TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bbhu19]

I don’t think everyone received the second stage test, I’d be logical for them to filter out maybe 50% of candidates based on the first test, since basically everyone that met the minimum academic criteria received the first test anyways. I did mine today so I’ll keep the forum updated on when/if I receive the second stage.

Oh ok I just felt like if a lot of people on this forum reached the second stage but in the grander scheme of things that’s maybe less than 100 people out of the thousands they need to look at

 

[Bbhu19]

For those who did take the second stage milbank how did you feel about it?

 

[Trophy]

Thank you for your response!!
I have had several jobs but its currently a page and a half - do you recommend I add a few more bullets to each job or should I pop on the open days on? or is it fine to leave as is (I don't know if its better to use the full 2 pages)?

I think its important that the points on your CV do not repeat what’s in the work experience section on the application form.

I think on my CV I focused on non law experiences (bullet points) and the work experience section law experiences in prose.

Length does not matter as long as the quality is good. I include award, sports and achievements on my CV so that also takes up space.

 

[elle woods]

I haven’t updated you guys in a while (been trying to get over my S&M PFO) so I just wanted to share a quick update on where I’m currently at with my applications. Current status below:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and now waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. I had the interview today and have already received confirmation that I passed the benchmark, now waiting on next steps. 🤞🏼

-Bird & Bird: Applied 11/11, PFO received 04/12 without sitting a test.💀

-Reed Smith: Applied 06/11, test invite on 20/11, still waiting on an outcome.🤞🏼

-S&M: Applied 04/11, PFO received 12/12.💔🫩🥺

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells and A&O Shearman

Trying to stay positive and patient through the waiting game. Wishing everyone else lots of luck with your applications too.🥰

oh how do we get our WG scores from Links?? Also good luck on the applications you are waiting for!

 

[Trophy]

Oh ok I just felt like if a lot of people on this forum reached the second stage but in the grander scheme of things that’s maybe less than 100 people out of the thousands they need to look at

I did stage 1 weeks ago and I’ve not been invited to stage 2 however I was not confident in my stage 1 Answers. Probably the first I’ve felt like that this cycle…

 

[dmhwpo]

I haven’t updated you guys in a while (been trying to get over my S&M PFO) so I just wanted to share a quick update on where I’m currently at with my applications. Current status below:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and now waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. I had the interview today and have already received confirmation that I passed the benchmark, now waiting on next steps. 🤞🏼

-Bird & Bird: Applied 11/11, PFO received 04/12 without sitting a test.💀

-Reed Smith: Applied 06/11, test invite on 20/11, still waiting on an outcome.🤞🏼

-S&M: Applied 04/11, PFO received 12/12.💔🫩🥺

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells and A&O Shearman

Trying to stay positive and patient through the waiting game. Wishing everyone else lots of luck with your applications too.🥰

Feel a lot better now about waiting for potential DLA Piper phone interview invite, could you share any insight or tips on preparing for it?

 

[summersun]

Hey!

That's a great question - it can feel a bit unclear at first, but the way that it is worded suggests that Farrer & Co is looking for anything you've done beyond academics and formal work experience that shows initiative, genuine interest in law, or development of relevant skills.

You are not limited to legal events - you can include both law-related engagement and extracurricular activities that helped you build qualities valuable to a future solicitor.

As such, I would break it down into two parts:

1. What you have done outside education / work experience

Examples could include:

• Open days, law firm events, webinars
• Mooting / negotiation / debating
• Legal podcasts, newsletters, books you have read
• Volunteering, clinics, pro bono
• Societies, sports teams, leadership positions
• Hobbies that show discipline, teamwork, resilience, communication, etc.

2. Why those experiences helped prepare you for a legal career

Focus on the skills or insights that you developed, such as:

• Legal research, advocacy, and commercial awareness
• Teamwork, time management, and organisations
• Exposure to the legal profession and understanding of different practice areas
• Commitment, initiative, and curiosity about the profession

You might structure your answer as:

1. Brief intro sentence
2. One or two legal-focused activities and what you learned from them
3. One or two extracurricular / hobby examples and the relevant transferable skills
4. Make it clear why these position you well for training at Farrer & Co

From my time on the firm's vacation scheme, I really got the sense that Farrer & Co value individuality and want to understand what makes each candidate unique, rather than just seeing a checklist of legal experience. Therefore, if you have a hobby or extracurricular that's meaningful to you and has helped you develop transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, resilience, organisation, communication, etc.), it's definitely worth including it! It doesn't have to be strictly legal - the firm appreciates well-rounded applicants. Just make sure you explain why the activity helped prepare you for a career in law, rather than just listing it.

I hope that helps - best of luck with the application!

Thank you so much this helps a lot !!

 

[Bbhu19]

I did stage 1 weeks ago and I’ve not been invited to stage 2 however I was not confident in my stage 1 Answers. Probably the first I’ve felt like that this cycle…

I did stage one 5 weeks ago, accepted it as a PFO like two weeks ago, got stage two yesterday , if you don’t get that PFO email don’t rule it out.

 

[GT1205H]

Feel a lot better now about waiting for potential DLA Piper phone interview invite, could you share any insight or tips on preparing for it?

It was about 4-5 questions all strength based and motivational, not competency or scenario based questions at all.

 

[GT1205H]

oh how do we get our WG scores from Links?? Also good luck on the applications you are waiting for!

Thank you! You need to ask by email but they took like 2-3 weeks to send them

 

[elle woods]

Thank you! You need to ask by email but they took like 2-3 weeks to send them

Oh I see... lowkey I would be quite scared to do so hahah what if they send back an awful score, that would be so embarrassing 😂 Maybe I'll ask after I hear back haha - thanks for letting me know! Amazing job on the WG btw, such a good score!

 

[yk1906]

They said they would review apps post-deadline, so I don’t think anyone would have heard anything yet

I saw multiple people getting VIs and WEs on this thread

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Bakers test invite

Congrats!! did you get the link to the assessment? I got the email from Grad Rec but didn’t receive the link from the provider

 

[Bree]

Hi guys! Is Mayer Brown test not automatic? Do they review your application before sending the online test?

 

[Rads]

To people who submitted Willkie a few days before, how long do they take to get back?

Thanks!!

 

[wooliewoo]

Hi guys! Is Mayer Brown test not automatic? Do they review your application before sending the online test?

I think they just review whether you meet the eligibility criteria. I heard from grad rec that they manually send out tests which is why you may not get yours immediately after submitting.

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

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

Not sure if it’s worth emailing or assuming a PFO - I have been waiting since October @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Bree]

I think they just review whether you meet the eligibility criteria. I heard from grad rec that they manually send out tests which is why you may not get yours immediately after submitting.

Thank you! Hopefully I will get it today

 

[spongebob]

I haven’t updated you guys in a while (been trying to get over my S&M PFO) so I just wanted to share a quick update on where I’m currently at with my applications. Current status below:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and now waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. I had the interview today and have already received confirmation that I passed the benchmark, now waiting on next steps. 🤞🏼

-Bird & Bird: Applied 11/11, PFO received 04/12 without sitting a test.💀

-Reed Smith: Applied 06/11, test invite on 20/11, still waiting on an outcome.🤞🏼

-S&M: Applied 04/11, PFO received 12/12.💔🫩🥺

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells and A&O Shearman

Trying to stay positive and patient through the waiting game. Wishing everyone else lots of luck with your applications too.🥰

Can i ask what was the DLA TI like?

 

[Mara]

Hi! How long did it take for people to receive Latham Stage 1 confirmation after taking the test? I took mine yesterday around 5 and still nothing