TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[James Wakefield]

Anyone know how many batches of Ashurst WVS written exercise there are?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock , in the reed smith app form, would you recommend putting my extracurriculars and positions of responsibility in the work experience section? or is it better to exclude it from this section

Hey!

I would say that if they are long-term and structured extra-curriculars and positions of responsibility, this would be fine to include in the work experience section (as long as you can discuss your role, responsibilities, and the skills you gained). For example, I always used to include my committee positions in societies in the work experience section as it can demonstrate a lot of valuable skills.

However, if they're more hobby-based, I would exclude them from this section

 

[Superfrozone]

Just sat the Freshfields test! Can someone confirm what the stages are for their vacation scheme? If you meet the benchmark for the test.. is it straight to AC or...?

 

[jojo23]

Just sat the Freshfields test! Can someone confirm what the stages are for their vacation scheme? If you meet the benchmark for the test.. is it straight to AC or...?

I'm guessing no vi then?
The fact that they called it stage 1 must mean there will be a 2nd? I'm sure i read it on their website a month ago

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Just sat the Freshfields test! Can someone confirm what the stages are for their vacation scheme? If you meet the benchmark for the test.. is it straight to AC or...?

Hello
Would it be alright to know if there was any VI questions?

 

[londonlawyer]

I went to their insight day on Wednesday. They said the first stage is a short application form to capture grades and eligibility information. The form has a section for any mitigating circumstances too. After this, they send out an SJT + VI (combined).

They assess the application, SJT score and VI together to select who to invite to the AC. Those who do well on the AC will receive a VS offer (both taking place in the Spring so no Summer VS this year). There are 12-15 places per scheme.​

Thank you!

 

[ohnoselim]

does anyone know how long we have for each response in the NRF VI?

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, the email mentions this: "We recommend visiting the Freshfields Preparation Plus to familiarise yourself with the format of the online assessment and what to expect." When I logged into the Preparation Plus site, there was a 'practice assessments' section, which includes a VI practice.

I did my next assessment today and there wasn’t a VI component though it was for a TC rather than VS.

Has anyone had anything further from Linklaters since doing the first test?

 

[a1024]

Just sat the Freshfields test! Can someone confirm what the stages are for their vacation scheme? If you meet the benchmark for the test.. is it straight to AC or...?

Would you mind sharing what the test consisted of? Thank you!

 

[emily3827]

in the Freshfields tc application - does anyone know where you're meant to put any mitigating circumstances about uni grades etc.

 

[johnsmith]

Would you mind sharing what the test consisted of? Thank you!

If you’ve done an initial CappFinity test then it’s like that - check out their practice hub

 

[Amgrad]

I went to their insight day on Wednesday. They said the first stage is a short application form to capture grades and eligibility information. The form has a section for any mitigating circumstances too. After this, they send out an SJT + VI (combined).

They assess the application, SJT score and VI together to select who to invite to the AC. Those who do well on the AC will receive a VS offer (both taking place in the Spring so no Summer VS this year). There are 12-15 places per scheme.​

I noticed they don't ask working rights and visa restrictions too, seems they're all in for anyone.

 

[flower1]

Hello,
This is the question for White & Case Vacation Scheme - Discuss a deal that White & Case has advised on in the last two years. What do you think were the strategic considerations and complexities involves, and how did the firm navigate them?

Is it appropriate to talk about a M&A deal that it currently happening, or must it be one that is fully completed. I realised during the process of writing that the deal is not yet complete, but the firm has advised on it. This means I don't have much information on 'how did the firm navigate them' beyond basics.

Also, how many strategic considerations and how many complexities should we address?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello,
This is the question for White & Case Vacation Scheme - Discuss a deal that White & Case has advised on in the last two years. What do you think were the strategic considerations and complexities involves, and how did the firm navigate them?

Is it appropriate to talk about a M&A deal that it currently happening, or must it be one that is fully completed. I realised during the process of writing that the deal is not yet complete, but the firm has advised on it. This means I don't have much information on 'how did the firm navigate them' beyond basics.

Also, how many strategic considerations and how many complexities should we address?

Thank you

Hi!

I'd say it's perfectly fine to discuss a deal that is still ongoing, as long as White & Case has publicly advised on it and the information you use comes from reliable, publicly available sources (such as press releases or news articles). The key is to show that you understand the broader strategic and legal context - even if the deal isn't yet complete.

If details about "how the firm navigated the complexities" are limited, you could instead focus on what the firm likely had to consider or manage, based on your understanding of similar transactions (e.g. cross-border issues, regulatory approvals, financing structures, or industry-specific risks). This shows your commercial awareness, and how you analyse problems!

However, you may find it easier to discuss a deal that has already been completed, as there may be more information online about how the firm navigated the deal and what the particular challenges or considerations were. That said, I think it can work either way - I'd discuss the deal that interests you the most!

In terms of structure, addressing around two to three of each usually works well - I would just ensure that you keep your answer focused whilst showing depth, rather than trying to cover a wide range of considerations.

I hope that helps!

 

[applicant3000]

No VI in Freshfields stage 1 test!!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

I

Anyone heard from Mayer brown?

It’s Rolling but you won’t hear bk till after deadline. You will get the test soon (grad rec said it is done manually), but no decisions will be made till after the deadline.

They said everyone will get the test but if they were unimpressed with your app, they won’t be looking at your test. 🫩🫩

 

[WeGotThis!]

Just sat the Freshfields test! Can someone confirm what the stages are for their vacation scheme? If you meet the benchmark for the test.. is it straight to AC or...?

Is it an SJT and a WG or just a WG? Thank you!

 

[username92572732856248]

has anyone heard from Milbank post-submission (confirmation of application receipt aside)

when did you apply?

 

[zxkwok]

That’s really good so it should be, what traits did you get on your sjt?

I just got my WG score from Links in the 83rd percentile. Does anyone know if that is high enough to make it to AC?

Hi! How did you find out your WG scores?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! How did you find out your WG scores?

Hi!

If I remember correctly, I believe that you have to email the graduate recruitment team and they will provide you with your score within a few weeks