TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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

 

[sammm10101]

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

I guess the longer statement does not bring a definitive, cause-and-effect link between yawning and being tired and bored, while the shorter statement does. While we can assume that being tired and bored is an inducer of yawning, and hence assume the shorter statement is false, but it could also be due to something else which occurs when we are tired and bored, so it could be a correlation/causation moment.

I also guess the ambiguity in the longer paragraph, particularly concerning the word 'assume', does not correlate to us being able to definitively conclude the statement is 'false'.

This is just my interpretation though! Also sorry if it doesn't make sense, I find communicating arguments like this quite difficult.

 

[0livia.pope]

I guess the longer statement does not bring a definitive, cause-and-effect link between yawning and being tired and bored, while the shorter statement does. While we can assume that being tired and bored is an inducer of yawning, and hence assume the shorter statement is false, but it could also be due to something else which occurs when we are tired and bored, so it could be a correlation/causation moment.

I also guess the ambiguity in the longer paragraph, particularly concerning the word 'assume', does not correlate to us being able to definitively conclude the statement is 'false'.

This is just my interpretation though! Also sorry if it doesn't make sense, I find communicating arguments like this quite difficult.

Thanks!! This makes more sense now, I think I need to be less definitive in this section of the test

 

[MayaM0921]

Yes same! Did you figure it out?

I emailed the grad rec and they said they will look into it. No follow up yet : (

 

[HJ10]

DLA Piper PFO on a Sunday

 

[VMS]

DLA Piper PFO on a Sunday

I'm really sorry! I wish you more success on any other applications. Could I ask if this was post-app or post-test?

 

[HJ10]

I'm really sorry! I wish you more success on any other applications. Could I ask if this was post-app or post-test?

Post-app

 

[SAlegal]

Hi, has anyone received VI for DLA yet?

 

[bella98]

Post-app

I thought the test was automatic 😭

 

[Apple]

I thought the test was automatic 😭

Same, thats a nice surprise

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Is there no round 2 this year for the aspiring solicitors competition?

 

[walterwhite]

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

literally, it's so annoying. I'm wondering whether it's actually automatic - I sent them an email about it so hopefully they get back to me relatively soon!