TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[thelawstudent]

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..

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

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

Maybe they're sending it out in batches

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hi @londonlawyer

I can't find any information online to suggest that Hogan Lovells require a 2:1 in every single module, just that you need a 2:1 degree overall and a strong academic record.

In practice, I would say that firms will focus on your overall profile. A couple of modules below a 2:1 typically won't sink your application if:

• Your overall degree classification is a 2:1 (or above)
• You submit a strong application, and
• You have demonstrated how your extracurricular activities and work experience are relevant.

I would focus on showing consistency where you can and building a strong candidate profile around your experiences and skills, as this will often weigh more heavily than the odd lower mark.

Best of luck!

 

[uhfwejdj]

Hi @londonlawyer

I can't find any information online to suggest that Hogan Lovells require a 2:1 in every single module, just that you need a 2:1 degree overall and a strong academic record.

In practice, I would say that firms will focus on your overall profile. A couple of modules below a 2:1 typically won't sink your application if:

• Your overall degree classification is a 2:1 (or above)
• You submit a strong application, and
• You have demonstrated how your extracurricular activities and work experience are relevant.

I would focus on showing consistency where you can and building a strong candidate profile around your experiences and skills, as this will often weigh more heavily than the odd lower mark.

Best of luck!

In the legal cheek open day they said it should be in every module.

 

[annalise.joyn]

for a&o, has anybody received excellent on both the verbal and numerical aspect on their feedback report or do they make one dark green and one light green to show you which your better at and which needs improvement on?

 

[norothrow324]

Did anyone else get a Taylor wessing email invite to the online test today?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

In the legal cheek open day they said it should be in every module.

Thank you for letting me know!

@londonlawyer - To clarify my original answer, unless you have mitigating circumstances, it may not be possible to meet the grade requirements for Hogan Lovells.

That said, most firms will take a holistic view of applications, and there are plenty of opportunities out there, so it is definitely not something to worry too much about!

 

[lawstudent2]

for a&o, has anybody received excellent on both the verbal and numerical aspect on their feedback report or do they make one dark green and one light green to show you which your better at and which needs improvement on?

I got excelled for both

 

[Sarah.lyon]

Hi - I'm applying for an open day at a firm that I also attended last year (but then did not go on to secure a training contract with). Is it okay to refer back to last year's open day when answering 'why would you like to attend the open day' eg. explaining what I found interesting at the open day and things the firm has done since then that I'm interested in learning more about, or would it be better not to reference it at all? I'm not sure if it would affect my chances by making it obvious that I attended an open day last year and didn't go on to get a TC!