TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Jaysen]

Hi Jaysen,

Thanks for your reply! Just a follow-up - won't law firms verify this with my uni? Do I then need to disclose my MCs to my uni so they have it on record?

Honestly, I'm not sure about the verification part, and I don't want to give you the wrong information! While the firm is live, you might want to see if Reed Smith's graduate recruitment have any thoughts in this thread

 

[Misty Meanor]

Does anyone recommend putting a personal intro for their Cleary CV, or just going straight into it?

 

[anon78365222111]

FF stage 2

 

[Fred_Stuart]

Just got FF stage 2, is this automatic, as I only did stage 1 this morning? If not, do they progress most people to stage 2?

 

[sagekensuke]

Just got FF stage 2, is this automatic, as I only did stage 1 this morning? If not, do they progress most people to stage 2?

I don’t think so, I did stage 1 over a week ago and just got an invite to stage 2 now. But I think usually stage 1s aren’t super selective, but it probably depends on the firm

 

[rose06]

Hi everyone, just got FF stage 2 does anyone (from last year) know if the questions are motivational/competency/sjt for the VI? or how many there are?

 

[anon78365222111]

I don’t think so, I did stage 1 over a week ago and just got an invite to stage 2 now. But I think usually stage 1s aren’t super selective, but it probably depends on the firm

I think it’s a benchmark you have to hit in stage 1 to get stage 2 then everyone that hits get stage 2 at once

 

[Lon123]

Hello! I would appreciate any insight into Freshfields stage 2.

I have insight into ACs at Latham & Watkins and A&O Shearman. Also I have insights into Macfarlane's stage 2

 

[jamsparkle]

Just got FF stage 2, is this automatic, as I only did stage 1 this morning? If not, do they progress most people to stage 2?

I think it's automatic if you pass stage 1

 

[natz]

Hey all,

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to approach applications for firms that have recently merged? There have been quite a few this year, with a lot of the information out there being solely on the legacy firms, and I'm struggling a bit with how to approach these.

 

[jojo23]

Yes and I need to mute a certain Reddit forum because it’s not helping with this feeling!!

Some of the theories I’ve seen on there are awful, feels like the industry has taken a step back after making so much progress

These changes kinda make me think im at a bigger disadvantage and not capable/smart enough
- still struggling with commercial awareness

Reddit law forums are so negative..i think i may know which you're referring to

 

[RowdtoTC2026]

Hi everyone,

My question is how to ace these job simulation assessments for example Freshfields and Macfaralnes 2nd Stage, i tend to struggle in terms of how to prepare and like tackle them.

Thanks in advance for the insights

 

[lilydep40]

Has anyone gotten a Freshfields stage 2 invite yet?

got the stage 2 invite today

 

[tcla02]

does weil insight day have an automated online assessment?

 

[tabashtabash]

Would I be at a major disadvantage if I waited to apply to firms which screen applications on a rolling basis such as Hogan Lovells until I have attended an open day which I have been selected for in early October as one of the questions on their form asks about open days etc which you have attended and I haven't been to many selective ones yet?

 

[TCLA Bot]

@natz If helpful, Abbie answered a very similar question in this July reply. She covers how to use research on the legacy firms alongside the combined firm's plans.

 

[KH7192]

I applied on the 5th. Assuming the same

I applied on the 1st and still haven't heard back at all, not sure it's a great sign TBH

 

[KH7192]

Has anyone heard back from A&O Shearman regarding the Winter Vac Scheme? I've not heard back since I got the Amberjack result email 3 weeks ago!

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone have any insight into Mayer Brown's OA? Happy to share some advice for Macfarlanes Stage 2 and Milbank!

 

[insomnia]

Has anyone heard back from A&O Shearman regarding the Winter Vac Scheme? I've not heard back since I got the Amberjack result email 3 weeks ago!

i didnt even get a report with feedback not sure why or how to resolve that since they said i would receive the report and I never got it.