TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I am in the same boat. I think the original commenter mentioned in a later post that it was for the winter vs

Then maybe they just haven't gotten to our application yet. But if I recall correctly, some people were already doing ACs

I know they are holding assessment centres until the middle of w/c 2/11 so you should hear back soon

 

[V2002]

Is anyone completely CAC semi-finals at Baker McKenzie?

 

[Amgrad]

Just finished my second assessment at Macfarlanes, still waiting for the email confirmation. If I didn't get it, does it mean a PFO?

The Second VI question is the hardest one. It's almost impossible to scrunitise it all in just 2 mins, maybe 4-5 minutes to be fair.

Let's go tomorrow is Milbank!

 

[johnsmith]

Just finished my second assessment at Macfarlanes, still waiting for the email confirmation. If I didn't get it, does it mean a PFO?

The Second VI question is the hardest one. It's almost impossible to scrunitise it all in just 2 mins, maybe 4-5 minutes to be fair.

Let's go tomorrow is Milbank!

No it wasn’t immediate!

 

[Shaky_Pete]

While I have not completed HL's assessment, in my experience the following are central in having a good answer for a situational judgement question in an VI/interview question:

• Showing you would put thought into how to manage what is likely to be a tricky situation, and that you are attempting to come up with a cogent response rather than acting impulsively.
• Showing you are aware of and factoring in as many relevant considerations as possible in your decision-making, and attempt to come at a solution that minimises the downside; some of the considerations that will often come into play are: the priority ranking of certain matters, managing impact on team dynamics, transparency and delegating decision-making, impact on clients, efficiency when handling multiple matters vs ensuring the risk of any error is minimal, taking on responsibility and showing initiative vs seeking guidance and support;
• Providing a well-structured answer, which ideally explains what specific actions you would take in a step-by-step manner.
• Providing a nuanced answer, which explains the different alternative courses of action you may take depending on whether certain assumptions hold true: a particular difficulty with situational judgement questions is that there will be a lot of information that would impact your decision-making in a real-life context which is simply not provided to you because the questions are drafted at a very general level - as such, you will have to come up with an interpretation that will involve making certain assumptions. You should clarify which assumptions you are making when delivering your answer (e.g. "Assuming there is no other trainee on this deal that has capacity to help, I would"...) and explain alternative courses of action (e.g. "If my supervisor says that X, I would take this course of action; if my supervisor says that Y, I would do Z instead")

Thanks Andrei!

 

[Joey green]

Did anyone hear back from W&C, im hearing rumours (on the WhatsApp group) they already sent invites last Friday

 

[bh.sa]

If we haven't heard back for Paul, Weiss for their WVS, can we assume it's a PFO?

 

[c.t.tc]

In case anyone else was wondering apparently the Simmons & Simmons blended test weighs all three areas equally!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Could I confirm whether the 27/10 deadline for @Burges Salmon winter vac scheme is for the initial application only, not the two online tests? It is not very clear on their website. I also wonder when we will be sent the tests and how many days do we have to complete them.

 

[johnsmith]

Could I confirm whether the 27/10 deadline for @Burges Salmon winter vac scheme is for the initial application only, not the two online tests? It is not very clear on their website. I also wonder when we will be sent the tests and how many days do we have to complete them.

It came the same day as I applied!

 

[jojo23]

Anybody else having trouble uploading their CV for dla piper?

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi!

That's a really good question, and this section can definitely be a bit confusing because it overlaps with other parts of the application form.

For this question, they're giving you space to show more of your personality and achievements beyond academics and formal work experience. It's less about where you've put things before, and more about how you use this space to highlight what makes you interesting, motivated, and well-rounded as a candidate.

A few tips that could assist with this question:

• Try not to repeat things you have already gone into detail about elsewhere - but you can briefly reference them if you're adding a new angle (e.g. lessons learned or skills developed that you didn't discuss earlier).
• Include meaningful experiences - these can be things such as volunteering, committee roles, sports, creative pursuits, languages, etc. (things that show commitment, leadership, teamwork or initiative).
• Reflect, don't just list - it's important to explain what these experiences taught you or how they shaped your perspective, as that's what helps you stand out. Make sure to discuss skills that it's given you that will make you a strong trainee at Mayer Brown.
• Show variety - it might be worth discussing a mix of personal interests and achievements. For example, you might discuss volunteering that developed your empathy and teamwork, and then mention your interest in debating, running, or music to show balance and discipline.

An example structure for these kinds of questions is:

1. Brief Intro: what you enjoy outside of academics
2. One or two specific examples of achievements or roles (with a focus on skills gained)
3. End with how these interests contribute to your personal growth or the qualities you'd bring to Mayer Brown.

So yes, you can reuse volunteering or committee roles here if they add something new or weren't covered in depth before - just make sure you're not repeating content word-for-word.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

Thank you so much!!!

 

[AngelBaird]

Anybody else having trouble uploading their CV for dla piper?

I’ve heard this issue from a few of my friends, might be worth contacting early careers

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

It came the same day as I applied!

Thank you! How many days did you have to complete them? Coz I am planning to submit it tomorrow which is the deadline

 

[itsfearless15]

Anyone know if Vinson & Elkins is rolling this year? Can't seem to find this info anywhere – thank you!

 

[Diana54]

Does anyone have insights into the Mayer Brown online assessment, particularly regarding the video interview (VI) questions that are part of the assessment? Specifically, do they provide unlimited preparation time for the VI questions, or is there a time limit? Additionally, I would appreciate any insights into the types of questions typically asked?

 

[arbitrationfan]

Freshfelds stage 2 all done - is it weird to say you enjoyed it?

Hey, any guidance on this? Was told it was pretty simple: just a short written exercise, some more SJT and VI heavily related to the SJT. Do I need be worried about competency/motivation questions for the VI?

 

[arbitrationfan]

Does anyone have insights into the Mayer Brown online assessment, particularly regarding the video interview (VI) questions that are part of the assessment? Specifically, do they provide unlimited preparation time for the VI questions, or is there a time limit? Additionally, I would appreciate any insights into the types of questions typically asked?

I dont remember what questions they asked as I did it about a month ago, but they were scenario heavy iirc. Some questions had unlimited time to prep, some had like 1/2 minutes. The rest was just pretty standard SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning questions. If you just research their test provider (sova I believe but that could be hsf, I did them around the same time), and read up on the four pillars they assess you can game out the SJT questions pretty easily. On my feedback report, I got max score on all the sections with not that much practice.

 

[arbitrationfan]

Anyone know if Vinson & Elkins is rolling this year? Can't seem to find this info anywhere – thank you!

V&E is always rolling, but I would still recommend applying asap in case.

 

[johnsmith]

Thank you! How many days did you have to complete them? Coz I am planning to submit it tomorrow which is the deadline

5 working days