TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[Carrington Lane]

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?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Has anyone received the Ashurst report yet? Did the OA over the past weekend, wondering how long it takes to get the report.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Any tips for preparing for interviews. I have one next week but I'm blank - not sure what to do, what to prepare.

 

[Chriss]

Did anyone receive a feedback report from gibsonn dunn?

 

[TCLA0322]

Did anyone receive a feedback report from gibsonn dunn?

I received it, but send after the next day of doing the feedback.

 

[zainabouragueli]

- 650 word cover letter
- Online situational judgement and strength assessment - Cappfinity test with some elements of SJT and SPAG/Proofreading exercises. No WG
- 1st stage interview with Graduate Recruitment
- 2x 2nd stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

Does anyone have any further insight on the cappfinity test?