! I applied to Stephenson Harwood last year for their spring VS, and the SJT did have a VI attached to it to be completed alongside it! I'm not sure if they would have changed it this year, but that was the situation last cycle

 

[dannyp123]

Is it okay to make abbreviations in applications, like private equity -> PE?

It's fine but maybe make sure to say the full "Private Equity" and then put the abbreviation in brackets to read like this: "Private Equity (PE)". Then you can refer to it as PE the rest of the answer.

 

[AspiringComLaw]

Hi all,
Does anyone know what the application process is for the Hogan Lovells Lift Off programme? Is it just a written application + online assessment? Or is there an interview/assessment day element to it? I couldn't find any clear information about it on the website.
Thanks in advance!

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know if Stepenson Harwood's online assessment contains a video interview at the end like the other firms using Amberjack? Their website only mentioned the SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning sections but I cannot find more information.

Probably not — from what’s online, the Future Potential Assessment involves numerical and verbal questions plus scenario-based reasoning. It’s designed to test intellect and creativity in typical trainee scenarios, not legal knowledge, since applicants can come from any background.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey @vera.mekhonoshina, do you have any advice on how to approach this question. Like can it be completely unlaw realted, what do you think there looking for here
If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why?

Just to offer some insight — yes, it can be completely unrelated to law I would say. The point is to give insight into your personality and interests. It’s an interesting question, so I’d suggest brainstorming a few ideas and picking one that genuinely excites you. They’ll also be looking at how you communicate clearly — good structure, direct language, and avoiding tangents will make your answer stand out.