TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hanz123]

inbox has never been more dry

 

[jamsparkle]

I have a relatively strong academic background. However, I don't have much work/extracurricular experience and, therefore, I lack good examples for many competencies which firms seek. One consequence of this was that my answers for VI questions about problem solving and "overcoming challenges" were relatively weak. Additionally, I couldn't think of an answer to some application questions which, ultimately, meant that I chose not to apply to many firms I really wanted to (an example which immediately springs to mind is Cooley and their question about "a situation where you have demonstrated initiative").

As somebody who has already graduated, I've come to realise that my next step has to be self-funding the SQE. This isn't ideal. My family doesn't have a lot of money. And, in stark contrast to being a future trainee with an SQE grant (and a sponsored prep course), I've had to accept that I'll be working with some degree of finance-related detriment to my studies. Yet, I recognise how fortunate I am to have my family supporting me through this next step and I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this would be for somebody who isn't receiving any additional support.

At the moment, my ethos is (somewhat ironically) taking initiative. I graduated over a year ago now. I can't keep on applying to firms, hoping that they'll provide me with an opportunity to progress to the next stage of my life. I need to do that myself.

I see people talk about self-funding the SQE after unsuccessful rounds, but does the SQE actually make someone a more attractive candidate for these types of firms? You've mentioned Cooley, Simmons, and Hogan Lovells, but at these sorts of places I'd wager that the saved cost of not having to sponsor you through their exams (if you self-fund the qualifications) is unlikely to move the needle between you and another candidate. Even if it demonstrates resilience/perseverance/etc, I don't think it adds anything to an application that is unique to the SQE and can't be shown through other means (that you don't have to pay for)

With solid academics (as you say), maybe your time would be better spent working on the lack of work experience that you've identified as your issue - whatever it is that is stopping you from advancing through initial application stages, I don't see how the SQE is going to meaningfully change your profile/help your application? Obviously I get that it's frustrating to feel like you've hit a brick wall/that you're not making any progress but if you feel that you're lacking quality experience surely it'd be a better use of your time to try and address this first before rushing into another qualification especially if finances are an issue?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

if a WG invite email says : ‘The test is untimed’ and then no further information about whether time is taken into account, is it safe to say that time is genuinely not taken into account lol. I took 45 minute to complete this particular one

@lawyersum I think generally it’s okay to take as long as you need, however I’m sure they can still see how long you were on the test for - and that your presence was active. So id probably avoid being sat there for hours - just so I don’t look like I’m researching the answers unless they have no objection with this.

 

[RJ Ruban]

Can anyone provide insights into the Akin TI and the Gibson Dunn VI? I’d rly appreciate it.

I can exchange for insights into the following firms:

1: Freshfields stage 1 and 2 (Direct TC)
2: Hogan Lovells stage 1 and 2
3: Milbank stage 1
4: Weil SJT and VI
5: Willkie VI
6: Skadden WE

Can I ask when you applied to Akin? I applied a week before the deadline and haven’t heard anything yet

 

[sadlawyer01]

Milbank stage 2, how selective is it, and what can i expect for it?

 

[Prudentia]

Milbank stage 2, how selective is it, and what can i expect for it?

I think you need to pass the SJT at stage 1. It’s a WG test on steroids.

 

[jamsparkle]

Milbank stage 2, how selective is it, and what can i expect for it?

from the open day, I think it's just sent to everyone who passes stage 1 (excluding the written test if that's stage 1 - these are read before inviting people to AC)

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Milbank stage 2, how selective is it, and what can i expect for it?

If you don’t mind me asking, when did you complete stage 1?

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

I think you need to pass the SJT at stage 1. It’s a WG test on steroids.

Hey what does this mean ? Is it like the Eversheds WG ? Or is it just super time pressured ?

 

[xMontmorency]

I see people talk about self-funding the SQE after unsuccessful rounds, but does the SQE actually make someone a more attractive candidate for these types of firms? You've mentioned Cooley, Simmons, and Hogan Lovells, but at these sorts of places I'd wager that the saved cost of not having to sponsor you through their exams (if you self-fund the qualifications) is unlikely to move the needle between you and another candidate. Even if it demonstrates resilience/perseverance/etc, I don't think it adds anything to an application that is unique to the SQE and can't be shown through other means (that you don't have to pay for)

With solid academics (as you say), maybe your time would be better spent working on the lack of work experience that you've identified as your issue - whatever it is that is stopping you from advancing through initial application stages, I don't see how the SQE is going to meaningfully change your profile/help your application? Obviously I get that it's frustrating to feel like you've hit a brick wall/that you're not making any progress but if you feel that you're lacking quality experience surely it'd be a better use of your time to try and address this first before rushing into another qualification especially if finances are an issue?

