They should've been written on the website or LinkedIn how to pronounce their names. I saw Dechert says "Deck-ert" is written on their website 😅
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi!
I would say that font size 10 is slightly too small - I would aim for at least size 11 if possible, as it makes it easier to read for the graduate recruitment team
Hi!
I have quoted my original post on this question - if you have any further questions, just shout!
Hey! I think the best way to approach these questions is to treat them like mini personal statements. I would keep them personal and tailored to DLA Piper, and reflective of your own experiences when you can.
Here is how I’d break it down:
Personal Experience and Motivation for Law
This question is asking you to go beyond generic motivations (like problem-solving or liking to debate) and focus on something that genuinely developed your interest. This is ideally something that you personally experienced or were actively involved in.
The typical structure I would follow is:
- Briefly explain the context - what was the experience, and why was it relevant?
- Reflect on what you realised from this experience - did it change your perspective? Did it spark an interest in a distinct area, such as regulation?
- Link this to your long-term career ambitions - how did it lead you to pursue a career in law? Why does DLA Piper align with that?
This doesn’t have to be a legal experience! It could be something like helping someone navigate complex systems, a moment that taught you analytical thinking, or a personal situation with a legal element. The main thing is that you have to clearly link it back to your motivation for law!
I know that there aren’t a lot of words available due to the word limit, so you should aim to be as concise as possible. Hope this helps!
Hi!
Yes, you can absolutely use that additional information section to clarify both areas - it's there for anything you feel hasn't been captured anywhere else in the form.
If the visa question only gives a Yes / No response with no space to expand, it's perfectly reasonable to briefly explain your visa situation here (e.g. that you currently hold a visa suitable for a Vacation Scheme but would require sponsorship for a Training Contract). It's usually best to communicate this sort of information, as it provides the graduate recruitment team some context and clarity.
You could structure it as:
- Visa clarification: a short sentence or two explaining your current visa status and what it covers
- Extracurricular activities or anything else you'd like to highlight: this allows you to show a fuller picture of your experience and interests (although I'd still keep this brief)
I hope that assists!
Top Strengths:
Analytical / Complex Thinking
Effective Communication
Professional Development:
Self-motivation (???????)
Interesting for my OD application, I got self-motivation & effective communication as strengths, but personal responsibility as my development and didn't get invited to the VI - the irony being the roles I have at work are all about taking personal responsibility.
Hi! This may be a stupid Q, but just to confirm, is the HL first stage test similar to FF and Macfarlanes first stage, in the sense that there are no VIs? Thanks!
Just wondering if anyone has heard back from Hogan Lovells? I've been left in silence since completing the first OT. Should I assume PFO?
I think I heard they send the tests in batches so you may be in the next batch!
Thank you!! I hope you have a lovely weekend!Hi!
Yes, you can absolutely use that additional information section to clarify both areas - it's there for anything you feel hasn't been captured anywhere else in the form.
If the visa question only gives a Yes / No response with no space to expand, it's perfectly reasonable to briefly explain your visa situation here (e.g. that you currently hold a visa suitable for a Vacation Scheme but would require sponsorship for a Training Contract). It's usually best to communicate this sort of information, as it provides the graduate recruitment team some context and clarity.
You could structure it as:
As long as it is concise, relevant, and clearly organised, it won't look out of place - that section is designed exactly for details like this!
- Visa clarification: a short sentence or two explaining your current visa status and what it covers
- Extracurricular activities or anything else you'd like to highlight: this allows you to show a fuller picture of your experience and interests (although I'd still keep this brief)
I hope that assists!
Sorry to hear that, If you don’t mind sharing, were there any particular aspects of the interview or preparation you’d recommend focusing on for next time? Any tips would be really helpful.
I cant even spell mischon de raya properly let alone pronounce it
Is it miss + scone (s cone)😭
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