TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

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!

Hi! There is nothing inherently wrong with it but they might not feel like you need another open day, so be sure to clearly explain what new aspects or developments you’re hoping to learn about this time. You can frame it positively by highlighting what you found interesting, what you learned, and what you’re curious to explore further this time around. Firms won’t assume you’re “less desirable” just because you previously attended an open day and didn’t get a TC — open days are designed for insight, not selection guarantees. Also, if you’ve already attended an open day for the firm, that is genuinely sufficient evidence of interest in your application, and it isn’t necessary to attend another to strengthen your app.

 

[ZNadeem]

is there much chance at success if applying for a vac scheme with a firm you got an open day rejection from, or is it still worth a shot

Hi! An open day and a vacation scheme application are evaluated separately. Open days are generally designed to give students insight into the firm and identify genuinely interested candidates, but attendance (or performance in the open day selection) isn’t a formal prerequisite for a vacation scheme. I was rejected from open days and went on to secure vacation schemes with those firms because firms recognise that a candidate can demonstrate genuine interest and suitability through a strong application, even without having attended the open day. In fact, most people who get AC will not have attended the open day due to various reasons.

A rejection from an open day often reflects the limited spaces rather than a judgment on your overall potential. When applying for the vacation scheme, your application will be assessed on your CV, experiences, commercial awareness, motivation for the firm, and how well you align with the qualities they are looking for in trainees.

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know what are the reasons to get rejected from an open day? A rejection from an open day lowkey made me questioned my own capability tbh lol.

Hi! It’s not about your capability at all. Open day rejections usually come down to limited spots. Firms often have far more applicants than they can accommodate, so many strong candidates get turned away simply because of numbers. It doesn’t reflect poorly on your skills or potential—it’s just a logistical reality. I was rejected from open days and went on to secure vacation schemes with those firms because firms recognise that a candidate can demonstrate genuine interest and suitability through a strong application, even without having attended the open day. In fact, most people who get AC will not have attended the open day due to various reasons.

 

[noahsmiit01]

how rolling is dechert, idk whether to apply now or wait until after an event on the 2nd of oct but is that leaving it too late

Yeh same here, have you received the invitation for their event?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

how rolling is dechert, idk whether to apply now or wait until after an event on the 2nd of oct but is that leaving it too late

Same here
And I have no clue whether to just send it off or wait until after the 2nd

 

[tcla02]

I took the Arctic Shores for the NRF vacation scheme last cycle. Does anyone know if previous scores from the past 12 months are still accepted this year?

 

[kn]

has anyone completed the hogan lovells assessment? if so, would love some insight!

 

[Heartofglass]

After finishing Macfarlanes second round online assessment, I would say I was "ambushed".

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I took the Arctic Shores for the NRF vacation scheme last cycle. Does anyone know if previous scores from the past 12 months are still accepted this year?

After having a look on their website, I can't see any published policy that suggests that the Arctic Shores assessment scores are carried over from the previous cycle. From my previous experience with WG scores that have carried over, you would usually receive an email instead of a test invite, stating something along the lines of:

"As you have previously completed and passed the test within the last two recruitment cycles with us, you do not need to do the test again this year"

However, it might be worth checking your old feedback report to see if it mentions the length of time scores are valid, and then following up with the Early Careers team for a definite answer

 

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, whats ur opinions on mentioning pro bono in law firm motivations as like a final point, I have experience which resonates pro bono values so wondering if it is a nice addition.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, whats ur opinions on mentioning pro bono in law firm motivations as like a final point, I have experience which resonates pro bono values so wondering if it is a nice addition.

Hi @dannyp123 !

I think pro bono can definitely be a nice addition, particularly if you have experience that genuinely links to it. A lot of firms highlight their pro bono work as part of their culture, and some even allow trainees to complete a seat in the pro bono department, so showing that it resonates with you can make your motivations feel more rounded.

I've mentioned firms' pro bono work in applications before - usually by picking out specific initiatives they're involved in and explaining why they stood out to me. That approach has been received positively and led to my application being progressed, so I'd say it can definitely be a strong addition!

I'd just make sure it comes across as authentic and ties back to your own values / experiences, rather than feeling like an "extra" point attached to the end of your answer

 

[londonlawyer]

Hey guys, whats ur opinions on mentioning pro bono in law firm motivations as like a final point, I have experience which resonates pro bono values so wondering if it is a nice addition.

I have done this before and have gone on to secure a VS. I tied in the firm's pro bono offering with my experience organising a fundraiser.

 

[TCLA0322]

This cycle is so different, lots of online tests emerging out. Well played, Cappfinity, leading the online testing market.🥶

 

[Kakaboo]

for open day applications that only have 300 words, should I be linking back to myself? How much should I include? For why attend I am planning to say about their DEI initiatives, link back to myself, and then 2 practice areas and link back to myself. is this too much?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for open day applications that only have 300 words, should I be linking back to myself? How much should I include? For why attend I am planning to say about their DEI initiatives, link back to myself, and then 2 practice areas and link back to myself. is this too much?

Hi @Kakaboo !

As the word limit is 300 words, I would say that less is definitely more. The main thing is to show that you've thought about why that firm and why you are interested, without trying to cram in too many points. As you mentioned, linking back to yourself is really important, so I would focus on incorporating as much of that into your answer as you can.

In terms of a structure, I would typically follow something along the lines of:

• Intro (1 - 2 sentences): Why you are interested in the firm overall (i.e. a short summary)
• Point 1 (3 - 4 sentences): DEI initiatives, and why they resonate with you personally
• Point 2 (3 - 4 sentences): Practice Area 1, and how it links to your skills / interests
• Point 3 (3 - 4 sentences): Practice Area 2, and how it links back to your skills / interests
• Conclusion (1 - 2 sentences): Why you would value the open day

If needed to fit within the word count, I would perhaps only discuss one practice area so that you are able to expand on both of your points, as that should be the bulk of your answer.

It's definitely a tricky one, and I always found that reducing my answers down to the word count was the hardest part of writing applications. I hope that helps!

 

[ZNadeem]

for open day applications that only have 300 words, should I be linking back to myself? How much should I include? For why attend I am planning to say about their DEI initiatives, link back to myself, and then 2 practice areas and link back to myself. is this too much?

Hi! The structure I recommend is to keep it simple but impactful: pick 2–3 distinct USPs about the firm that genuinely interest you and that you’d like to explore further (e.g. DEI initiatives, a practice area, international work, etc.). Then use the PEA structure for each paragraph:

• Point – what you’re interested in (e.g. their DEI focus, or strength in a specific area).
• Evidence – how you’ve engaged with or observed this (could be from research, talks, articles, etc.). This is the link to yourself and should be brief.
• Analysis – state how the open day will allow you to learn more about this at that particular firm.

That way, you do link back to yourself without cramming too much in, and your answer stays focused, clear, and within the 300-word limit.

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone heard back for the reed smith open day that's next week?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Has anyone heard back for the reed smith open day that's next week?

My friend got an invite yesterday but I'm still waiting. They have a waiting list so maybe they are waiting for final confirmations before sending the rejection emails.

 

[noahsmiit01]

For the Slaughters app, it says that a cover letter should be no longer than one side of A4. How many words is it roughly then, and what font size?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody received the mayer brown test yet?