TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ninarosee]

Does anyone know what DLA Piper’s stages are this year and whether the next stage is automatic?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

The assessment centres were this week

How do you know this?

 

[YS391]

Anyone heard from Dentons post-app for their London Spring vac scheme?

 

[Pola123]

Hi there, has anyone here completed the Simmons online test + video interview ?

 

[zxkwok]

has anyone heard of Hogan Lovells post Job Sim? Any AC invites?

Hi, was wondering if the video responses have a limited preparation time? If so, how long is it?

 

[zxkwok]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

Hi was wondering if the VI had limited preparation time, and if so, how long was it?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu ,

On the “Why you” question, what would you say are the three to five most important qualities or personal skills to highlight that can be supported by my own experiences or extracurricular activities and then linked back to the firm?

Thank you

Hi!

I think this really depends on the qualities and skills that you can genuinely support with your own experiences. Rather than trying to fit a generic list, it’s best to look at the skills and values that the firm emphasises on its website and trainee profiles and then reflect on which of those are evident in your past experiences or extra-curriculars.

For example, if the firm highlights teamwork and commercial awareness, you could link this to a time you worked on a group project or taken part in a competition that required you to think commercially.

By approaching it this way, you’re ensuring that your answer is personal to you and tailored to what the firm is looking for.

I hope that assists

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

regarding accommodation for vac schemes, if the firm has not stated that they provide accommodation on their website, is it still ok to ask if this is something that can be discussed?

Hello!

Yes, I’d say it’s definitely acceptable to ask! I completed a vacation scheme last cycle that did not explicitly state they covered accommodation - however, when I emailed to ask for accommodation recommendations, they offered to contribute towards it.

Some firms will say no, but it is definitely worth asking

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, in a video interview - if the question is challenges facing law firms, do we need to explain this but then also provide a solution that the firm can do to overcome this?

Thank you

Hello!

Great question! You don’t have to go into a full solution, but it can be good to briefly mention at the end of your answer how firms might respond to or manage that challenge. It shows that you’re thinking proactively rather than just identifying the problems!

For example, if you talk about increasing competition in the legal market, you could finish by noting that firms are investing more in innovation or client relationships in order to stay ahead. It doesn’t need to be detailed - just a short point to show commercial awareness.

I hope that helps!

 

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

Im sorry to hear that. I feel like some of the SJT questions were really hard this year (especially at the start)

Mine were okay but thought I woulda got higher. I got 7 Grit, 6 Applied Intellect, 4 creative force, and 9 digital mindset. And high/high for numerical and verbal.

What were ur scores like?

I got 3/6/3/4 and mid for numerical and verbal and I dont even know why it's genuinely disheartening. if it works out then so be it but if it doesn't I know exactly why hahahaha. oh well.

 

[Amgrad]

Yes, I was finding it kind of fun until the video questions

What makes it harder? Is it timed?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Anyone heard from Dentons post-app for their London Spring vac scheme?

Is it rolling?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Hey!

That's a really great question, and I can totally see how it can be tough to sound original when everyone's essentially describing the same job. What helps is going beyond just listing tasks and showing some personal reflection.

Essentially, I would say the main things that they are looking for in this question are that you have:

1. An understanding of what a commercial lawyer does
2. Clear motivations for pursuing this career
3. A self-awareness of your own skills and areas you'd like to improve on

For the first part, rather than just saying "commercial lawyers draft contracts and advise clients", try to describe what this would actually look like in practice - for example, "translating complex regulatory obligations into practical business advice". That kind of distinction shows that you've thought about what the work actually involves on a day-to-day level, and the value that commercial lawyers bring to clients.

To make your answer stand out, I would link the reality of the job to your own experiences and motivations. For instance, if you've worked in a business setting, you might say that gave you insight into how legal advice can influence and shape commercial decisions. Alternatively, if you enjoy teamwork or research, show how these strengths would help you in tasks such as due diligence or coordinating across practice areas. Connecting your skills and experiences to the realities of the role shows genuine self-awareness, and an understanding of how you are well-suited for the job.

When it comes to the "challenges" part, I would be honest but reflective - these challenges could include managing competing deadlines, getting comfortable with ambiguity, or perhaps even something like networking or presenting. I would then make sure that you show how you're preparing to develop in those areas (e.g. through time management, adaptability, or even seeking out those settings to gain more exposure!).

In summary, I would follow a structure along the lines of:

• Show how you understand the job in context (with realistic examples)
• Link that to your own skills and motivations (and why they make you suited for the role)
• Reflect on your challenges (and discuss how you intend to work on these areas)

This will help make your answer feel distinctive and authentic, rather than a generic description of what the job involves.

I hope that helps!

I completely missed your response, so sorry! Thank you so much for your insightful reply. This is very helpful

 

[hopeful33]

Does anyone know what time the Covington application portal closes tomorrow?

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know what time the Covington application portal closes tomorrow?

Not sure there's been a time quoted - you'd probably need to reach out and ask!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Willkie Written Exercise invite post VI!

 

[jojo23]

Hey, if u dont mind me asking, what were ur scores like? I just completed my test!

I don't remember which pillar is which or what order but the numbers were 6643 high verbal low numerical (i could probably perform brain surgery better than I can do maths🤣)

The vid interview went much better (something I never thought I'd say in my life)...

 

[nbjani]

Hey! Should I be worried that I haven’t received my automatic feedback from W+C after the test? I’m terms of is that a technical issue that other people haven’t had?

 

[johnsmith]

Hey! Should I be worried that I haven’t received my automatic feedback from W+C after the test? I’m terms of is that a technical issue that other people haven’t had?

It wasn't instant - I think mine came a day or two after.

 

[Happy Law Student]

Hey! Should I be worried that I haven’t received my automatic feedback from W+C after the test? I’m terms of is that a technical issue that other people haven’t had?

I got mine about two days later so dw