• TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Did not realise that Milbank's WE does not allow copy/pasting. I drafted everything on google docs; blindsided without enough time to transpose everything I wrote. Still managed to get a strong paragraph down for Q1, but am unsure if they auto reject single paragraph answers or <150 word answers. (250 cap for reference). Sigh.

Thought I wrote a very strong answer too; what a waste, what a waste...
 
I got 32/36 on the pillars for Mayer Brown's amberjack test but medium for Applied Verbal Intellect. Is that likely a PFO because surely that is really important.
Bruh you scored well above average and you’re worried you may get a rejection?

It’s important but it’s not that deep I’ve scored medium verbal and got lower overall score and progressed to AC.
 
Bruh you scored well above average and you’re worried you may get a rejection?

It’s important but it’s not that deep I’ve scored medium verbal and got lower overall score and progressed to AC.
Thanks for letting me know thats reassuring. I have never done an AC or passed a law firm test stage before so was worried because someone told me if I get medium I am likely to be rejected.
 
Thanks for letting me know thats reassuring. I have never done an AC or passed a law firm test stage before so was worried because someone told me if I get medium I am likely to be rejected.
if it makes you feel better, I scored medium on numerical reasoning and still got through somehow - so don't fret too much!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • 🏆
Reactions: Sophia L
Bruh you scored well above average and you’re worried you may get a rejection?

It’s important but it’s not that deep I’ve scored medium verbal and got lower overall score and progressed to AC.
Hi, sorry if a stupid question, but have you progressed to AC with them this cycle? I applied on Oct 1st and haven't heard back post test!
 
I got 32/36 on the pillars for Mayer Brown's amberjack test but medium for Applied Verbal Intellect. Is that likely a PFO because surely that is really important.
Teach me your ways, you should be given the vac scheme simply for getting that score 😭😭 I’ve changed my amberjack strategy multiple times and at least one pillar ALWAYS goes wrong lol

Anyway you’re definitely more than fine, my friend got mid both verbal and numerical and managed to get AC with a different law firm. I’ve also kinda researched it and reached the conclusion that the verbal/numerical intellect part doesn’t help or hurt you in a meaningful way (unless you get low in both)
 
  • Like
Reactions: EL2003
Teach me your ways, you should be given the vac scheme simply for getting that score 😭😭 I’ve changed my amberjack strategy multiple times and at least one pillar ALWAYS goes wrong lol

Anyway you’re definitely more than fine, my friend got mid both verbal and numerical and managed to get AC with a different law firm. I’ve also kinda researched it and reached the conclusion that the verbal/numerical intellect part doesn’t help or hurt you in a meaningful way (unless you get low in both)
I wish hahaha

I was getting extremely poor scores on SJTs so I spent hours researching how to be better. I started noticing patterns and after hours and hours of research I developed a better understanding of what to prioritise and when its appropriate to go to a supervisor etc. My score also improved because I stopped worry too much about the pillars. Before I would focus on one and get a high score in that but it would reduce my score in the others because I was too focused on that instead of just thinking about what is the most appropriate thing to do in each situation.
 

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.