TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Wompycapy]

did u pass HL’s job simulation?

Idk but probably not...stage 2 was hard...

 

[amayad2004]

The orrick application asks for a 300 word cover letter, is this correct or should i email to confirm

 

[Wompycapy]

Is HSFK sending out PFOs for summer or spring or both?

 

[TortillaTC]

The orrick application asks for a 300 word cover letter, is this correct or should i email to confirm

Yes correct

 

[za123]

Weekly question on "Any update on Simmons AI internship?"

Did you get their email saying they’re still reviewing applications and will respond by the end of January?

 

[Lawlawland]

Did you get their email saying they’re still reviewing applications and will respond by the end of January?

Yes I did😂
Gave me heart attack

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Anyone know how Linklaters works for WG? Is it a mere threshold

Scored close to 70th percentile for WG and the sub breakdowns were 95 50 70

I don’t think anyone’s entirely sure, but the SJT is much more important. You could get the 90th percentile, but if you don’t meet their criteria for the SJT, you’ll still be rejected, irrespective of a fantastic wg score!

 

[trainee4u]

Wow is there? Expecting a pfo then (verbal reasoning pls save me)🙏🏻🙏🏻

Was this message in the test instructions or email?

it's there in the practice test at the start. didn't check specifically in the real one.

 

[solicitor_2028]

Not a comprehensive guide but a couple of reflections as I definately improved my answers after several tests (ymmv and may slightly differ for different law firms):

1 Prioritise teamwork, while taking ownership - this means being happy to colaborate, but not unnecesairly sharing responsibility
2 Have your own voice - if you have something to say, say it
3 American firms often want you to be comfortable taking responsibilty
4 Do not bother partners immediately - try figuring it out for yourself first or ask a colleague
5 Remember you are applying for a junior position - this means that you will likely not be talking to the client without a superior asking you to. This also means you will not be telling partners "no" pretty much ever.
6 Be really open to new experiences
7 Be really curious to learn

Higher level points
- sometimes the firms do want you to mark extreme answers despite having a slider - you probably do not want to have your slider in the middle top to bottom
- Sometimes there is an answer that seems unrealistic (especially when you look at other answers that themselves introduce new information (e.g. you are asked to do something and have: a) I enthusiastically set out time to complete this job; b) I have a lot of other work and I am worried I may not be able to finish everything, therefore, politely refue) - While B seems more realistic, I've noticed the tests often favour A
- research the firm - some of them make it clear they are looking for something specific (see e.g. Freshfields publishing on their website something that looks like an SJT scorecard:

This is so helpful thank you!! xx

 

[za123]

Yes I did😂
Gave me heart attack

Me too I was mentally preparing myself for the rejection email 🤧

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Just wanted to gain some clarity, if I have a non law degree and haven't started a PGDL or SQE, can I apply for the Government Trainee Scheme?

I believe I technically can under the SQE route. Whether that is a good idea or not is a diff story of course...

Legal trainee scheme: how to apply

Information regarding the application and assessment process for the legal trainee scheme

www.gov.uk

‘A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a non-law subject (or overseas equivalent in any subject) and a minimum of a pass in a GDL/PGDL/CPE (law conversion course) that covers the foundational topics (see below),’

I think you need the GDL in conjunction with a non-law degree before applying, based on this wording.

 

[trainee4u]

‘A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a non-law subject (or overseas equivalent in any subject) and a minimum of a pass in a GDL/PGDL/CPE (law conversion course) that covers the foundational topics (see below),’

I think you need the GDL in conjunction with a non-law degree before applying, based on this wording.

Government job with stricter admission requirements than law firms paying £100k+. Nice.

 

[bangarangbass39]

‘A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a non-law subject (or overseas equivalent in any subject) and a minimum of a pass in a GDL/PGDL/CPE (law conversion course) that covers the foundational topics (see below),’

I think you need the GDL in conjunction with a non-law degree before applying, based on this wording.

But under the SQE route it says
"or...To have passed SQE1 and SQE2 prior to the start of your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with the relevant department."

"You must have successfully completed, or be due to complete, the Law Practice Course or Solicitor Qualifying Exams 1 and 2 to be able to start the legal trainee scheme in October 2027."

and "Applications are welcome from...those who have not yet completed SQE and who will complete SQE1 and SQE2 under departmental SQE provision."

Could it mean then that on the condition I receive an offer, I can start and complete SQE by October2027 w/o needing the PGDL?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

New username is here: Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner of Pearson Specter Litt LLP. 🤩

 

[solicitor_2028]

anyone done slaughters interview when will we hear back and how did you find it

I did mine last year for the summer WE and heard back in a months time (it was a PFO). The partner interview was just a normal discussion on grades, motivations etc although I messed up the case study and fumbled quite a bit since I was so nervous

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

The orrick application asks for a 300 word cover letter, is this correct or should i email to confirm

That is correct

 

[angdps]

Does anyone know whether its still worth applying to Cleary or Ropes & Gray? I know they're rolling but not sure how much that matters at the same time.

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone know whether its still worth applying to Cleary or Ropes & Gray? I know they're rolling but not sure how much that matters at the same time.

Ropes is not rolling!

 

[Adnanlone]

how cooked are we if we didn't manage to answer all the questions in the OC deductive reasoning test??

I wouldnt be too fussed , was very difficult!

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

GD pfo
post application/tests
Summer vacation scheme
14/12 applied