TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Just did the Macfarlanes Simulate assessment and wishing luck for everyone going into it.

I know a lot of people wanted to know what it involves. Macfarlanes' email says "Integrity is one of our core values at Macfarlanes. We kindly ask that you complete the assessment independently and avoid sharing its content with others." - I think based on this it is only fair that no one has shared their experience (at least publicly). Also, it is only fair that we all enter the assessment with a degree of not knowing what it may involve. This way no one has an advantage.

I think I tried my best. At very least, it was interesting to practice video questions, especially some unexpected ones. Good luck to everyone doing this assessment! My only advice is always be yourself.

Well done, and wishing you the best!

 

[ZNadeem]

The Reed Smith app questions are identical to the Direct Training Contract App a couple of months ago... how unwise is it to use the same answers that got me past the first round?

Hi! I’d recommend tweaking small details here and there just to show growth and reflection, but otherwise it’s fine to build on the same answers.

 

[safari3]

For the question 'what is your biggest achievement', if I had a standard answer across all applications last year that was successful in passing the written application stage and it remains my biggest achievement to date, can I reuse the answer?

 

[ZNadeem]

For the question 'what is your biggest achievement', if I had a standard answer across all applications last year that was successful in passing the written application stage and it remains my biggest achievement to date, can I reuse the answer?

Hi! Yes, you can! If it’s for the same firm, I’d suggest changing small things so you’re not submitting the exact same answer again. But for a different firm that hasn’t seen it, reusing it is completely fine.

 

[studentdelaw786]

I would be grateful if anyone on the Forum team can kindly advise if we are still hearing back today regarding the Willkie open day

 

[Bread]

Is it worth including Forage work experience in your applications if you have done a vac scheme?

 

[ZNadeem]

Is it worth including Forage work experience in your applications if you have done a vac scheme?

Hi! Yes, definitely! If you spent the time doing it, include it in your work experience. If the Forage course covers something you didn’t get exposed to during your vacation scheme, you can also use it as evidence of your interest in that area.

 

[thelawstudent]

For HSF Kramer SJT, it says it is untimed.

However, does this mean that the time we DO take to answer each question influences our overall test score?

Reason for my query is that JobTestPrep says this...

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

@vera.mekhonoshina Does TCLA still review CV？I cannot find the link

Hi! I don't think that TCLA currently has the CV review service available. Sorry about that!

 

[Tangcy]

For anyone applying for baker mckenzie's open day, just found out that they have a minimum requirement for your a-levels (AAB). They didn't specified the a-level requirements on their website, so i thought i'd give it a shot and apply for their open day, and then i got siked by the a level requirement in the application portal (because i kinda flopped my a levels.) And also they have like three 300 words questions for the open day.

 

[dm_corporate]

Is Baker McKenzie rolling?

 

[Lawlife5]

Is anyone else feeling really stressed/burnt out already? I work full-time and still trying to prepare for the cycle as efficiently as I can but seeing so many people already sending out applications and me not being able to start as I don't feel ready enough or in order is really getting to me!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Is anyone else feeling really stressed/burnt out already? I work full-time and still trying to prepare for the cycle as efficiently as I can but seeing so many people already sending out applications and me not being able to start as I don't feel ready enough or in order is really getting to me!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, totally relate to how you feel! I go back to uni in a couple of weeks (2nd year PGDL) and it’s peak time at work too.

Idk if this will help, but what I’ve done so far is pick 20-25 firms I genuinely want to apply to, and focusing on applications for VS. I made a spreadsheet with all the relevant info (deadlines, NQ salary, any tests involved, rolling/no -rolling etc) and working through the list. Even from a visual perspective it’s put my mind at ease as I know I’m working through something and not forgetting about any firms etc. I started last Monday and I’ve applied to 6 firms as of today- I work on the applications in the mornings before work, during lunch, and after work. I feel breaking it up rather than tackling it all at once makes it a bit manageable.

Now the quality of my applications is another discussion, but I am trying my best (using as many resources I can and thinking about exactly what I want to convey in the applications) and only time will tell! 😂

People have different circumstances so don’t compare yourself to anyone, do it according to your pace/time. Life is difficult as it is! You’ve got this 🫶🏾

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Is anyone else feeling really stressed/burnt out already? I work full-time and still trying to prepare for the cycle as efficiently as I can but seeing so many people already sending out applications and me not being able to start as I don't feel ready enough or in order is really getting to me!!!!!!!!!!

Hi @Lawlife5,

I definitely shared this feeling when I was going through the application cycle. Writing a good number of high-quality applications is by no means an easy task, and I'd definitely recommend finding a routine that would prioritise deep work while also giving you time to rest.

1) Build a routine around when and where you're writing applications - for example, you dedicate an hour every day from 7 to 8 pm to just that. This way, you'll be able to make decent progress every day while also giving yourself enough time away from applications.
2) Limit the media noise and exposure to content that may overwhelm you. I personally found LinkedIn quite daunting when I was applying, so I'd try to minimise the time I spent there. Work at your own pace and remember that everyone has their own path - there isn't one straightforward way of getting a TC!
3) Make time for hobbies and activities that fulfil and energise you. It's very easy to lose steam when you don't give your brain time to do something that makes you truly happy. Whether it's seeing friends, playing a sport, or engaging in a hobby - make sure to still do those things. Often, it's in those 'resting periods' where your brain will come up with a very good point/ make a good argument that you can later use in your application!

Good luck!

 

[James Wakefield]

TCLA/Willkie Open Day invite! 🎉

 

[Loki25]

YALL THE MACFARLANES SECOND ASSESSMENT WAS SO HARD😭😭😭 There was no time at all to analyse the info and along with it, prep your answer, for some of the questions

Did you get a confirmation email after completing the assessment?

 

[MURI]

Has anyone who applied to Jones Day Summer Vac heard back? Or HL Direct TC?

 

[MURI]

Is it too late to be submitting my Gibson Dunn App on the 20th-21st of Sept (it opened on the 1st of Sept) for their spring vac? I want to craft the strongest apps and there are some events where I will be meeting the firm in the coming weeks that I want to ensure to include in my application. Its rolling!!!

 

[User5678]

Did you get a confirmation email after completing the assessment?

No

 

[Lawlife5]

Is it too late to be submitting my Gibson Dunn App on the 20th-21st of Sept (it opened on the 1st of Sept) for their spring vac? I want to craft the strongest apps and there are some events where I will be meeting the firm in the coming weeks that I want to ensure to include in my application. Its rolling!!!

I do not think so as that seems quite early regardless of it being rolling! May I please ask which events you are meeting them at?