TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Does the latham test have a video question?

Hi! I have been hearing that it does not in this cycle

 

[ZNadeem]

is it ok to abbreviate DLA Piper to DLA without defining the abbreviation?

i.e can I start and say DLA's strength in XYZ, or would I have to say DLA Piper's (DLA) strength in XYZ...

Hi! You’d need to write it as “DLA Piper’s (DLA)” the first time. That said, I don’t think it’s worth abbreviating in this case — the firm itself does not shorten its name to just “DLA.” It’s worth checking their website, but usually keeping it as “DLA Piper” throughout is the safest option.

 

[applicant457]

Guys, did Macfarlanes actually read through the 300 word application answers or did they just send out OAs based on the results of the previous OA?

 

[noahsmiit01]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina and @ZNadeem, could you please help me with structuring the following question? - What makes you a good candidate for a training contract at Jones Day? Your answer should be reflective of your skills and personal experience

Do I need to link back to the firm's deals/practice areas/trainee programme when talking about my experiences & extracurricular activities? If so, then how do I link them together?

Thank you

 

[Kakaboo]

Has anyone done the Ashurst test before? Any tips? Is it automatic?

 

[Amz2006]

hi yes what does the ashurst test involve and has anybody done it yet.

 

[AS24]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina and @ZNadeem, in my app, can I mention a case that the firm handled in April 2024?

 

[scarlett123]

hi yes what does the ashurst test involve and has anybody done it yet.

It's a cognify assessment - jobtestprep has a couple of practise qs

 

[Bhavana]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina and @ZNadeem, could you please help me with structuring the following question? - What makes you a good candidate for a training contract at Jones Day? Your answer should be reflective of your skills and personal experience

Do I need to link back to the firm's deals/practice areas/trainee programme when talking about my experiences & extracurricular activities? If so, then how do I link them together?

Thank you

Hi, I got a Jones Day interview, so I thought I'd share my approach.

I listed 3 qualities that I thought would be necessary as a Jones Day trainee - some things were generic, like analytical skills, as every trainee at any firm will need that, but some were more tailored. For instance, Jones Day has a non-rotational TC, so you need to take initiative more. I then discussed 1 experience per quality, explaining briefly what I did and how I demonstrated that particular quality. I then linked back to Jones Day at the end, and why I would need those particular qualities at that firm - eg. Jones Day's non-rotational TC means I need to take initiative, and my resourcefulness will help me add value to the firm.

Hope that makes sense, feel free to DM with any questions you may have!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Hi, I got a Jones Day interview, so I thought I'd share my approach.

I listed 3 qualities that I thought would be necessary as a Jones Day trainee - some things were generic, like analytical skills, as every trainee at any firm will need that, but some were more tailored. For instance, Jones Day has a non-rotational TC, so you need to take initiative more. I then discussed 1 experience per quality, explaining briefly what I did and how I demonstrated that particular quality. I then linked back to Jones Day at the end, and why I would need those particular qualities at that firm - eg. Jones Day's non-rotational TC means I need to take initiative, and my resourcefulness will help me add value to the firm.

Hope that makes sense, feel free to DM with any questions you may have!

This is exactly what I did and I've also been invited to interview so it's seem to be an approach that works quite well! In terms of the three qualities I chose, I linked them back to the ones Jones Day says it is looking for in trainees in its FAQs.