TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TCchaser]

Has anyone been invited to the Weil test or the Freshfields one?? I applied to Weil over 10 days ago now and Freshfields just last week. I also emailed Weil grad recruitment but have not heard back...

Also anyone heard back from Covington?

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

 

[silonthesofa]

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 was in the same batch for Freshfields. Did you get a 2nd test invite?

 

[AspirationalDream]

Hi! Congratulations! What an achievement! I really admire that you want to enjoy the day and be yourself.
I was wondering how you use chatgpt to help with WG/SJT? I really struggle with these and was wondering if there any specific resources you get it to give you or advice etc - what kind of prompts do you give it?

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!

 

[ChambersLoading]

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

thank you for this!!

 

[ChambersLoading]

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.​

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.

 

[e_turbo2]

Ashurst PFO WVS, post test.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Ashurst WVS PFO.

 

[cocochanellaw]

Freshfields and Taylor Wessing PFO post-online assessments

 

[anon78365222111]

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

 

[Jennifer2003]

Freshfields and Taylor Wessing PFO post-online assessments

So sorry to hear this! Would you mind letting me know which Taylor Wessing application was this for?

 

[cocochanellaw]

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

Stage 1 !

 

[cocochanellaw]

So sorry to hear this! Would you mind letting me know which Taylor Wessing application was this for?

The Spring scheme x

 

[silonthesofa]

The Spring scheme x

Can I ask when you completed the TW assessment?

 

[llblawstudent]

Has Dechert got back to anyone about spring or summer vs? I gather the impression that they’re trying to finalise WVS first?

 

[cocochanellaw]

Can I ask when you completed the TW assessment?

To be fair, I did complete it on the 1st November, when it was due (for me) on the 3rd. Perhaps I did it too late, won't ever know aha!

 

[TCchaser]

I was in the same batch for Freshfields. Did you get a 2nd test invite?

Yes I got it on Oct 23

 

[silonthesofa]

To be fair, I did complete it on the 1st November, when it was due (for me) on the 3rd. Perhaps I did it too late, won't ever know aha!

Unlikely because they're not actually rolling. Well, they explained that they screen on a rolling basis, but aren't rolling because they don't allocate ACs until after the deadline has passed. Considering I'm only going to get the test invite link on Friday, I really hope they haven't decided to fill out all of their AC spots before I even have the chance to do the assessment.

 

[baj5]

PFO from both Ashurst and Freshfields today, I’m on fire

 

[Trophy]

Stage 1 !

Hello,
Sorry to hear this!

I’ve taken FF star 1 test and not heard back when did you do your test? I did it 28th October.

 

[c.t.tc]

Unlikely because they're not actually rolling. Well, they explained that they screen on a rolling basis, but aren't rolling because they don't allocate ACs until after the deadline has passed. Considering I'm only going to get the test invite link on Friday, I really hope they haven't decided to fill out all of their AC spots before I even have the chance to do the assessment.

It's a little bit of both tbh - they don't stop reviewing and scoring applications but there is definitely a rolling element for their written exercise because they look at things in chronological order, if that makes sense?