TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hawkins19]

has anyone on here ever been convinced they failed a written assessment (ran out of time) and still made it to AC?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Interesting morning, just completed my AG VI, after my CMS VI froze due to my internet connection. Didn’t let that setback hold me back from the other VI I needed to do.

I have since emailed CMS, and asked for the VI to be reset, so hopefully they get back to me on Monday. Also called the technical helpline who have emailed the recruiter.

 

[Vakil]

has anyone on here ever been convinced they failed a written assessment (ran out of time) and still made it to AC?

From my experience (and conversations with others who have landed TCs) the written assessment is not something that can on its own entirely eliminate you from contention.

It’s marked on several factors, in an attempt to gauge comparable skills of a potential trainee.

Things like: Can the candidate handle the time pressure? Can they complete a relatively complete and well structured email/memo. Are there glaring spelling and grammar issues? Can they follow instructions given in the assessment? Did they hand it in on time and in the correct format? How many legal/commercial issues did they attempt to extract?

I’ve done a few of these now and it has always stressed me out too, thinking back on how I did. What helps me is to just remind myself I did my best given the circumstances, and that assessors know it won’t and isn’t supposed to be perfect.

 

[Amen.daniel]

My link was in the invite email

Ok thanks

 

[Sharkfin]

Ok thanks

Im about to sit mine, but I cant find the link either - I went on allhires and I havent been assigned anything?

 

[Lawlawland]

Anyone know whether the RPC online assessment includes VI?

Does anyone know if Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has changed its critical thinking test to WG?
Also does anyone know if the new RPC assessment includes VI?

Does anyone know if the RPC oa includes a vi?

Hey! Can anyone confirm if the new RPC assessment has a VI or not?

 

[marisachr]

When did you complete the TI?

Over 1.5 month ago for the London office!

 

[scoffee]

Does anyone know what kinds of questions Dentons asks in their VI (motivational, competency etc)?

Hey, it was a bit of a mix of both! I would say there was nothing that was a complete curveball as long as you've done good research of the firm and its values, and the unlimited prep time does help ease the nerves a little bit. Best of luck!

 

[c.t.tc]

From my experience (and conversations with others who have landed TCs) the written assessment is not something that can on its own entirely eliminate you from contention.

It’s marked on several factors, in an attempt to gauge comparable skills of a potential trainee.

Things like: Can the candidate handle the time pressure? Can they complete a relatively complete and well structured email/memo. Are there glaring spelling and grammar issues? Can they follow instructions given in the assessment? Did they hand it in on time and in the correct format? How many legal/commercial issues did they attempt to extract?

I’ve done a few of these now and it has always stressed me out too, thinking back on how I did. What helps me is to just remind myself I did my best given the circumstances, and that assessors know it won’t and isn’t supposed to be perfect.

I second this! Also every firm does things differently so it’s easy to drive yourself insane overthinking it (which I’m definitely guilty of doing) and best to just put it out of mind until you actually know whether you’re moving forward or not! Firms will look at things holistically and one thing going wrong like running out of time won’t be what takes you out by itself, so try not to beat yourself up about it too much. If your written piece is incredible but just not quite finished there’s a good chance you’re still be considered!

 

[jamieclarke]

Ok I know there has been a lot of speculation re Mishcon. I can confirm that the SJT has been sent to everybody regardless of whether they even completed it.

I know this because I submitted an app, did not complete the test within 7 days (well I started it, thought it was horrific, and just ditched it), and then re-applied on a new e-mail (was not that bed in the end). I am 100% sure of this.

 

[Vakil]

Ok I know there has been a lot of speculation re Mishcon. I can confirm that the SJT has been sent to everybody regardless of whether they even completed it.

I know this because I submitted an app, did not complete the test within 7 days (well I started it, thought it was horrific, and just ditched it), and then re-applied on a new e-mail (was not that bed in the end). I am 100% sure of this.

It could be that grad rec decided they couldn’t make decision on the chat bot interview alone, and will combine it with the SJT to make a holistic decision?

 

[jamieclarke]

It could be that grad rec decided they couldn’t make decision on the chat bot interview alone, and will combine it with the SJT to make a holistic decision?

I have no idea. The SJT was always part of the process though. Shambolic regardless.

 

[abc124]

Ok I know there has been a lot of speculation re Mishcon. I can confirm that the SJT has been sent to everybody regardless of whether they even completed it.

I know this because I submitted an app, did not complete the test within 7 days (well I started it, thought it was horrific, and just ditched it), and then re-applied on a new e-mail (was not that bed in the end). I am 100% sure of this.

Wait so the first time you applied you ditched the test, then you reapplied on a new email and then didn’t complete the test again and got sent the sjt?

 

[Vakil]

I have no idea. The SJT was always part of the process though. Shambolic regardless.

Agreed. All of this show there has been a serious deviation from what applicant were told would be the process. It’s unfortunate because they did make a big deal and took lots of pride in the press about their innovative chatbot interview. In the end it’s clear that it was a bust. Also don’t like they trialed this AI on clearly vulnerable and stressed applicants. It should have been tested more.

 

[hawkins19]

@c.t.tc @Vakil - thank you so much, super kind and helpful!!!

 

[Laur2cj]

DM me if anyone has any insight into the CMS VI please? Also does anyone know how much prep time you get?

 

[jamieclarke]

Wait so the first time you applied you ditched the test, then you reapplied on a new email and then didn’t complete the test again and got sent the sjt?

I applied and then ditched the test. I reapplied and then fully competed the test.

 

[abc124]

I applied and then ditched the test. I reapplied and then fully competed the test.

Ohh so do you mean you got the SJT for both apps?

 

[jamieclarke]

Ohh so do you mean you got the SJT for both apps?

Correct.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Ok I know there has been a lot of speculation re Mishcon. I can confirm that the SJT has been sent to everybody regardless of whether they even completed it.

I know this because I submitted an app, did not complete the test within 7 days (well I started it, thought it was horrific, and just ditched it), and then re-applied on a new e-mail (was not that bed in the end). I am 100% sure of this.

wait yk on mishcon’s app portal u can see whether it says “completed” under the online assessment tab? have u check the status there? cz if it says completed then it’s obvious they’ve glitched out