TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[coolwizard22]

Did everyone else get an Ashurst holding email?

Yes! Got a serious jump-scare with the subject of the email - 'Application Update' 😅

 

[emily3827]

in terms of mitigating circumstances - if I have them for one set of exams, and have a letter from a doctor/ my tutor explaining it to examiners, etc.. at the time, should I explain that I have this evidence when mentioning it my form - how do firms tend to validate this sort of thing?

 

[emily3827]

Hi!

As there is a limited word count, I don't think you need to include any addresses in the cover letter

hi!! where are you seeing the word count for the cover letter?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

in terms of mitigating circumstances - if I have them for one set of exams, and have a letter from a doctor/ my tutor explaining it to examiners, etc.. at the time, should I explain that I have this evidence when mentioning it my form - how do firms tend to validate this sort of thing?

Hello!

That's a really great question. I haven't had to explain mitigating circumstances myself, but I have requested reasonable adjustments before, and I wasn't asked to provide evidence upfront for those.

I'd imagine it's similar with mitigating circumstances - most firms will take your statement on your application at face value, but it's worth mentioning that you have supporting evidence so they can request it if needed

 

[WiddyJ]

When a firm has an online assessment as its second stage, will it still take into account the written application when deciding to move a candidate to the next stage, or will this mostly be determined by performance in the assessment?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi!! where are you seeing the word count for the cover letter?

Apologies, I have realised that they have removed the word count for this year (so ignore me!). I would follow the amazing advice from @Amma Usman and use that structure if there isn't one provided for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When a firm has an online assessment as its second stage, will it still take into account the written application when deciding to move a candidate to the next stage, or will this mostly be determined by performance in the assessment?

Hello @WiddyJ !

This is likely to vary from firm to firm! Some will put most of the weight on the online assessment when deciding who moves to the next stage, while others will still look back at your written application as part of the decision.

I'd say the safest approach is to make sure you give both stages your best effort. Even if the assessment feels like the main thing, your application could still help set you apart or give context to your performance.

If you're unsure, you could always contact the graduate recruitment team to check how they typically handle it - they're usually happy to clarify!

 

[Andrei Radu]

When a firm has an online assessment as its second stage, will it still take into account the written application when deciding to move a candidate to the next stage, or will this mostly be determined by performance in the assessment?

As @Abbie Whitlock mentioned, it can be both. If progression to the second stage is selective - ie they review your application before sending you the test, it is less likely your written application will be reviewed as thoroughly/weighed as heavily as in the case of automatic progression.

More likely, in the situation in which your application is initially screened and is one of the few to be progressed, the firm will only look at it again after you complete the test to take into account high-level information when making a decision, rather than repeating the first stage in their review.

That said, some firms operate a "benchmark" approach, which means they use the online tests simply to the percentage of candidates who meet it to be considered for progression, while the others are automatically rejected. Those that meet the threshold will then be more throughly reviewed and compared based on their written application. As Abbie suggested, you can sometimes glance whether a firm has this type of assessment method by looking in their FAQs section.

 

[sooae]

Does anyone know if the cappfinity test of Gibson dunn is automatic post app? Has anyone taken it and can provide any insights? Thank you!

 

[dannyp123]

Hey guys, random question: why do you think being innovative or entrepreneurial is important for trainees at law firms? I get why it matters for senior lawyers, since they’re more directly involved in creating client solutions and driving business development. But I’m struggling to see the link at trainee level -- how does it actually connect to a firm’s business model?

 

[thelawstudent]

hey, i've just submitted an app for dentons spring VS.

is their legal high potential test automatic, or do you have to pass some sort of initial screening to be given it to sit?

if so, is this screening lengthy? or, is it just a grade/A-Level benchmark sort of thing?

 

[Donuttime]

Hey guys, random question: why do you think being innovative or entrepreneurial is important for trainees at law firms? I get why it matters for senior lawyers, since they’re more directly involved in creating client solutions and driving business development. But I’m struggling to see the link at trainee level -- how does it actually connect to a firm’s business model?

Law firms aren’t just hiring trainees to be trainees forever. They are hoping these trainees will eventually become associates etc. a trainee with an entrepreneurial mindset are more proactive, May challenge inefficiencies everyone is used to doing at the firm or find quicker and better ways of doing certain things