TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WillKitchen]

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

I just completed it this afternoon. No VI involved.

 

[Lawlawland]

I just completed it this afternoon. No VI involved.

Thank you!
Just out of curiosity, if you would like to share... How did you approach the application question? It's unfortunately so broad to answer within 250 words...

 

[BealMcAlly]

My interpretation of the MDR situation is that...

They are gonna use the chat answers, but that won't be the only criteria. The only change they must have done right now is that, the SJT is will not be selective.

They would use the application, chat interview content and then the SJT together to filter out the applicants.

Why they made the change?
We would never know

My thing is that they were very explicit that the SJT would be selective. If they changed the process they should be transparent and update all applicants.

Dunno, say something about the volume of applications and needing to filter more.

 

[llblawstudent]

I'm writing my application as I lurk here

I'll be submitting today

Good luck! Btw I remember you saying you also did Simmons AI, any word back now the deadline is passed? I’ve had silence and so have all the others ik that have applief

 

[Lawlawland]

Good luck! Btw I remember you saying you also did Simmons AI, any word back now the deadline is passed? I’ve had silence and so have all the others ik that have applief

Same situation. When I met them in October, I remember them saying that they would send out invites before the Christmas break but IDK how accurate that would be, as the number of applications would have changed.

But one thing in sure about is that, they will confirm the AI internship before the Vac Scheme (as this starts early, and does not have an accessment centre).

 

[anon78365222111]

I’ve come to the conclusion that no one has done Bakers VI because so many questions from everyone and not one answer

 

[WillKitchen]

Thank you!
Just out of curiosity, if you would like to share... How did you approach the application question? It's unfortunately so broad to answer within 250 words...

I made it very personal, of course. I emphasised that sense of "authenticity" / being "real" which is highlighted as part of the firm's working culture. My summary included evidence drawn from my previous career to show that I was a risk-taker, ambitious, drawn to complex global litigation and regulatory work, and had exposure to the firm through LawCareersNet. My background as a media and communications lecturer meant that I could also bring relevant sector expertise.

I don't think they'd expect much more than that, given the word limit. But it did the job!

 

[BealMcAlly]

I’ve come to the conclusion that no one has done Bakers VI because so many questions from everyone and not one answer

Probably trying to be fair and not give too much away or they haven't done it yet. How long is the window they give to complete the VIs ?

 

[CuriousLawStudent]

Hi everyone, I have been frantically looking through the Mishcon de Reya job board for the online assessment, but when I clicked the link, Bright Apply said it's closed? I thought the email instructions were to complete the interview within seven days?

 

[Lawlawland]

I made it very personal, of course. I emphasised that sense of "authenticity" / being "real" which is highlighted as part of the firm's working culture. My summary included evidence drawn from my previous career to show that I was a risk-taker, ambitious, drawn to complex global litigation and regulatory work, and had exposure to the firm through LawCareersNet. My background as a media and communications lecturer meant that I could also bring relevant sector expertise.

I don't think they'd expect much more than that, given the word limit. But it did the job!

This is really helpful to ideate and frame a suitable answer for the question. Thank you.

Best luck with the application. I attended their Insights day, so feel free to reach out to me if you progress to the next stage, happy to help

 

[WillKitchen]

feel free to reach out to me if you progress to the next stage, happy to help

Thank you very much - I'll definitely be in touch if they ask me back for the next step.

Best of luck!

 

[dreamer]

Anybody heard from PwC for the legal vac schemes yet?

Hi mate, have you heard back? Could you kindly share your experience? Thanks. I have an invitation for the online assessment.

 

[WillKitchen]

Quite a lot of workplace situational judgement questions: sliders, arranging responses in order of preference, and a brief logical thinking test. There are also 5 non-assessed questions at the end asking for either-or responses about what kind for work you would like to find at RPC, e.g. litigation or regulatory. They say to allow 45 mins to complete the whole thing, which is probably quite accurate.

No video element, and no maths questions!

 

[anon78365222111]

Probably trying to be fair and not give too much away or they haven't done it yet. How long is the window they give to complete the VIs ?

I mean I don’t think asking if the questions are 2 mins or 3 mins is against the fairness of the process

 

[BealMcAlly]

I mean I don’t think asking if the questions are 2 mins or 3 mins is against the fairness of the process

Yeah I get you, just playing devil's advocate on why some people may be reserved.

 

[anon78365222111]

Yeah I get you, just playing devil's advocate on why some people may be reserved.

Yeah for sure and also the deadline is 23rd so it’s coming up soon will probably do it tomorrow or Monday

 

[Trophy]

Cleary – "To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability. We normally expect candidates to be on course to attain a high 2.1 degree or better from a leading university and to have achieved at least AAA at A-Level or the equivalent."​

Surely it is not right to only be successful if you go to a leading university! So it is a guarantee that anyone that falls outside of this but meets the grade requirement will be rejected?​

 

[Lawlawland]

"If your life had a mascot, what would it look like and what would it cheer for?"

I am curious to know what mascots people would come up with for this question

 

[Lawlife5]

Cleary – "To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability. We normally expect candidates to be on course to attain a high 2.1 degree or better from a leading university and to have achieved at least AAA at A-Level or the equivalent."​

Surely it is not right to only be successful if you go to a leading university! So it is a guarantee that anyone that falls outside of this but meets the grade requirement will be rejected?​

That is so off-putting...