TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[GiveMeTC2026]

ffs I've literally been trying to log in to Gowling's application system for four days, but I never get the authentication code in my inbox. So weird.

Omg I thought it was only me.

 

[elliece]

Just to say I did their Vac Scheme after getting rejected for their open day, so it’s still worth applying!

Do their Forage scheme instead!

Thanks for sharing! I got a rejection too and was considering if I should continue to apply for the VS, but I definitely will.

 

[lawyersum]

Omg I thought it was only me.

I'll email grad rec by the end of today if it doesn't work. Not sure what else to do

 

[johnsmith]

Dechert rejection!

 

[e_turbo2]

Dechert rejection!

Sorry to hear this! Is this post app or post WE?

 

[johnsmith]

Sorry to hear this! Is this post app or post WE?

App!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

I'll email grad rec by the end of today if it doesn't work. Not sure what else to do

Thank you and I was aplying for a business role with them last week and was having the same issue.

 

[Pariscpr]

Macfarlanes rejection, it’s a shame but I just have to keep at it. 2nd stage, the weakest bit of my feedback was learning ability. Bummer but oh well

 

[tarastar]

Is anyone having issues with Cappfinity?

 

[Lawlawland]

Hi, when did you hear back for the VI?

I just did!
I submitted my application and SJT yesterday.

 

[Lawlawland]

Theres a VI in the second stage for the open day if that helps

I am at Latham's VI stage right now. I would like some insights on what they ask and how to prepare. I have 2 days to complete and submit it.

 

[qaz99]

Does anyone know if the WG for CMS is timed or untimed?

 

[lawyersum]

Does anyone know if the WG for CMS is timed or untimed?

Timed

 

[qaz99]

Timed

Thanks, how long do I have?

 

[e_turbo2]

Macfarlanes rejection, it’s a shame but I just have to keep at it. 2nd stage, the weakest bit of my feedback was learning ability. Bummer but oh well

Sorry to hear this, but yes definitely keep at it!! Please can I ask when you done the simulate?

 

[lawyersum]

Thanks, how long do I have?

30 mins

 

[jojo23]

Timed

30 mins and 40 questions

 

[Pariscpr]

Sorry to hear this, but yes definitely keep at it!! Please can I ask when you done the simulate?

Last Monday I think!

 

[apap]

Hi!

I totally understand how you feel - the SJTs can be super frustrating and don't always reflect how you actually work or think in real situations.

From what I've seen, firms such as Reed Smith and Mayer Brown tend to look at the process holistically rather than rejecting people just for lower SJT scores. The VI will carry real weight, especially if your verbal and numerical went well too! For my Reed Smith SJT, I scored 6766, mid verbal intellectual and high numerical intellect.

Cappfinity scoring can feel a bit unpredictable, so try not to read too much into one section. You've still got a chance - and it sounds like you performed strongly, so don't give up hope yet!

Can I ask how you approached your Reed Smith VI questions? I did it last year and thought I hit the four pillars the Amberjack assessment is testing you on but got rejected and I chocked it up to be because of my SJT results because i got a whopping 0 for creative mindset and high scores everywhere else. Either that, or my VI was not focused on being a trainee enough.

Would be good to know from your experience as you are a furure trainee there.

 

[fitzer401]

Have Hogan Lovells AC invites been sent out?