TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[KuriTH]

Can those who got bakers VI pls share what the score on their lowest SJT pillar was🙏🏻

Im never going to understand whether with amberjack it’s an overall benchmark or whether there’s a minimum requirement on each individual section haha

I scored around 85% in Applied Verbal Intellect this year. My Success Pillars were:
Grit: 7/9
Applied Intellect: 4/9
Creative Force: 9/9
Digital Mindset: 7/9

For context, I reached the 2025 summer vac scheme AC last year. Applied Verbal Intellect was again around 85%, and my Success Pillars then were:
Grit: 4/9
Applied Intellect: 7/9
Creative Force: 7/9
Digital mindset: 6/9

I don't think its a minimum and that they still look at your application holistically. I have some work experience in non-law but related fields so that has probably helped me.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Oof, Perkins rejection already. that was a quick one :' )

Omg I’m waiting also, going to 🤢

 

[KuriTH]

I submitted my VI on the 19th of December. If people are submitting theirs later and getting ACs I think I just need to take the hint. Don’t think it’s over for you lot yet though.

I think bakers does theirs non-rolling. Also, don't give up. I'm applying to law after having graduate work experience in journalism/diplomacy

 

[Chelsea101]

eversheds manchester AC

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Vac scheme

are you non-law? just wondering as i'm interviewing there too but not until end of jan!

 

[Indigo71]

Is it likely that everyone hears back today for Baker McKenzie ?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Is it likely that everyone hears back today for Baker McKenzie ?

At this point, who knows😭

 

[oliviabeijing]

Was there a numerical intellect bit as well?

I didn't have one and I applied for spring Vac

 

[oliviabeijing]

when did you do the SJT

I think on the 13th of Dec. Unlucky for some, maybe I should have done it on a different day!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Guys, is it safe to assume Eversheds london PFO, if I did my VI on the 19th of Dec?

 

[Saul_specter]

are you non-law? just wondering as i'm interviewing there too but not until end of jan!

God I still haven’t heard back, applied in late November close to deadline but looks like PFO then

 

[Dannie]

hey guys for jones day video interview would you suggest avoiding trump-related news stories or topics? just bc in the US the firm is doing quite some work for the trump admin...

 

[Dannie]

has links sent out all their acs for spring vac ?

 

[RJ Ruban]

AG voice interview any insight would be great!

Happy to help with Reed Smith VI, FF stage 2, CMS VI

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

has links sent out all their acs for spring vac ?

Links is known to send ACs in batches through to February! So fingers crossed🤞🤞🤞

 

[flamingocelot]

has anyone heard back from Withers after the SJT? Its been months

I was given an invitation to interview two days after my Withers SJT. That was the beginning of December I imagine if you haven't heard anything yet, no news is good news

 

[llblawstudent]

hey guys for jones day video interview would you suggest avoiding trump-related news stories or topics? just bc in the US the firm is doing quite some work for the trump admin...

Generally speaking I tend to avoid anything political in apps because you never know how it’ll be perceived . Also imo their London office is mired in the trump stuff a lot less than their US ones, so I’m not sure how well it would be taken regardless of the stance you take. The exception for me are the Trump tariffs which I talk a lot about because that is a genuine commercial news story with a lot of implications for different practice areas. Perhaps if you link it to the commercial impact (eg the impact of the events in Venezuela on investor confidence?)

As an aside, do you happen to know the rough JD interview to AC conversion rates as I’ve been told various things but not sure?

 

[lawyer48205]

anyone else apply around the deadline for Clyde & Co and still not gotten the online assessment?

 

[floral.tcla]

has anyone heard from gowling wlg post-vi?

 

[nansies]

Just got Links AC email! Does anyone who's done it in the past have tips on how to prepare?

If helpful, this is for the Spring VS. I applied and completed the tests in early Dec, but I don't know my % as I never asked. The AC dates are all next week but, based on the wording of the email, it looks like they'll be running more ACs later on