TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[helloj]

Just received Ashurst feedback report for anyone waiting, I did the test yesterday

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

anyone else get a message from macfarlanes?

 

[noahsmiit01]

to those who completed the a&o shearman test, how many skills were listed in your assessment feedback report?

It’s 6 but I suppose everyone has them as they’re just showing there that those are the skills that they look for in candidates.

 

[broxia]

anyone heard anything from HSF social mobility open day?

 

[noahsmiit01]

I am reapplying for a firm that i reached the test/VI last year. But I don't know how much to change to their questions of 'Why firm'? If anybody could help, I would greatly appreciate it!

Just check whether they had any recent deals, revenue growth, or new partners joining the firm….and then link it to yourself and explain why it attracts you bringing your experiences and skills.

 

[Deleted member 41929]

Anyone heard back from Sidley? Applied in Aug 14th and haven't heard a peep.

No, I applied a week before that. I'm very confused, though, as some people who applied after me have said they have already received rejections, while others say they have phone interviews.

 

[hopeful33]

Can't find any info on the world limit for NRF winter vac scheme cover letter. Does anyone know the word/page limit? Thanks!

 

[Chriss]

Anyone who did the Gibson Dunn assessment got a confirmation email?

 

[johnnysins]

anyone else get a message from macfarlanes?

What was your message?

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone know what HSF test is this year? I know it has been a weird test in previous years.

 

[ZNadeem]

@vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem Hi, how would you recommend structuring this answer? Is it a normal answer about extracurriculars or do we also need to link it to elements at Paul, Weiss where the skills learnt will be helpful?
How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss? (250)

Hi! Here’s some fantastic advice Vera has given for this question before:

This is essentially a type of “why you” question. The best way to approach it is to research Paul, Weiss in depth and pick 2–3 aspects that you think really define the firm (for example, their litigation strength, culture, pro bono focus, or global reach).

Then reflect on your extracurricular experiences—whether positions of responsibility, societies, events, or part-time jobs—that demonstrate the skills or qualities aligning with those aspects. This way, you’re not just listing extracurriculars, but showing how they make you a strong fit for Paul, Weiss specifically.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi @vera.mekhonoshina @ZNadeem and any one else, do you recommend applying to firms without attending any events this cycle as I usually wait to apply as I feel like it will give the application more of a chance? Are people actually consistently successful when submitting without attending any events? thanks

Hi! I don’t think attending events automatically gives you a better chance — it’s more about how you speak about the firm in your application. If you’ve already interacted with the firm in previous cycles, that’s more than enough too!

 

[Ukvs25]

Has anyone gotten the online assessment from Mayer Brown after submitting their application?

 

[just1TCwilldo]

It has to be completed at the first stage so they read your written application together with your test results

did you get an online report right after completing the ashurst test? I haven't gotten mine and I'm freaking out because I don't want to do it again

 

[uhfwejdj]

Has anyone got any tips for the Macfarlanes second assessment. Not sure what to expect

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anyone gotten the online assessment from Mayer Brown after submitting their application?

Isn't the test automatic?

 

[TCSeeker999]

I am also so confused on this, as they are all work experience for me, I simply put job description in paragraph and NA for achievements.

same with me. for experiences where i had 'achieved' certain things (mostly things that were quantifiable), i bullet pointed key statistics.

e.g Achievements:
- £X personally raised
- £X raised as a team

 

[Ukvs25]

Isn't the test automatic?

i thought it was but I applied a week ago and still haven't gotten a link to the online test

 

[londonlawyer]

Does anyone know if Hogan Lovells requires a 2.1 in every module or just a 2.1 overall?

 

[TC seeker]

Hey,

I am unsure of any specific policies law firms have on this as this will differ between firms. My personal view is to just not use it to write applications, to avoid such problems.

But sometimes the content that I wrote is also detected as AI-generated content..