TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[mjc7777]

Can I ask if your Gibson Dunn interview is for an Open Day or Vacation Scheme?

Vacation scheme via zoom. I applied on the 27th Sep. Completed the Capptivate on 4th Oct. Invited to book an interview over the following two weeks on 9th 👍

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Milbank application has no questions. Just need to input grades, work experience etc.

Can anyone confirm that this is the case on their end? it seems a bit unusual for there to be no questions (and, also unusually, the application form contains no SQE section).

Thanks in advance!

 

[silonthesofa]

Milbank application has no questions. Just need to input grades, work experience etc.

Can anyone confirm that this is the case on their end? it seems a bit unusual for there to be no questions (and, also unusually, the application form contains no SQE section).

Thanks in advance!

A few firms changed their applications this year to not include any questions (Freshfields and Mishcon de Reya are the two I know of), so it's probably not a mistake.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Reed Smith PFO post app :/ I got through to the test last year so idk what happened this time 😭

But very nice of the firm to even provide generic feedback at this stage!

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Hello!

I’d say it’s a good idea to link your answer back to CMS - even if this isn’t necessarily explicitly. The firm will be looking for evidence that your qualities and mindset align with their values and culture, such as collaboration.

You can do this subtly in your reflection. For example:

1. When describing how you handled the complex situation, highlight behaviours that CMS values beyond resilience (e.g. adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork). Make sure you do discuss resilience, as that is what the question is wanting you to show!
2. In the reflection (“how this affected the way you approach challenges”), show how you’ve developed traits that fit with CMS’s way of working - such as staying calm under pressure or being open to feedback.

You don’t need to name-drop their values directly, as your answer should be focused on the resilience you have shown, but you can make the connection through the tone of your answer. It can show self-awareness that you have thought about how your traits fit the CMS environment.

I hope that helps!

Thank you, this is so helpful!

 

[YS391]

Spoke to Grad Rec at Legal Cheek's event yesterday, and they said they would send it out in batches. EVERYONE will get an invitation, and they haven't started reading apps yet, but will soon. She said the first round of tests should go out before mid-October. But your application will be read before being sent a test. Then both results will be reviewed holistically before being progressed to an HR interview.

It's a Cappafinity test with some elements of SJT and SPAG/Proofreading exercises. No WG

Just a heads up for everyone, there are also WG questions in the test. They contain all the 4 types of WG questions apart from interpretation.

 

[Ancika]

How does one handle the pain of meeting a firm youreally like and absolutely disliking it? I attended a Weil open day and everyone seemed so cold and uninterested ☹️ I really like their sectors and was considering applying for their vac scheme but I don’t think culture wise, it’s for me… should I still apply?

Weil definitely has that reputation. I worked with a secondee from Weil at my company and met most of his team at client dinners - that’s very much their vibe. I actually considered applying but decided against it. You really need to figure out whether you’d thrive in that kind of environment and whether it suits your learning style. When I asked the secondee about their training, he said it was “very much a learn as you go culture”. Take that as you will, but it didn’t appeal to me personally.

 

[c.t.tc]

Just did the Bird & Bird VI and there were way less competency questions than I was expecting - just as a heads up to everyone else that hasn't done it yet.

 

[calebnash]

Anyone progressed by Reed Smith?

 

[Amgrad]

Anyone progressed by Reed Smith?

What is this? VS?

I got invited to their open day just now!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Did anybody else find the way Freshfields set out the critical thinking test unsettling?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

 

[johnsmith]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

No, not heard back on either, was a non-STEM OD applicant for Bird & Bird, Bristows nothing since submitting application

 

[johnsmith]

Did anybody else find the way Freshfields set out the critical thinking test unsettling?

Was it not just a standard CappFinity one? I've done a few too many recently, so I can't quite remember.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How does one handle the pain of meeting a firm youreally like and absolutely disliking it? I attended a Weil open day and everyone seemed so cold and uninterested ☹️ I really like their sectors and was considering applying for their vac scheme but I don’t think culture wise, it’s for me… should I still apply?

Hi!

I totally get that - it can feel disheartening when a firm that you were excited about doesn't feel right in person. It's actually a good thing you noticed now though - culture is really important, and it's better to find out now rather than later

If you still love their work, you could apply and see how their vacation scheme feels, but if the vibe seemed off, maybe look into other firms with similar sectors but a culture that suits you better. I would agree with previous replies and say that Legal Cheek can be a great way of finding out this information, or even attending more open days.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Quick question on application strategy:

I've already drafted applications for two firms' winter schemes (Jones Day and Dechert), both with rolling deadlines on 17th October.

Knowing I might be at a slight disadvantage applying this late, is it still worth submitting now, or would I be better off applying for their spring schemes instead, which have later deadlines?

Also, do firms that are full for winter often automatically consider strong late applicants for their spring scheme, or are the two processes usually treated separately?

Would greatly appreciate any thoughts you all might have!

Hello!

If you are confident in your application, I'd submit them if they're ready - the quality of your application holds more weight than the time you submit it! Even with rolling deadlines, a lot of firms often keep reviewing applications up until the deadline, and it's not unusual for candidates to be progressed even when it's later in the application window.

That said, if you feel your application could be stronger with more time, there's no harm in holding off and aiming for the spring schemes. The two processes are usually treated separately, so most firms won't automatically roll you over - you would typically need to apply to that one. However, last cycle, I did apply for a WVS (at a different firm) and whilst I got a rejection for that scheme, they offered to roll my application over to the SVS as it was considered strong. I'm not sure how common this is across firms, but it can happen sometimes!

In short - apply now if you are happy with what you have written, but I wouldn't stress if you feel it is better to wait and give yourself a better shot in spring. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[jojo23]

Did anybody else find the way Freshfields set out the critical thinking test unsettling?

It was weird.. there's no other way to describe it

 

[Sharkfin]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, are there any insights to the Reed Smith VI and SJT you could share with us?

 

[Maddy]

It was weird.. there's no other way to describe it

Could you explain why you would say so? @jojo23 @Unknowncabbage

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, are there any insights to the Reed Smith VI and SJT you could share with us?

Hello!

Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!

Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.

• Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
• Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
• Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
• Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
• Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
• Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect

I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it