TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ACHat8r]

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

Did it the same time as you yesterday and got stage 2 invite today. Haven’t got a feedback report tho.

 

[Amgrad]

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.🥰

Wait, what?? S&M PFO at 12/12. Are you from the future? 👽🤯

 

[M123]

I saw multiple people getting VIs and WEs on this thread

Yeah i’ve just seen 😬 I applied yesterday so I’m not too hopeful about the outcome

 

[Wompycapy]

For those looking for Latham Part 2 insights: Here is what I can say
Q1 (practice): 'assessed but more scored.'
Q2 and Q3: Expect VARYING recording times.
WG is normal difficulty around 30 questions in total.
Don't want to say more cuz it'll take away the whole point of VIs.
Good luck everyone!

 

[Mara]

I heard back like 5 minutes after completing the Latham Stage 1 which made me think it was automatic.. but I have heard varied responses from other people so i really dont know how they send out stage 2

Oh I probably just didn't do that well then I thought it was pretty straight forward too...

 

[anon78365222111]

Just wondering how’s a 20 score on amberjack with the highest verbal intellect. Is that good enough?

 

[sooae]

I've just realised I accidentally applied to Cleary twice😵‍💫 I was sent the WG to complete a few days ago [which I did] but then have also just received an email saying:

'We refer to your recent application for a vacation placement in the London office of our firm.

As you may be aware, we receive a very high number of applications annually and competition for positions is extremely fierce. We are sorry to inform you that your application has unfortunately not been successful. Nonetheless, we wish you the best of luck in your search for a position elsewhere and would like to thank you for your interest in Cleary Gottlieb.

Please note that we have a policy of not providing individual feedback or entering into correspondence with candidates.'

Does anyone know whether this would be for the accidental 2nd application or for a rejection following the WG?

Hey may i ask when you applied and when did you get the wg invite? Thanks!

 

[Amgrad]

For

Just wondering how’s a 20 score on amberjack with the highest verbal intellect. Is that good enough?

For Simmons yes, it's above average, but for others with 4-5 pillars is a deficient score.

 

[Bbhu19]

One of the more confusing ones I’ve ever taken…I didn’t like their WG. I thought it would be like a conventional one, but it threw me off — especially the evaluating arguments one that separated each answer by the strength of the argument? I’ve never come across that before, especially because it didn’t really describe how we’re meant to evaluate the strength of an argument…definitely an interesting one. Wby?

I agree it was a little wierd, the way it just transitioned between sectors is kind of threw me off

 

[Bbhu19]

Just wondering how’s a 20 score on amberjack with the highest verbal intellect. Is that good enough?

Is it out of 36 or 27

 

[anon78365222111]

Is it out of 36 or 27

36, passed last year with 26 not sure how I went down by 6 this year might be cooked. Last year got mid verbal and this year got high hoping it carries me

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

For

For Simmons yes, it's above average, but for others with 4-5 pillars is a deficient score.

Just out of curiosity, what would you say is a good score to achieve?

 

[user55998384]

hello @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu : for my fieldfisher application i have these 2 qs and i was just wondering how to go about structuring them as i feel like they overlap a bit: Describe the personal event or experience than made you realise your desire to work in a law firm - specifically at Fieldfisher (800 characters)

Describe the personal life experiences that have given you the unique perspective you would bring to an insight scheme + how this perspective will support your success (800 characters)

 

[Donuttime]

Oh I probably just didn't do that well then I thought it was pretty straight forward too...

I wouldnt say you should rule yourself out, like I said im not sure how the invites are sent

 

[Bbhu19]

36, passed last year with 26 not sure how I went down by 6 this year might be cooked. Last year got mid verbal and this year got high hoping it carries me

Oh is it the Weil test?

 

[Donuttime]

Anyone heard back from RPC after online assessments?

 

[anon78365222111]

Oh is it the Weil test?

Nah was Bakers

 

[Trophy]

Just out of curiosity, what would you say is a good score to achieve?

I’d say anything above 24 is in good steed I’ve scored 30 before and made AC for a firm I’ve also scored 28 and not made AC.

But it’s subjective as you can have high verbal but a low verbal intellect score 🤔

 

[Lawlawland]

Might be a silly question but you reckon it’s worth giving them a quick call or email, I don’t think it’s unreasonable given the lack of clarity surrounding the process hahah

Heya! I mailed them about something else and sneaked in this question about the AI internship. Their reply it that is as follows:

"Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applicants can expect to hear back on the AI scheme over the next few weeks as the application window has not yet closed."

So yes, we gotta wait till the deadline 😔

 

[svb risk management intern]

Latham stage 2 test.