TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TheLegalEdit]

I just completed my Reed Smith VI and I literally want to cry, I feel like I’ve done terrible really had my hopes set on this firm and I feel defeated. Just got my feedback now but I’m not sure what to make of it. Any advice going forward would be appreciated because I just want to give up now

 

[Vasil2004]

Does anyone have an insight to the Hogan Lovells tests? I can help with NRF VI, Milbank tests, Weil VI, Freshfields Stage 2, HSF and White & Case ACs

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I just completed my Reed Smith VI and I literally want to cry, I feel like I’ve done terrible really had my hopes set on this firm and I feel defeated. Just got my feedback now but I’m not sure what to make of it. Any advice going forward would be appreciated because I just want to give up now

I struggle mainly with the VI, the first question I ran out of time to answer it well, the others I feel I did better but I was mentally so shaken from the first question I did have to have a quick cry after doing it lol. I believe the others I answered well but I’m just so anxious now. Has anyone else had a bad VI and had luck and success with still progressing?

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Those who've done the Reed Smith VI, your insights would be much appreciated!

 

[maylawwww]

How did you find the critical thining test?

it was so much harder than other ones i have done— but i did the tw test like the day before (which is exactly the same) so i think that def benefitted me. i passed both and id say just spend a lot of time on the practice site they send u- I think i did all of the mock tests a couple times!

 

[Wagamamas]

Those who've done the Reed Smith VI, your insights would be much appreciated!

4 questions unlimited prep.

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hey!

Whilst I'm not too sure on all the considerations they make, I scored 25 overall in my Reed Smith SJT so I'd say that there definitely is still a chance based on your scores!

Is 20 too low then?

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Did anyone else get a holding email from Gibson Dunn?

 

[Elsie07777]

Has anyone heard from SH? Are test invites sent after the deadline or have I been PFO’d lol

I am wondering the same thing!

 

[Shae]

Skadden and Sullivan & Cromwell PFO

sull crom rejection?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Did anyone else get a holding email from Gibson Dunn?

what does the holding email read ? thanks

 

[Harvey Specter]

what does the holding email read ? thanks

Dear [insert name],

“Thank you for your application for a place on the Gibson Dunn Vacation Scheme and for completing our online Capptivate Law Assessment. Following the completion of your assessment you will be sent a feedback report. Please note, this will not be sent instantly and may take a few days to arrive in your inbox. Please be assured that we have received your assessment results unless we get in touch to state otherwise.

We just wanted to let you know that we will be reviewing your application and assessment results and will be in touch as soon as we have further updates. As you are aware our programmes are highly competitive so please do bear with us.”

Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

International Graduate Recruitment & Development Team at Gibson Dunn.​

 

[KuriTH]

A couple questions on the format of the NRF VI (people are understandably cagey about sharing past questions):

1. From what I understand, there is unlimited time to prepare, and we can re-record all answers. Is this correct? Are we marked on preparation time?

2. Also does anyone know many questions there are? Is it 5?

Any pointers greatly appreciated.

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Those who've done the Reed Smith VI, your insights would be much appreciated!

@Harvey Specter & @Wagamamas, drop the Tyrion Lannister cackle. That mischievous, wine-drunk laugh is scaring everyone off; nobody’s going to help me if you continue like this!

 

[Wagamamas]

@Harvey Specter & @Wagamamas, drop the Tyrion Lannister cackle. That mischievous, wine-drunk laugh is scaring everyone off; nobody’s going to help me if you continue like this!

Sowwy leader, hope you get your insights 🤪

 

[Harvey Specter]

@Harvey Specter & @Wagamamas, drop the Tyrion Lannister cackle. That mischievous, wine-drunk laugh is scaring everyone off; nobody’s going to help me if you continue like this!

My bad boss. I hope you receive your insights and go on to secure the Reed Smith TC.​

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

4 questions unlimited prep.

Thank you so much!

 

[floral.tcla]

happy New Year’s eve eve everyone…

has anyone else completed dla piper’s voice interview?
would really appreciate any advice from mods on answering motivational questions in a voice interview when you’ve already answered them at the written stage - is this essentially the chance to deliver that but while showing your voice and personality?
also for some context in the invite email, it says it’s around 15 mins long but the booking suggestion says 30 mins (and also at this stage they don’t want you to ask questions at the end). This is a lot of extra time lol so unsure what to make of it😅

 

[BatmanBeyond]

Anyone still waiting for Milbank stage 2 test, did stage 1 weeks ago

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is 20 too low then?

Hey!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure if there is a benchmark or what that would be! It's likely that the firm will look at your VI and SJT holistically and make a determination based on them both, so I would try not to worry too much about the individual score