TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hello!

Just to add to @londonlawyer's really great advice, I think what the firm is looking for is a short and memorable insight into who you are beyond the obvious things on your CV or application.

A good approach is to pick something that:

• Isn't common knowledge about you (a quirky skill, unusual hobby, formative experience, or a personal value that you find important);
• Reveals a bit about your personality or what motivates you; or
• Could spark curiosity or conversation if someone read it aloud in an interview.

In a previous application that I completed that had a similar question, I discussed my interest in trains and the London Underground, and how I enjoyed learning more about the subject through various experiences (which I then outlined). It doesn't have to something that is directly applicable to law or the business world, but you should use the question to show your passion and dedication to something that you are genuinely interested in (and link transferable skills where you can)

I'd try not to overthink it too much, as the firm is just trying to learn more about you - pick an interest / trait that feels authentic and makes you you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hello!

Without seeing the exact wording of the email, I can't say for certain - however, if the email states that you have 7 days from your submission to complete it, I would assume it is fine to complete the test past the application deadline (unless another part of the email implies otherwise).

It might be worth emailing graduate recruitment first thing if you are still unsure and wanted to double-check, and they can hopefully advise before the deadline

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hello!

I would say that it is still worth applying, even if people have received the test invite. Invites to the next stage in the process are usually sent in batches, especially for rolling deadlines, and so the only certain way to not be considered is to not submit an application at all!

If you are confident that you can submit a strong application before the deadline, I'd say it's worth a shot

 

[ZNadeem]

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

Hi! This is a really interesting question because it’s designed to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality beyond academics and work. With 250 words, they want more than a fun fact — they’re giving you space to tell a story.

Here’s how I’d approach it:

1. Pick something unique and personal – ideally, a hobby, achievement, or experience that isn’t already mentioned elsewhere in your application. It doesn’t have to be dramatic — it just needs to be something that feels authentic to you (e.g. a niche sport, creative pursuit, unusual travel experience, or even a quirky long-term interest).
2. Give context – explain briefly what the activity/interest is and how you got into it. Don’t assume the reader knows much about it.
3. Describe your involvement – share what you’ve done, whether that’s achievements, commitment, or the skills/qualities it’s helped you develop.
4. Add reflection – explain why it matters to you personally, what it says about your character, or how it’s shaped your outlook. This is the part that makes your answer memorable.
5. Keep it engaging – use storytelling to bring it to life. Instead of just stating “I enjoy X,” give a little colour or anecdote.

The key is not to overthink “impressiveness.” They aren’t testing whether you’ve climbed Everest — they’re looking for authenticity, curiosity, and individuality.

 

[FAS444]

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

was this after the simulate assesment?

 

[Jennifer2003]

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?

Haven’t heard from A&O yet if that helps!

 

[jojo23]

Receiving the hsfk test invite this early in the morning was definitely a jumpscare

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Any Ashurst ACs yet?

 

[GT1205H]

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

I applied on the 18th and received the invite to the assessment on the 23rd

 

[GT1205H]

Anyone else found the Hogan Lovells online assessment excessively long? For me it did not aligned with the timescales they mentioned. Particularly the Critical Reasoning section which is technically a full Watson Glaser ( 80 Q) which they said on average should take 35 minutes 🥲 and on top of that speed contributes to the score

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone else found the Hogan Lovells online assessment excessively long? For me it did not aligned with the timescales they mentioned. Particularly the Critical Reasoning section which is technically a full Watson Glaser ( 80 Q) which they said on average should take 35 minutes 🥲 and on top of that speed contributes to the score

Completely agree. It was too long and I definitely spent more than the recommended 90 minutes on the assessment!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Finally received my Gibson Dunn cappfinity report after 2 weeks. Phew.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Has anyone applied to Akin's VS? They have six 250-word questions in the application. That's the first time I've seen so many of them, wow!

 

[chiichii]

Does anyone know whether DLA Piper's Discovery Day application is running on rolling basis? It's been 2 weeks since it opened, and i'm worried that they ran out of place and i got rejected again after i put my hearts and sweats into my answer.

 

[noahsmiit01]

I am applying to Macfarlanes dinner event hosted by one of their partners, and as part of the application, the question is: Why do you want to attend the dinner?
Would any of you be able to help me out with how to start this question and its structure, including what to mention, as it is only 200 words?

@ZNadeem , @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu

Thank you

 

[TC seeker]

Anyone else found the Hogan Lovells online assessment excessively long? For me it did not aligned with the timescales they mentioned. Particularly the Critical Reasoning section which is technically a full Watson Glaser ( 80 Q) which they said on average should take 35 minutes 🥲 and on top of that speed contributes to the score

is it timed or untimed?

 

[coolwizard22]

is it timed or untimed?

It isn't timed in the traditional sense, i.e. you only have 40 mins to complete the test. However, the time you take to answer each question is taken into account.

 

[rosedunn]

for linklaters winter vacation scheme - it is just cappfinity we need to have done not watson glaser?

 

[dannyp123]

The rumours of the horrors of the Macfarlanes Simulate Assessment were unfortunately true

 

[BT0901]

Does anyone know if Debevoise screens applications on a rolling basis?