TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ali-k]

hi, i just wanted some advice, i recently was lucky enough to be invited to an AC for macfarlanes. I am just looking for some advice on what to do and how to prepare from now, its in about a months time. on the email they mentioned that the day will include a group negotiation exercise, a written exercise, and a competency and case study interview. I am fairly confident on preparing for the competency interview, and the group negotiation exercise sounds similar to things I have done at uni, but how would I best prepare for these elements?

 

[ssszzg]

Hi guys, is it just me or are there no questions for the Mishcon Spring VS application this year?

 

[futureharveyspecter]

Hello,
For law firms that require a CV, do we just list work experiences, or do we highlight transferable skills to a commercial lawyer?

Many thanks

 

[Future Trainee - 2027 confirmed]

I know what you mean. Tbh I think they might do semi rolling like Bakers do but I still think if you are rolling just state it as we are prioritising rolling apps. I spoke to them twice about this by email and at an event this cycle. Both occasions they said they are not rolling.

It is frustrating but I will try clarify this on my discovery day maybe third time accurate 😂

Yeah.... I wouldn't push it, I would use the open day as an opportunity to stand out as they take notes on those that ask questions, speak with partners to apprentices (some only talk to partners - don't be this person) and find out more information on the firm, working conditions and benefits for employees to use at the A/C. They take notice of those who appear engaged, ask the right sort of questions and speak to everyone.

Note if you have asked this twice via email, baring in mind what they are looking for at the internship is communication, networking, and whether colleagues actually want to work with you and attention to detail - if you ask the same question three times that's not showing an ability to comprehend information or attention to detail. Apologies if this comes off a certain type of way, not trying to be harsh or rude just pointing it out.

 

[llblawstudent]

Hi guys, is it just me or are there no questions for the Mishcon Spring VS application this year?

For many law firms it seems. Freshfields, Mayer Brown, both the same.

 

[an03]

does anyone know if you can re-record your answers for the Latham VI?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

A&O WVS PFO

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Who has found Clifford Chance's new application system very difficult to navigate... It doesn't have a "Save" option! Hate it

 

[Shahenshah]

What does PFO mean?

 

[e_turbo2]

hi, i just wanted some advice, i recently was lucky enough to be invited to an AC for macfarlanes. I am just looking for some advice on what to do and how to prepare from now, its in about a months time. on the email they mentioned that the day will include a group negotiation exercise, a written exercise, and a competency and case study interview. I am fairly confident on preparing for the competency interview, and the group negotiation exercise sounds similar to things I have done at uni, but how would I best prepare for these elements?

Congrats on making it to the AC! That is amazing. Please may I ask when you completed the simulate assessment?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

What does PFO mean?

It basically means a rejection (please f*ck off).

 

[baj5]

when did you apply?

Wednesday!

 

[qaz99]

Does anyone have any advice on approaching this CMS question?

"What impact do you want to make at CMS?"

 

[i-want-a-tc]

First of all, Congrats! Would you mind giving a bit of info on your background for example overall grade, RG, non-RG. I understand if you don't wish to share. I achieved similar scores but have not received yet a VI that's why I was wondering. Thank you

of course. I went to non RG uni, I got 2.1 with majority of my grades 2.1 and above. I also did the test last year and passed but I failed at the video interview stage. Last year my results were a lot higher so I don't know if that changed anything for me. Hope this helps!

 

[A worried paralegal]

I got an AC invite today

When did you apply as I did my Job Sim a few weeks back and have heard nothing

 

[ali-k]

Congrats on making it to the AC! That is amazing. Please may I ask when you completed the simulate assessment?

i did it on the 7th september, applied on the 25th of august

 

[A worried paralegal]

Hogan Lovells REAHL open day invite and Davis, Polk & Wardwell open day waitlist! 😃​

I got on the DP waitlist too. Did you hear anything?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

But isn't that stage 2?

stage 1 does not have video interview but stage 2 does

 

[a0]

When did you apply as I did my Job Sim a few weeks back and have heard nothing

Almost a month ago, September 13th

 

[A worried paralegal]

Almost a month ago, September 13th

I did mine before then, interesting