TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone received a Baker McKenzie test?

 

[jojo23]

HL lift off pfo post job sim (stage 2)
Im not even surprised, the vid interview was a nightmare

 

[Bread]

Are there any resources for practicing written exercises or case studies? thank you!

 

[Vakil]

HL lift off pfo post job sim (stage 2)
Im not even surprised, the vid interview was a nightmare

I’m finding it so interesting how on all of the Capfinity/Amberjack/timed virtual interview style applications I’m not advancing despite good scores. Meanwhile on the traditional style applications where I’m able to freely write about my work experience, competencies, and interview with actual humans, I am progressing to ACs. This is now definitely influencing my decisions to apply to a firm, which is kind of sad when the application process is a deterrent. But, that’s just me.

 

[p2bv]

Just did the eversheds test.
Typical watson glaser but timed and most of the passages I got were all legal scenarios (I think to possibly try and confuse us)

 

[tianna09]

You could try looking at Chambers and Legal 500, both let you filter firms by practice area and region, so it’s an easy way to see who actually specialises in the areas you’re interested in.

From what you’ve said so far, you might like Fieldfisher, Kingsley Napley or Irwin Mitchell, but I’m not completely certain as they're different practice areas to what I'm interested in. I think Kennedys also have a strong PI/civil lit department, and you can do a training contract just in medical law there.

Thank you for your input! I am currently undergoing a Mentoring Scheme with a Fieldfisher Solicitor so I will chat to her about this at my next meeting.

 

[Suii]

DLA WG invite suii lets go 🎉

 

[Aspiringsolicitordm12]

Yes. Applied 30th and received WG the next day

Which office did you apply to?

 

[Anon Lawyer]

Yes. Applied 30th and received WG the next day

Which office did you apply to?

 

[LRR23]

Which office did you apply to?

London Office - has anyone else received WG after applying on Sunday?

 

[BillSikes]

London Office - has anyone else received WG after applying on Sunday?

I applied 23:59 deadline and have not received. I understand everybody gets sent the WG.

 

[whywhy88]

Anyone know what time apps close for NRF on Sunday? Is it 11:59? Thanks!

 

[fbtrainee]

They advised at the OD that you choose your most recent and relevant, but where you may have had multiple jobs, say hospitality, you can group them and cover the skills you picked up that would apply to being a trainee. If you were, say, a career changer, though, you could go last 4 jobs over a long

 

[fbtrainee]

They advised at the OD that you choose your most recent and relevant, but where you may have had multiple jobs, say hospitality, you can group them and cover the skills you picked up that would apply to being a trainee. If you were, say, a career changer, though, you could go last 4 jobs over a longer period!

for the other experiences section can we then just list other experiences in bullet points or pick maybe 2 of those other experiences and have bullet points/prose for each?

 

[fbtrainee]

Anyone know what time apps close for NRF on Sunday? Is it 11:59? Thanks!

yes it is

 

[AMullin]

Hey,

Did anyone receive feedback after the first online test for BCLP? Gutted as I spent ages on the application and it doesn’t even look like it’s going to get looked at! It says I should have had feedback but I’ve heard nothing?

 

[anon78365222111]

Errr anyone still waiting for BCLP spring vac scheme reply after doing their first test ?

 

[bebbe]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock!

For RS, would talking about the SQE intern be discouraged in my reasons for why RS?

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone have any tips for answering Macfarlanes' VS Q:

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? Max 300 words

For example, should I connect my own experience's to the firm's values, or more their strategy / work e.g., private client work, buddy firm strategy etc.,? Thank you!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Hey!

Good questions! For a written exercise, I always aimed for a professional but not overly formal tone.

For sign-offs, I'd say you can use:

• Client email: Kind regards / Yours sincerely (if very formal)
• Supervisor / partner: Kind regards / Best wishes

So yes, you can adjust slightly based on audience, but I would use "Kind Regards" if in doubt!

In terms of how to address them:

• Supervisor / Partner: "Dear [First Name]" is generally acceptable internally unless told otherwise
• Clients: it is safer to use "Dear Mr / Ms [Surname]" unless the scenario indicates a more familiar relationship

You don'y necessarily need big report-style headings, unless the task suggests it. However, I found it useful to use headings to create a structure that makes the email clearer to read, especially if multiple issues are being analysed.

Clarity is the overall priority - it's important that you show you can organise information logically for a client!

I hope that helps

Thank you so much