TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

If a video interview is monitored to ensure it’s completed “independently and unaided”, is it generally acceptable to make brief notes from the question and my own ideas during the preparation/reading time (e.g. to structure my answer), provided the notes are made from memory and not from any external materials? The prep time is unlimited.

Hey!

Generally, yes - making brief notes during the preparation / reading time is acceptable unless the firm explicitly says otherwise. In previous VIs, I have used the preparation time to structure my thoughts on paper, and I haven't ran into issues with this. "Independently and unaided" is usually aimed at preventing candidates from using external help (e.g. other people, pre-written scripts, websites, or AI), not at stopping you from jotting down a few structure points.

As long as the notes are made during the prep time, they're based only on the question and your own ideas, and you're not reading from a pre-prepared script or external materials, then this is typically fine and very common practice.

I would just make sure to check the specific VI instructions carefully - some platforms explicitly allow note-taking, while a few may ask you not to. If it's not prohibited, brief bullet-point notes for structure are generally understood and acceptable.

Best of luck with the VI!

 

[Z1234]

It’s similar to stage 1 in terms of situational judgement questions. You’ll then be asked follow up questions at the end of each section; video interview style. There’s also a short untimed written task 😊.

Sorry if this has been covered, but I can't find information on the types of questions. Were any of the VI follow-up questions motivational? Or, strictly about the section/situational?

 

[James Wakefield]

Any tips for preparing for Freshfields stage 2 would be great, thanks! ☺🙏

 

[Jennifer2003]

Does anyone know if there’s been Hogan Lovells AC invites for summer yet?

 

[James Wakefield]

Any tips for preparing for Freshfields stage 2 would be great, thanks! ☺🙏

Is the VI all strengths-based? Thanks! ☺️

 

[plsgivemetc]

just completed the Ashurst test, it's like Latham's first stage test but much much longer (the personality slider thing and ordering ABCD based on what you would most likely do and least likely do). it has WG at the end similar difficulty to Latham's second stage WG, it's not split into different sections like Latham's test but you can go back to your previous answers. if you've done Latham's test i would say just go for it and do Ashurst's asap, don't waste time preparing for it it's really not needed in my opinion

 

[applicant3000]

just completed the Ashurst test, it's like Latham's first stage test but much much longer (the personality slider thing and ordering ABCD based on what you would most likely do and least likely do). it has WG at the end similar difficulty to Latham's second stage WG, it's not split into different sections like Latham's test but you can go back to your previous answers. if you've done Latham's test i would say just go for it and do Ashurst's asap, don't waste time preparing for it it's really not needed in my opinion

This is such detailed, helpful advice. Thank you!

 

[boots pharmacy]

AO Shearman's practice test correct answer has opened my eyes a lot: To show adaptability, you need to ask your colleague to help you out first. I was always under the impression that it would indicate a lack of initiative and trying to push your work on others

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

 

[londonlawyer]

People applying to Kirkland, could you please tell me if you're answering the open question at the end? "Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your application?"

I've just noticed this and not sure whether they are expecting an answer

 

[yk1906]

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

They sent me the link alongside the test, I'm pretty sure!

 

[yk1906]

People applying to Kirkland, could you please tell me if you're answering the open question at the end? "Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your application?"

I've just noticed this and not sure whether they are expecting an answer

I didn't... I added lots of details to my CV. But better ask someone who progressed to later stages, as I submitted the app yesterday!

 

[Harvey Specter]

For those that have completed the Weil test, were you required to have your camera turned on during the assessment (SJT section)?​

 

[Harvey Specter]

Is the VI all strengths-based? Thanks! ☺️

I haven’t done mine yet because Freshfields are taking their sweet time with adjustments but the early careers person that I spoke to a few weeks ago said it was mostly strengths-based but that there would also be a motivational question too, so I would prepare for both tbh.​

 

[trainee4u]

Hey guys I know this is quite late but I'm confused - I'm trying to figure out if the Autumn budget truly led to high tax rises? income tax didn't increase. there is fiscal drag but this affects individuals and high earners. from my understanding businesses are not affected significantly from the budget, with the only changes being to min wage, capital allowance relief and more compliance requirements. Would the dividends tax increase be problematic? I'm not sure what to make of this from a business POV. Would love some help!

Not really - the 2024 Budget was one of the worst budgets in history with the punishing attack on big employers such as supermarkets who went from paying £0 NI on part-time workers to hundreds of pounds each.

There is also the issue of Business Rates where particularly hospitality businesses were getting huge rate relief during covid and there are changes but again this is probably the last Budget. There's also carried interest, again the last budget.

This one was pretty dull, just more of the same, the fiscal drag is an issue and you also have salary sacrifice, and the fact that it's often a bad idea to go over£100k salary due to insane tax levels, so I suppose this exacerbates that, but it's not necessarily the kind of "commercial issue" in the way that the last Budget would inevitably harm business and determine employment. just more of a "we are permanently governed by idiots" issue.

The issue of dividends also doesn't come in for several years, so there is the point that specifically entrepreneurs have gone from paying much lower taxes than employees 10+ years ago to now higher taxes, but I'm not sure if it's particularly important..

 

[Amgrad]

For those that have completed the Weil test, were you required to have your camera turned on during the assessment (SJT section)?​

Yea, but Amberjack only check you in the beginning, it doesn't record you.

 

[elle woods]

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

SJT

assessment.weareamberjack.com

if the link doesn't work , just search up A&O Shearman Practice test and it will lead you to an article about Dos and Don'ts - if you scroll to the bottom bottom of the page there's a line saying "we've created a practice test for you" or something, and the link is there!

 

[svb risk management intern]

I like that A&OS say that one of the options is the most effective, at least they're becoming honest that an SJT is about getting the most effective answer as opposed to a personality questionnaire.

 

[tcla02]

i will be taking the mayer brown OA tomorrow. their deadline is 15th 11.59 pm and they operate on a rolling basis. i know someone here said that they passed the assessment but the firm stopped reviewing apps. i am quite anxious this will happen to me since i will be submitting so close to deadline. is that something i should be concerned about?

 

[boots pharmacy]

SJT

assessment.weareamberjack.com

if the link doesn't work , just search up A&O Shearman Practice test and it will lead you to an article about Dos and Don'ts - if you scroll to the bottom bottom of the page there's a line saying "we've created a practice test for you" or something, and the link is there!

Thank you!!

 

[elle woods]

i will be taking the mayer brown OA tomorrow. their deadline is 15th 11.59 pm and they operate on a rolling basis. i know someone here said that they passed the assessment but the firm stopped reviewing apps. i am quite anxious this will happen to me since i will be submitting so close to deadline. is that something i should be concerned about?

oh... I was planning on submitting my application like tomorrow LOL so I'm even later than you