TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[legal18]

If a deadline is 6th October does that mean midnight tonight or tomorrow.

 

[jojo23]

If a deadline is 6th October does that mean midnight tonight or tomorrow.

usually 23:59 on the 6th. Some might say 5pm though

 

[jojo23]

Hi @jojo23. I expect this to be the case at interview stage mostly, but @Jessica Booker will have more thoughts on this.

ok that's fair, i'm just proofreading an application before sending and i was considering taking some bits out but, i noticed i had put it in a previous application...

 

[F a v o u r]

I heard that at the Linklaters AC they ask you to do the Watson Glaser test again. Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

For this question, how many points should we aim to mention and should we outline the skills we gained from those experiences?

There isn’t really a fixed number for this type of question - I would just try to showcase as much variety as possible.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, if a firm has a word limit of 50 on each work experience entry, would you just expect a description of what you did, rather than what skills you learnt from it?

Definitely focus on key responsibilities rather than anything else given the word limit.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @legal18. Where the exact time is unspecified, I recommend submitting as soon as possible on the 6th. For some firms where the time is not stated, this could be 12pm, 11:59pm, etc. So, just to be safe, sooner is recommended.

 

[Amma Usman]

I heard that at the Linklaters AC they ask you to do the Watson Glaser test again. Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

Hey @F a v o u r , I’m unsure about Links in particular, but I know of some firms that have this policy.

 

[patternteddybear]

I have been quite unwell so haven’t yet started my application journey. My plan is to start from tomorrow and just power through - I aiming to apply for Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I have exams in January so realised that Winter Vacation Schemes most likely wouldn’t be ideal as I have lots of revision to do over Christmas! Terrified about applying but I have updated my CV and so just need to get on with the applications now!

 

[Zi48]

I heard that at the Linklaters AC they ask you to do the Watson Glaser test again. Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

When I did their AC last year they didn’t, not sure if it’s changed since then

 

[Amma Usman]

I have been quite unwell so haven’t yet started my application journey. My plan is to start from tomorrow and just power through - I aiming to apply for Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I have exams in January so realised that Winter Vacation Schemes most likely wouldn’t be ideal as I have lots of revision to do over Christmas! Terrified about applying but I have updated my CV and so just need to get on with the applications now!

Hi @patternteddybear , I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell, I hope you’re feeling better now. It’s amazing that you’re pushing yourself out there and applying for Spring/Summer schemes. Updating your CV is a great first step. I’d also recommend narrowing down which types of practices you’re interested in as this would help you narrow down the firms to apply to. Best of luck!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Has anyone else not received a Watson Glaser test invite from Hogan Lovells?

 

[VD19]

W&C says they’re rolling but I’ve seen people on here say the Winter scheme is not, does anyone know for sure?

 

[Amma Usman]

W&C says they’re rolling but I’ve seen people on here say the Winter scheme is not, does anyone know for sure?

Hey @VD19. The website says all the schemes are rolling. Hope this helps

 

[EzeLaylor]

When I did their AC last year they didn’t, not sure if it’s changed since then

Happened to me last cycle - It’s randomly selected, so at some AC dates you’ll be asked to do it again whereas at other ACs you might not be.

 

[yasmars]

Anywho who has done Pinsent Masons' blended assessment? I logged in and couldn't find any button to actually launch the test : (

Yes same! Did you figure it out?

 

[Jessica Booker]

if you tick the section that say's 'have you previously applied for a position with us' are they likely to look back at old applications?

Possibly but it depends on their data retention policy. If your application is older than their data retention policy limit, there wouldn't be an application to review.

In addition, they may not need to review the old application. For instance, when I used to recruit (and pre-data retention policies) I'd often be able to make a decision on the application without checking the old application. It was only when the application was borderline and I wanted to get a sense of what had developed since their last application that I may look, but more times than not, I'd just make a decision on the latest application.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, if a firm has a word limit of 50 on each work experience entry, would you just expect a description of what you did, rather than what skills you learnt from it?

Yes - with such a limited word count I would focus on the most interesting/challenging responsibilities and keep it super concise.

 

[AS24]

Hey @AS24 , here’s my take on it…

Honestly, rejection is tough, and there’s no sugar-coating that. But it’s so important to remember that it doesn’t define your worth or potential as a future lawyer. The way I see it, these tests are often just a filter tool for law firms—they’re designed to sift through a high volume of applicants, not necessarily to measure your capability or future success.

Sometimes, tests don’t capture what really makes you stand out: your ability to analyse complex issues, your interpersonal skills, or your resilience. These things are crucial for a career as a commercial lawyer, but they can’t always be boiled down to a few multiple-choice questions.

So don’t let a few setbacks make you doubt yourself. The most successful people in the legal profession have faced countless rejections, yet they pushed through and kept improving. Rejections don’t close doors—they just redirect you to better opportunities. And every application you write is refining your skills, building your story, and bringing you closer to the right fit.

When you feel defeated, take a step back and remind yourself why you started. Revisit the long-term goal, but also allow yourself to take small breaks when needed. Lean on your support network, share your experiences, and most importantly, keep going. Every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.”

Keep your head high, and don’t let temporary setbacks stop you from achieving your goals. You will get there. 💪

Thank you @Amma Usman

 

[0livia.pope]

does anyone mind explaining this to me? I always struggle between choosing true/false as opposed to probably true or probably false