TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I feel like Amberjack scores are all over the place regardless. Genuinely hate it so much. Would much rather do the world’s hardest WG than an Amberjack😭

Cappfinity >> Amberjack >> HSF SJT >> WGs >> NRF Arctic Shores >> Ropes Thrive test. Idk if I’ve missed any but these are my rankings atm.​

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Cappfinity >> Amberjack >> HSF SJT >> WGs >> NRF Arctic Shores >> Ropes Thrive test. Idk if I’ve missed any but these are my rankings atm.​

The OC tests have to be near the bottom. Iykyk. Hellish

 

[Lamosophia4]

Cappfinity >> Amberjack >> HSF SJT >> WGs >> NRF Arctic Shores >> Ropes Thrive test. Idk if I’ve missed any but these are my rankings atm.​

I agree I havent done the last 2 though so I dont know too much about those ones

 

[axk323]

Arnold and porter PFO post interview. My last one for this cycle. Oh well at least I've managed to get one vac scheme. Hopefully I can convert it

 

[ellamai0]

Anyone heard from Mayer Brown post AC for summer?
Idk how long to expect now that ACs have concluded

We were told 2-3 weeks post AC. The wait is awful lol.

 

[trainee4u]

Cappfinity >> Amberjack >> HSF SJT >> WGs >> NRF Arctic Shores >> Ropes Thrive test. Idk if I’ve missed any but these are my rankings atm.​

haven't done Thrive.

You don't mention Neuroshight, which is 100x worse than the already hateful Arctic Shores.

 

[rachl_shep]

Anyone have an idea of when we can expect to hear back for the Slaughter and May Innovation competition?

 

[Lawlawland]

Hey guys! It has been a while!
I hope you are all doing well...

I want your thoughts on the following.
Simmons has asked me to write a small introduction paragraph, which will be shared with fellow schemers and the seniors at the firm. I would like some advice on whether to write it in the first person and on what tone to use. TIA <3

 

[SNA99]

Hey!

We have a list here on TCLA for Direct TC applications - you can find it here!

Thanks so much

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Did anyone else find the SH amberjack so hard or is it just me? I found it much harder than other amberjacks I have done

were the video questions hard?

 

[EL2003]

were the video questions hard?

No

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Did anyone else find the SH amberjack so hard or is it just me? I found it much harder than other amberjacks I have done

yes. what in actual tarnation was that. i am traumatised and it took me like 62410-1489134 years. good NIGJHT

 

[EL2003]

yes. what in actual tarnation was that. i am traumatised and it took me like 62410-1489134 years. good NIGJHT

SAME took me hours just to get medium applied intellect and numerical intellect. PFO incoming 😍

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

The Browne Jacobson test felt like I was being assessed by a firm bigger than Kirkland and Latham combined! Three 500-word written responses blended into an Amberjack, what was that for?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

The Browne Jacobson test felt like I was being assessed by a firm bigger than Kirkland and Latham combined! Three 500-word written responses blended into an Amberjack, what was that for?

I found the Amberjack harder than usual (and it felt like there were way more questions too!), and the written questions were an absolute killer!! To think there’s a telephone interview AND an AC after this stage…

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

I found the Amberjack harder than usual (and it felt like there were way more questions too!), and the written questions were an absolute killer!! To think there’s a telephone interview AND an AC after this stage…

I agree with you. I didn't understand the indicators in their report (clients, firm & people). Oh wow, a telephone interview? Doesn't matter anyway, expecting PFO after that amberjack

 

[boots pharmacy]

Hey guys! It has been a while!
I hope you are all doing well...

I want your thoughts on the following.
Simmons has asked me to write a small introduction paragraph, which will be shared with fellow schemers and the seniors at the firm. I would like some advice on whether to write it in the first person and on what tone to use. TIA <3

Hi Lawlawland,

So glad to see you have succeeded in securing a VS! And with Simmons no less! I recall your being particularly excited about that firm. Really well done and happy for you.

Copypasted are sample intros from another firm with a similar system. I hope they are useful.

Example 1
Joe Smith
University: Warwick
Subject: Law
Languages (Fluent):
Interests/Activities: I have just completed the penultimate year of my degree. In my spare time, I
work as a Venues Assistant at the Student Union and have previously volunteered at my local
Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the role of Advisor. I also enjoy playing football for my university team. In
the last year, I have attended open days at Slaughter and May, Jones Day and DLA Piper and more
recently, have completed work experience at Hollis Whiteman Chambers and Barclays Bank.

Example 2
Amy Jones
University: St Andrews
Subject: English
Languages (Fluent):
Interests/Activities: I am currently undertaking my GDL at BPP, having graduated last year. During
my gap year, I worked as an English language assistant in Beijing and also taught at an orphanage in
Nepal for three months. I have gained legal experience at Freeth Cartwright and Pinsent Masons. At
BPP, I am the Director for Street Law which involves organising presentations for secondary schools
and at St. Andrews, I was an active member of the Dance Society.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Hi everyone I just finished my interview for a vacation scheme and I wanted your thoughts on something. At the end, she mentioned that ultimately it was not her decision whether she was going to take me or no and that she is only responsible for completing the feedback form. Grad rec is the decision maker something like that?? I thought the interviewers had greater decision making power. Now I am wondering whether this was her kind way of telling me I got rejected or whether it is something that she/they say to everyone. What are you thoughts? Am I spiralling lol?

Don't overthink it! Could just as easily be a sign that she really, really liked you but was annoyed that the final decisions rest with GR.

 

[AP2000]

just out of curiosity how many people were in your AC in total? For TW

Hey! We were 4. What about your AC?

 

[AP2000]

Has anyone else had the OC assessment centre today?

Had mine on Monday! Did they mention anything btw as to when we can expect to hear back?