TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[stylishlawgirl]

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared

are a&o shearman questions unlimited prep time?

 

[Novaa]

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared

Thank you so much!! That makes a lot of sense when it's broken down like that.

Did they give any tips on how to structure answers, or what they're looking for in a strong response?

 

[Novaa]

are a&o shearman questions unlimited prep time?

Oui!!

 

[Mayah123]

Freshfields stage 2, though. Hopefully goes smoothly

Will this be a mix of SJTs or WG?

 

[abc124]

Does anyone have insight into whether A&O uses a cutoff for their amberjack and eg if you don’t clear it they don’t review the vi?

I’m happy with my app and the VI but as always, defeated by the amberjack, based on my research I got mostly 5s/6s and could be worse ofc since they don’t give the scores…

 

[rose06]

Will this be a mix of SJTs or WG?

stage 2 is a mix of SJT and video interview questions

 

[trainee1012]

In my experience, occasional glances are okay! you probably won’t do it too much anyways if the prep time is limited - there’s only so much you can note down in under 2 mins

Thank you !!

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

guys does anyone know if sullcrom as a word count for its cl , its not mentioned anywhere @Antoni Trochimowicz

 

[LawInTheNorth]

I'm assuming that no written exercise invite from Ashurst means PFO?

 

[Novaa]

I'm assuming that no written exercise invite from Ashurst means PFO?

Part of me thinks no, because you never know how firms are running things. But another part of me is giving them till Wednesday, maybe Friday. If nothing, I'm protecting my peace.

 

[eajones]

Hi! could anyone share some insight about all about law commercial awareness competition? How much work does it require/how good does it look for firms? I have signed up but unsure if I should go ahead with it

 

[vacschemes]

is ashurst rolling?

 

[itsfearless15]

Anyone who got Freshfields stage 2 invitation, how did your stage 1 assessment feedback report look like? Any particular weaknesses or strengths?

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Is the freshfields application

Anyone who got Freshfields stage 2 invitation, how did your stage 1 assessment feedback report look like? Any particular weaknesses or strengths?

structured differently than last year? I think I remember there being a capfinity test that included video interviews. Or do you mean that stage two is the AC?

 

[Lovelaw77]

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for HLC WVS first stage assessment?

 

[itsfearless15]

Is the freshfields application

structured differently than last year? I think I remember there being a capfinity test that included video interviews. Or do you mean that stage two is the AC?

I think it might be different than last year? I'm not sure though! But it seems like there is a stage 2 test that is called that and includes VI, which is conditional on passing stage 1 (which is the general SJT/Critical reasoning test) - was just curious to know what qualities might be limiting for getting forward to stage 2 if anyone did receive an invitation to that stage

 

[BM99]

Does anyone know or have an idea about the benchmark for A&O's online assessment? (The number of excels/potentials etc.)?

 

[rose06]

Anyone who got Freshfields stage 2 invitation, how did your stage 1 assessment feedback report look like? Any particular weaknesses or strengths?

I had in strengths thriving under pressure, embracing transformation, and championing clients. In weaknesses - challenging myself and delivering extraordinary outcomes. But ultimately, I think all the 11 competencies are weighted equally, and it's about your overall score. So, even your 'weaknesses' might actually be really high scores if you did well overall.

 

[e.jy336]

Has anyone heard from HLC or Sidley post tests?

 

[QuillandCounsel]

On my profile for DLA Piper it says "Please complete all your assessments" but I never got an email for the test. What does this mean?