Sorry mate gonna have to disagree with you here. SQE can be beneficial for law firm applications because (a) you can enter an earlier trainee intake if they find they have spaces they need to fill and (b) it's an additional opportunity to show that you excel academically. There are no real downsides on the other side.

Even if the SQE doesn't help you get a training contract, it opens up doors to work as a paralegal and qualify without a training contract.

You're going to have to do the SQE one way or another. If you can't find a job rn, it's a really good option. And, if you do get a TC they often reimburse your costs.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

sorry can I ask what does "timed but non-time-restrained WG test" mean? Is it timed or untimed but the time you take will be recorded

Hey @User2640 not sure if this has been answered, but this means that they will record the time it took you but will not set a limit. So you can take as long as you need, but I would encourage you not to take unnecessary time just in case they need to be super competitive with the end pool of candidates and decide to go for those who scored the same but in less time.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hey what does this mean ? Is it like the Eversheds WG ? Or is it just super time pressured ?

if its anything like Freshfields' stage 1 test, I'm cooked lmfao

 

[sadlawyer01]

from the open day, I think it's just sent to everyone who passes stage 1 (excluding the written test if that's stage 1 - these are read before inviting people to AC)

honestly wish they selected based off written answers as well

 

[Prudentia]

Hey what does this mean ? Is it like the Eversheds WG ? Or is it just super time pressured ?

The test itself is very short, but the questions are a lot harder than your average WG. I haven’t done the ES test so can’t comment.

 

[Prudentia]

honestly wish they selected based off written answers as well

It would take them a lot longer to get back to people if they did it that way round. The SJT and WG helps them cut down the number of applications they need to manually review.

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

The test itself is very short, but the questions are a lot harder than your average WG. I haven’t done the ES test so can’t comment.

Thanks for sharing! Was it timed ? ES test had options like Very Strong Argument, Strong Argument, Weak Argument, Very Weak Argument, etc.

 

[c.t.tc]

Love it when a firm can’t send me an email but can stalk me on linkedin…

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

hey afraz hope ur well! @Afraz Akhtar i am self funding the sqe and am doing my sqe1 exams in a week’s time. I feel very underprepared and am thinking about worst case scenarios - if I fail my sqe1 will this impact my future applications? firms all want their candidates to pass on their first go so I’m thinking maybe if I still feel very underprepared closer to the date I should defer and take the next sitting I don’t wanna jeopardise my chances of securing a TC

Hey @startupgeek this was actually one of my key considerations for self-funding. The ability to take control and ease up the pressure that sponsored studies bring. As you are self funding, you are entitled to defer all you want, I deferred all my LPC exams - and I’m glad I did, straight distinctions that couldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Deferrals aren’t usually frowned upon with self studies, and my firm was aware I was currently deferring and it didn’t raise any eyebrows. It’s different when they’re paying for it, because of conditions in your contract.

As for failing, this can usually affect you although it’s not guaranteed. You’ll notice in some applications they ask you if you’ve ever failed an exam, and more so if you’re capped because of one failure. I don’t know much about how each firm approaches this, but it’s a risk I wasn’t prepared to take.

Bottom line, you’re paying for it so you sit it when you’re ready. Good luck!

 

[adh3]

I see people talk about self-funding the SQE after unsuccessful rounds, but does the SQE actually make someone a more attractive candidate for these types of firms? You've mentioned Cooley, Simmons, and Hogan Lovells, but at these sorts of places I'd wager that the saved cost of not having to sponsor you through their exams (if you self-fund the qualifications) is unlikely to move the needle between you and another candidate. Even if it demonstrates resilience/perseverance/etc, I don't think it adds anything to an application that is unique to the SQE and can't be shown through other means (that you don't have to pay for)

With solid academics (as you say), maybe your time would be better spent working on the lack of work experience that you've identified as your issue - whatever it is that is stopping you from advancing through initial application stages, I don't see how the SQE is going to meaningfully change your profile/help your application? Obviously I get that it's frustrating to feel like you've hit a brick wall/that you're not making any progress but if you feel that you're lacking quality experience surely it'd be a better use of your time to try and address this first before rushing into another qualification especially if finances are an issue?

So, to quickly address your point, I'm not expecting the SQE alone to meaningfully change my profile. However, at the moment, many paralegal/legal assistant positions are only available to individuals who have completed the LPC/SQE (or future trainees). Furthermore, I think it's important that I stop the gap in my CV from growing any further: embarking on an SQE prep course is a (relatively) guaranteed way to achieve this. Finally, I'm certain there are various extracurricular initiatives at the institutions offering professional qualification courses which I can use to improve my candidate profile. Ultimately, I am taking (what I deem to be) my best 'next step forward' towards securing a training contract

 

[silonthesofa]

Love it when a firm can’t send me an email but can stalk me on linkedin…

Love this not TW surely?