TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HauntingPiccolo]

Haha, sorry! Huge congrats on the TC offer, though!

Thank you so so much!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

how long do you get to prep and answer for clyde & co vi?

1min prep from question (+ 5sec countdown), 2minutes answer.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

I'm starting to feel the application fatigue. Right now I am at the stage where I start an application, and almost lose heart when there are 6 or 7 supplementary questions. But I guess when you hit 25 applications it's to be expected... I might take a short break and practice CT/SJT/AC skills, and then focus on firms with later January deadlines for VS/TCs.

I imagine I'll get more news these two weeks (either positive or negative) that can help with future applications (As "feedback" from which applications are less or more successful).

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi guys, does anyone know if we have to talk about skills we developed or just what we did in the work experience section for Travers Smith?

 

[uraijom]

1min prep from question (+ 5sec countdown), 2minutes answer.

thank you so much!!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

thank you so much!!

Before getting questions there are supplementary materials that you can review unlimited times. I would review them at least twice. You should pay close attention, but do not need to remember specific details.

 

[lawthingsandwings]

hi!! has anyone got AC invite from Latham?

 

[ashley_s]

Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?

 

[ik06]

how long is prep and reply time for the hogan lovells vi?

 

[lawyersum]

did anybody else not manage to finish the birketts test?? it was ridiculously hard , and they said that not completing the test means a score deduction wth

 

[WillKitchen]

Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?

Personally, I identified an area I was passionate about and then made a connection to one of the firm's key practice areas. When writing an article (I've published many, online and in print), it has to come from a place of personal interest.

 

[lawyersum]

well it was 24 questions in 36 mins - but that is very deceptive once you actually look at the types of questions you’re being asked. multi-step maths calculations and deductive reasoning with lots of dates and sequence like structures. the questions get harder as you progress.

 

[zonnonomo]

how long is prep and reply time for the hogan lovells vi?

1:30 prep and 2 reply iirc

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

well it was 24 questions in 36 mins - but that is very deceptive once you actually look at the types of questions you’re being asked. multi-step maths calculations and deductive reasoning with lots of dates and sequence like structures. the questions get harder as you progress.

I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.

 

[johnsmith]

I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.

I feel with amberjack after doing it a couple of times you definitely spot shortcuts on the maths questions!

 

[lawyersum]

I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.

Believe me, I would love it if that were the case, but it was just an insanely difficult test. It was an SHL test.

I feel with amberjack after doing it a couple of times you definitely spot shortcuts on the maths questions!

I say that having done A Level maths and also having seen the questions for the admissions test for medical school in the UK (my sibling is applying to med school) and the questions in this test were on par if not harder than them.

 

[ACHat8r]

Hi guys, does anyone know if we have to talk about skills we developed or just what we did in the work experience section for Travers Smith?

They said they encourage it as it is a chance to sell yourself but dont go too overboard with it

 

[trainee4u]

Believe me, I would love it if that were the case, but it was just an insanely difficult test. It was an SHL test.

I say that having done A Level maths and also having seen the questions for the admissions test for medical school in the UK (my sibling is applying to med school) and the questions in this test were on par if not harder than them.

They have lots of practice tests on their website.
It's a tough test and time management is key - for example, you should just choose an answer and move on if you are short on time.