TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[JasmineM9]

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

Hello! It takes 24hrs to receive the feedback report so I would wait a little longer 😊

 

[Sharkfin]

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

Same, I reckon they'll send it thru sometime today / tomorrow (I hope!)

 

[BM99]

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

Took 24 hours for me to receive the feedback report but less than 24 hours to receive stage 2 invite.

 

[Mara]

@BM99 @JasmineM9 Thank you sm both!!

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone still waiting to receive the Weil SJT and VI test? I submitted my application in November, and i am still waiting

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Applied to Freshfields October 19th, received and completed stage 1 October 19th, received stage 2 November 6th and completed November 8th. Was called to AC November 28th. They told me they're running 5 ACs of 6-7 people per AC in December (mine is the 3rd AC, held this Thursday) and 2 in January, but this might just be for the specific summer scheme I applied for (20 July 2026 - 7 August 2026) and not for both. And I did include extra-curriculars in the work experience section! I found stage 2 really hard, and honestly didn't think I would be called to AC at all (I literally didn't watch the video tutorial as I assumed all video questions would be in that section, so when I inevitably was faced with a VI, I waffled incoherently for 30 seconds and then didn't know how to end the video lol.) So don't lose hope!

Ok well I completed my application a month after you did and I sent off my stage 2 assessment days before you were invited to AC, so by that logic I should expect to hear back towards the end of this month.

 

[zdzd]

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

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?

 

[testing123]

Hello, did anyone hear back from White & Case re vac scheme? i havent done stage 2 VI, so not sure if i should assume a rejection, or if its just taking a bit longer.

 

[Donuttime]

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

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

 

[Gr33ntea]

Does anyone know when Mishcon is aiming to get back to people for Spring?

They said 2-4 weeks post the closing date for applications, so I think earliest will be this friday 😬

 

[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...

 

[2ndCycle74]

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?

 

[anon78365222111]

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