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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hogan Lovells ask about insight days and events in the legal sector. On December 3rd I have Bristows STEM IP workshop and feel like it could be worth writing about this in my answer, but they are rolling and the deadline is December 12th. Is it worth waiting, or should I apply asap with them rolling?
I spoke to them at a law fair, and they said we likely won't hear back until Jan/Feb
I applied to Weil on Oct 10 and got the test on Nov 3. I applied to Freshfields on Oct 1 and got the 1st stage test on Oct 8. So it might just take a bit of time
I applied to Freshfields Oct 17 and got the first test Oct 27. They had some issues with the reasonable adjustments and sent reminders out to candidates about their tests and adjustments, even though they didn’t request any. They have just re-sent me the test with the adjustments, so there might be some delays in sending tests whilst they resolve the problems with Candid/Vantage.
Thank you so much!!
Yeh so i normally tell it to use different types of variations of Watson Glazer, within my promt. These are watson glazer I and watson glazer II. I also mention to use the style of pearson and cappfinity. The promt should be something where your learning, so make sure it doesn’t allow the answers to have a pattern. Sometimes you would promt it to ask watson glazer questions but then youd find it would create a clear pattern so make sure you tell it to not create any room for any patterns recognition (or else you could close your eyes and always be correct). Also tell it to make the questions extremely difficult, and always ask for feedback.
I like to have all my answers done, then the AI to generate my strengths and weaknesses. Go with your gut also and move on to the next.
In terms of SJT questions make sure you use a context. In this scenario it would be a trainee lawyer. I would start off by asking it to give you options of most and least likely. (NB it doesn’t always have to be a trainee scenario, I would recommend the context being in different industries)
For SJT read the question carefully, if a manger asks you to do something, you would do it differently than if a colleague asked. If your a senior manager, you would also act differently i.e be the person leading a ship if in a team. You want to appear as self-reliant within these test, so avoid always picking the option where you go to a manager.
Also just a general tips, I think its a sham when people say just be yourself in SJT’s I disagree, look at the values and base you answers on those values. Whilst doing SJTS you should always think what does the firm want to see.
This is obviously not the case for anything else such as interviews as you should be as authentic as possible.
As a neurodivergent person, these test aren’t designed for us but any code can be cracked! I would also recommend, if you are neurodivergent to ask for extra-time.
Finally, start early and always practice even now I still practice. I mentioned before on another thread it will change your thought process!
Good luck!
are the Freshfields tests timed? because I do require extra time and adjustment but I thought to only reach out to them, and Weil after I receive an invite? I only need extra time for timed assessments and VI.
DLA pfo post WG 
Super upset as my application answers were really good and I really like the firm, managed to get to VI 2 years ago. Shame that my chances are just gone from a meaningless test.
Super upset as my application answers were really good and I really like the firm, managed to get to VI 2 years ago. Shame that my chances are just gone from a meaningless test.
I don’t think the test itself is timed but there are certain components within the test where time is measured. The email says the test should take at least 60 minutes overall. If you stated you need reasonable adjustments in your application, then email them about it to ensure they have all been approved and implemented. I think they give 50% extra time for the parts of the test that are timed. I am also waiting for the test invite from Weil before I speak to them about adjustments.
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Freshfields and Taylor Wessing PFO post-online assessments
Sorry to hear that, I hope you land something better!
Just wanted to ask was this after the stage 1 freshfields test or the second one with VI
So sorry to hear this! Would you mind letting me know which Taylor Wessing application was this for?
Has Dechert got back to anyone about spring or summer vs? I gather the impression that they’re trying to finalise WVS first?
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