TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

If a firm has a deadline for let's say the 31st but has no specific time, does this usually mean the deadline will be 23:59pm on the 31st, or 00:00 am?

It took me a second to figure out what you meant I was genuinely wondering how one minute would make a difference haha - if this is for TW I think it's at midnight on the 31st (as in the end of the day) and I would assume that for other firms it is also the same!

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone heard back from Mayer Brown or Macfarlanes after doing the online assessment/VIs?

Just a holding email from Macfarlanes

 

[johnsmith]

Anyone wondering why they haven’t received the mishcon de reya chatbot, it was sent out to an initial 150 people to check it worked as expected, based on the feedback they get they plan to launch it next week all being well!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Latham Open day PFO and Milbank second stage assessment.

 

[bh.sa]

Milbank second stage assessment!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone wondering why they haven’t received the mishcon de reya chatbot, it was sent out to an initial 150 people to check it worked as expected, based on the feedback they get they plan to launch it next week all being well!

So I was a guinea pig… made to suffer?! I better get brownie points aka SJT invite for doing it yesterday and providing honest feedback 😂

 

[whywhy88]

Milbank stage 2 invitation! Seems selective given the email says ‘your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process’. Thought I did awfully at the first test so am quite surprised 😂

 

[LawAspirer]

Milbank stage 2 invitation! Seems selective given the email says ‘your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process’. Thought I did awfully at the first test so am quite surprised 😂

When did you do the first stage? I did mine last friday

 

[Unknowncabbage]

It took me a second to figure out what you meant I was genuinely wondering how one minute would make a difference haha - if this is for TW I think it's at midnight on the 31st (as in the end of the day) and I would assume that for other firms it is also the same!

Thank you!

 

[Lawlawland]

Latham Open day PFO and Milbank second stage assessment.

Congratulations on Milbank!
May I know which Latham Open Day it was for?

 

[Shannon]

Milbank second stage assessment also! Any insight from those that have done it already would be appreciated

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Congratulations on Milbank!
May I know which Latham Open Day it was for?

It's the one for Nov 6

 

[Chelsea101]

I want to clarify some points, as I realise I may have been unclear in my earlier message. I met with Grad Rec at the Legal Cheek Live event in London and asked extensive questions. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Testing Process: Everyone who applies for an open day will need to complete a test. I am not sure whether you need to pass the first test to take the second one (which includes the video interview). So far, it appears that everyone who completed the first test has gone on to do the second one, indicating that two tests are required. The turnaround time for the second test varies; mine took two weeks after completing the first test, while others have reported waiting only three days.

2. Vacation Scheme Applications: If you apply for a vacation scheme, you will also need to complete tests. However, suppose you successfully apply for and attend one of their open days. In that case, you won’t have to complete the online test when applying for the vacation scheme within the same academic year. If your application for the open day is unsuccessful, you may still apply for the vacation scheme, but you will need to retake the online test. It is likely that the online test will remain the same for the vacation scheme, but I am not sure of this.

3. Cohort Changes: Grad Rec mentioned that you cannot change cohorts. For example, if you apply for the Spring program, you must be able to attend fully, as they are aware that many firms offer candidates vacation schemes, which leads to students trying to switch to the Summer program. They indicated that they no longer accommodate such changes. Many firms are adopting similar policies; for instance, Weil and Akin now only offer Spring schemes, and full attendance is mandatory. Therefore, choose your scheme dates wisely.

You need to pass the first stage to get the second one. I never received a second stage test invite - only the first (which I completed three weeks ago) and I received a PFO today for the 6th Nov Open Day so....

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Has anyone heard from Osborne Clarke? Very anxiously waiting as I think I flopped their interactive inductive reasoning test lol

 

[TA04]

I did the Macfarlanes application and video interview a month ago now and I have received nothing back from them, not even a holding email. Is anyone in the same boat?

 

[a0]

I'm guessing the Milbank 2nd stage assessment is the WG?

 

[Amgrad]

I did the Macfarlanes application and video interview a month ago now and I have received nothing back from them, not even a holding email. Is anyone in the same boat?

No reflection report?

Did anyone else receive the self reflection report from Macfarlanes after completing the Simulate?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

I'm guessing the Milbank 2nd stage assessment is the WG?

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone heard from Osborne Clarke? Very anxiously waiting as I think I flopped their interactive inductive reasoning test lol

I don't think they're rolling so we'll hear after their deadline I'm also so sure I did horrifically on their deductive reasoning genuinely one of the hardest firm tests ever

 

[floral.tcla]

if you're still waiting to hear back from AOS post-AC, what does it say on your application portal? still at interview or..?

 

[TA04]

No reflection report?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

Yes I got a self-reflection report, the last email was an assessment confirmation