TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[AryanAgg]

Is stage 2 the sjt plus written task and vi?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Is stage 2 the sjt plus written task and vi?

From their website, its sjt + VI, and then the next stage will be the written task

 

[e.jy336]

Does anyone know if the written task/AC will be conducted long after the deadline, since Macfarlanes says they're non-rolling? or does the stage 2 mean they are actually reviewing applications atm?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

The Macfarlanes rule of bullet point for work experience isn’t that serious btw I didn’t do it and got stage 2 for anyone who was annoyed like I was for messing up lol

The stage 2 test is automatic for everyone that passes the stage 1 test. They don’t review your app until you pass stage 2 and they assess the app and VI responses together essentially. So idrk if they have read anyone’s WE entries just yet.​

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

Looking for advice on this. I drafted my work experience from scratch without using any AI tools but when checking AI detection online on websites it says 90% AI similarities. I am trying to submit Macfarlanes app but don't know what I should do as I wrote the work experience without using AI. @Abbie Whitlock any advice on this.

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Did anyone else get an email saying that have been sent the wrong test link for Macfarlanes, and a new one would be sent soon?

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

Did anyone else get an email saying that have been sent the wrong test link for Macfarlanes, and a new one would be sent soon?

Yes. I was frustrated, as I was halfway through the test when that email came through!

 

[rrr]

Yes. I was frustrated, as I was halfway through the test when that email came through!

what was the previous test like?

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

what was the previous test like?

The first test consisted of situational judgment questions (ranking & slider) + a bit of Watson-Glaser.

 

[sagekensuke]

Did anyone else get an email saying that have been sent the wrong test link for Macfarlanes, and a new one would be sent soon?

Received that email yesterday, has anyone been sent the new link yet?

 

[TheHamlet4]

The stage 2 test is automatic for everyone that passes the stage 1 test. They don’t review your app until you pass stage 2 and they assess the app and VI responses together essentially. So idrk if they have read anyone’s WE entries just yet.​

I thought they screen and then send invites for Stage 1 — at least that was my experience for DTC app.

 

[YYmasterTC]

Hi, does anyone remember if the online test for Hogan Lovells C include any video interview questions?

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Received that email yesterday, has anyone been sent the new link yet?

Nope

 

[WillKitchen]

Would greatly appreciate any helpful tips on how to make the most out of an Open Day. Will be attending my first one and I would love to be prepared pre/during/post open day. Thanks x

One of the main benefits you get from open days is to just become familiar with the environment. Aside from speaking to as many people as you can, I'd also relax and try to enjoy it. Law firms can be intimidating places, so take the opportunity to get comfortable and get a feel for the atmosphere. If all goes well and you get an interview there in the future, you'll be more confident.

 

[WillKitchen]

Did anyone make it past the AI chatbot stage at Mishcon de Reya last year? If so, I'd happy to DM!

I have a mentor at the firm who is a partner and have visited the London office about 6 times this summer.

 

[TheHamlet4]

Hi guys! I’ll be entering my second application cycle as a finalist. For context, I’m an international student on a Student visa and was planning to apply for both the winter and spring/summer schemes.

My only concern is that the winter scheme dates overlap with term time, so I’m not sure if I’d be eligible, as my visa only allows me to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation or have any experience with this?

I don’t think you can do winter schemes if they overlap with your term.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I thought they screen and then send invites for Stage 1 — at least that was my experience for DTC app.

They screen for eligibility so if a scheme is only open to finalists and graduates and someone in their first year applied, they would get filtered out prior to getting the stage 1 test. Or if someone has a 2:2 without mit circs but they want a 2:1, etc.

The first test is automatic for almost everyone else. The second test is also automatic but for the people that pass stage 1. I sent an app for the DTC last year too and it was like this baso. Freshfields and Hogans also use the same tests and process iirc.​

 

[AryanAgg]

Did anyone make it past the AI chatbot stage at Mishcon de Reya last year? If so, I'd happy to DM!

I have a mentor at the firm who is a partner and have visited the London office about 6 times this summer.

If you get to their SJT, does that mean you passed the AI chatbot?

 

[WillKitchen]

If you get to their SJT, does that mean you passed the AI chatbot?

I think so. I don't think I got as far as any SJT.

They have quite a few steps before interview, it seems!

 

[Euphrosynos]

One of the main benefits you get from open days is to just become familiar with the environment. Aside from speaking to as many people as you can, I'd also relax and try to enjoy it. Law firms can be intimidating places, so take the opportunity to get comfortable and get a feel for the atmosphere. If all goes well and you get an interview there in the future, you'll be more confident.

You're right! Thanks much x