TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Miles Edgeworth]

I am actually so done with Amberjack, felt so confident about my MDR test only to get 6,3,3,7 on the pillars. I always get high verbal and numerical intellect in all of these but why is it impossible for me to get these pillars right 😭

 

[RJ Ruban]

Any news of P,W for Summer? Have people gotten PFOs for Summer also?

I’ve read on the forum some people have

 

[wqueens8]

Reed Smith AC!!! Had my telephone interview after they couldn’t hear my VI on Friday (23rd). I got 9,4,4,7 and high numerical and verbal. The only space available was February 5th.

Not sure if anybody is Leeds based but also got a Walker Morris AC this morning as well!

Huge congrats!!! I'm presuming this would be for the Spring scheme because of the date, or did they suggest winter could be an option too?

 

[T. Rainee]

hello guys - sorry if this has already been addressed but the chat has been popping off and I'm struggling to keep up lol! I know some Freshfields DTC ACs went out last week, and these were mainly for people that completed stage 2 in Nov, but does anyone know if there has been anything else this week? or has anyone that completed tests in Dec heard back? Thanks !

 

[kim wexler]

I am actually so done with Amberjack, felt so confident about my MDR test only to get 6,3,3,7 on the pillars. I always get high verbal and numerical intellect in all of these but why is it impossible for me to get these pillars right 😭

the mishcon de reya sjt was acc weird idk why, my pillars were high but then my verbal intellect is the mid one. never gotten that before

 

[TCGrad1642]

hello guys - sorry if this has already been addressed but the chat has been popping off and I'm struggling to keep up lol! I know some Freshfields DTC ACs went out last week, and these were mainly for people that completed stage 2 in Nov, but does anyone know if there has been anything else this week? or has anyone that completed tests in Dec heard back? Thanks !

i’m in the same position, i really hope that there will be more for those of us who say the assessment in dec! not seen anything indicating people have been contacted yet so let’s keep our fingers crossed!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

May I ask when did you apply?

I applied 18th December. Received the invited on the 23rd Jan

 

[Jennifer2003]

Huge congrats!!! I'm presuming this would be for the Spring scheme because of the date, or did they suggest winter could be an option too?

I would assume spring but they didn't mention a specific one in the email

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Has anyone who did the Dechert Written Exercise last week got an AC?

 

[hanz123]

general question, but how would someone structure tell us about yourself for a VI or AC @Abbie Whitlock

 

[PFO Final Boss]

the mishcon de reya sjt was acc weird idk why, my pillars were high but then my verbal intellect is the mid one. never gotten that before

What do yall think the good score for Mishcon SJT would be, based off the people’s experiences?

 

[HM_faux]

I am actually so done with Amberjack, felt so confident about my MDR test only to get 6,3,3,7 on the pillars. I always get high verbal and numerical intellect in all of these but why is it impossible for me to get these pillars right 😭

I’m sure you’ll get through! I plan on doing mine tonight but have done no practice tests..

Was the numerical section timed or assessed based on time taken to complete?

 

[HM_faux]

What do yall think the good score for Mishcon SJT would be, based off the people’s experiences?

Seems like anything above 26 would be pretty good but hard to tell until people start getting AC invites!

 

[radssss]

What do yall think the good score for Mishcon SJT would be, based off the people’s experiences?

I saw someone who progressed with a 21/36 and got a ac.

I’m assuming 21 is a safe score and meets the benchmark.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you’re well! I was wondering if you have any tips for presentations (no slides, just speaking). The one I have to do involves a business case and how the firm can add value. If you have any tips on structure, key discussion points to mention or anything else, that would be amazing!! Thank you❤️

Hello!

I'm well, thank you - I hope you are too!

For a presentation that doesn't involve slides, I would say that the main thing is to have a clear and logical structure that makes it easy for the listener to follow your thinking. It might help to treat it like talking a client through your reasoning rather than "presenting".

I'd perhaps structure it as: a brief introduction that sets out the business context and why it matters, then move on to discuss the key issue or opportunity that the client. Then, you can explain what the firm should do and why, making this as specific to the firm that you are at as possible (e.g. discussing their practice areas or expertise in certain areas). You can then focus on how this adds value for the client (e.g. commercially, strategically, long-term, etc.), and finish with a short conclusion that ties all of your advice together.

In terms of content, I would say it is helpful to:

• Show commercial awareness (e.g. highlight the client's objectives, the main risks that they'll face, the possible costs, and the most efficient way of handling any challenges)
• Link your solution to the firm's strengths and their position in the market
• Think beyond pure legal advice (e.g. relationship management or practical steps).

For delivery of the presentation, it always helped me to clearly signpost my points and use a calm and steady pace - I had a tendency to rush my presentations due to fear of public speaking, so trying to pace yourself can really help! The graduate recruitment team will be assessing how you structure your thinking and communicate as much as the answer itself, so I would focus on those aspects as well.

I hope that helps, and best of luck!

 

[Ernesto]

Any more AC invites for Addleshaw Goddard? If so, what location and when did you complete the VI?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I saw someone who progressed with a 21/36 and got a ac.

I’m assuming 21 is a safe score and meets the benchmark.

I got a score of 24. My pillars were 7,4,6,7 and I applied for spring but have yet to hear back post amberjack.

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

I’m sure you’ll get through! I plan on doing mine tonight but have done no practice tests..

Was the numerical section timed or assessed based on time taken to complete?

All it said was that it checks the time taken for your responses purely for fairness checks (seeing if you have any outlier answers and such).

 

[lelezb1]

Can I use my last cycle's answer (verbatim) for the same question this year? It is about my interests outside of work/education/law. I made it to the next stage previously.
Any insights on this would be helpful. @Abbie Whitlock

 

[TCGrad1642]

I got a score of 24. My pillars were 7,4,6,7 and I applied for spring but have yet to hear back post amberjack.

My score was 23 and I am also yet to hear back. Interesting. Let’s keep hoping!