TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[1stCycleApplicant]

Dechert Written Exercise invite!

 

[Maddy]

Is there any point in applying to Dechert now, as many people have already received the test invite and it's being done on a rolling basis?

 

[johnnysins]

Is there any point in applying to Dechert now, as many people have already received the test invite and it's being done on a rolling basis?

Have many people received the invite already?

 

[GT1205H]

Hi, has anyone heard from A&O Shearman for the Winter VS? Also anyone that has done the HL online assessment, have you heard back? How long did it take to get the report?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Has anyone completed the Macfarlanes job simulation assessment yet? I have not come across an assessment in this style yet and I am unsure how to prepare - especially as is says I will have to submit video responses! Any insights will be very very appreciated.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi,
I’m struggling a bit with reapplying to firms and would love some advice! When firms ask the same application questions, I sometimes feel that my previous answers from previous applications, which were successful, are still the strongest and most authentic. For example, HSF Kramer has a question about a topic that interests you. I’ve drafted answers on new topics, but honestly, the one I like most (and feel is most “me”) is the one I submitted before. I’m unsure whether reusing it is a good idea. I know that for motivational or competency-based questions, I can update my answers with new experiences since my last application, while keeping the core motivations the same. But for certain questions, I feel my previous answer was already strong, and I’m not sure if changing it is the right move. Any thoughts on this would be extremely helpful! Thanks

Hi! I’d say trust your instincts — if your previous answer genuinely feels like the strongest and most authentic, it’s perfectly fine to reuse the topic and core personal elements. That said, it’s worth updating the structure and reflection to show growth and ensure the answer reads as polished and purposeful. Even small tweaks can make a big difference, especially if your previous answer was more narrative than reflective.


A structure I usually recommend for that HSFK question is:

1. Introduce the topic with context – briefly explain what the topic is and why it matters.
2. Explain your personal connection – show why it genuinely interests you.
3. Reflect and round off.

This approach allows you to retain the authenticity of your original answer while demonstrating thoughtfulness, reflection, and growth. It also ensures your answer is structured and easy for recruiters to follow, rather than just a personal narrative.

 

[ZNadeem]

Is rounding up/down module results to the nearest whole number common practice? (Ie. 62.30 -> 62 or 64.75 -> 65)

Hi! If it’s your overall grade, it’s generally fine to round to the nearest whole number — for example, 62.3% can be listed as 62% and 64.75% as 65%. I personally did this throughout my applications and CVs to various firms.

However, if it’s the mark for a single module, I’d recommend keeping the exact figure (e.g., 62.3%) rather than rounding. Firms sometimes look at individual module marks for context, and providing the precise number ensures transparency. It also avoids any potential confusion if your transcript shows a slightly different figure.

 

[londonlawyer]

People who have heard back from Dechert - congrats! When did you guys apply?

 

[msclm]

Has anyone heard from Dechert WVS yet?

I got invited for the written assessment today!

 

[msclm]

Anyone heard back from macfarlanes

yes I got invited to the online video exercise last friday !

 

[msclm]

People who have heard back from Dechert - congrats! When did you guys apply?

I applied sep 16th

 

[Bhavana]

Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (max 250 words) - any advice on how to answer this? Especially as they've given 250 words and I'm unsure how to make the most of it

 

[BillSikes]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

Where heave you seen this?

 

[londonlawyer]

Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (max 250 words) - any advice on how to answer this? Especially as they've given 250 words and I'm unsure how to make the most of it

I would say focus on an extracurricular activity/interest that you can clearly write about. I know the wording 'not many people know about you' is tricky, but I focused on a niche extracurricular activity and how I developed certain skills and was able to make an impact. I was successful in getting that firm's VS last year.

I know of fellow vac schemers who wrote about a specific interest in a subject, which they independently researched and wrote about their findings.

Hope this helps!

 

[devontrey]

Anybody hear from Gibson Dunn post cappfinity test?

 

[zara elles]

Anyone heard back form the Dechert open day?

 

[zara elles]

For HSF, the winter deadline is 1st Oct. Does anyone know if I have until 1st Oct to complete the psych test. It says I have 7 days from when I submit my application but not too sure if the 1st Oct deadline also applies to this?

 

[lawstudent2]

Does Dechert usually do batches for the written exercise cos I applied sept 15 and someone who applied after me got the WE tosay, just trying to see if its the guaranteed rejection I currently think it is.

 

[qaz99]

Does Dechert usually do batches for the written exercise cos I applied sept 15 and someone who applied after me got the WE tosay, just trying to see if its the guaranteed rejection I currently think it is.

Also interested. Applied 11 Sep and no WE invite.

 

[e_turbo2]

Hi, has anyone heard from A&O Shearman for the Winter VS? Also anyone that has done the HL online assessment, have you heard back? How long did it take to get the report?

Hey, when did you apply for HL and when did you receive the online assessment? Thanks!