TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Unknowncabbage]

It's a SJT with scenarios and asks what you'd do in the situation.

What in the Video interview as well? I thought that was just for the SJT in the first assessment?

 

[elliece]

I know people who got the second test after like 3 weeks so don’t panic. It’s been a week for me and I haven’t received it either.

Can I ask how long it took to receive the first CAPP test? I applied yesterday just wondering when I can roughly expect it

 

[whywhy88]

Can I ask how long it took to receive the first CAPP test? I applied yesterday just wondering when I can roughly expect it

Took just over two weeks for me!

 

[jojo23]

Hey!

Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI!

In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. 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 (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)

Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.

Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording - Reed Smith actually recommend you use the prep time instead of jumping straight into the questions! I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording).

There's a video in the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I watched before my 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 of the assessment.

Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!

I hope that assists

Did you use personal examples in your video interview or did you make it more hypothetical (depending on the question)? I feel like some seem hard to make a personal link to.

 

[elizabethkate]

getting confused with dates but the Reed Smith and Hogan Lovells tests people are discussing, is that winter or summer/spring?

 

[WiddyJ]

when a firm asks a question about competitors, is it good to namedrop firms or rather just speak about competitors in a general sense?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Did you use personal examples in your video interview or did you make it more hypothetical (depending on the question)? I feel like some seem hard to make a personal link to.

Hello!

Good question! I always aimed to use personal examples in my answers, as they provided concrete evidence of the skills or qualities I was discussing. For instance, if I was asked, "What would you do in XYZ situation?", I would explain how I would approach it while referencing a similar experience I've had (if possible). Likewise, for questions such as "Why X Firm?" or "Why Law?", I would always include personal examples to demonstrate genuine motivation and authenticity behind my answers.

That said, if you don't have a relevant personal example (particularly for more strengths-based or situational questions) it's absolutely fine to discuss how you would handle the situation in a hypothetical sense. You can still make your answer more personal by briefly linking it to past experiences that highlight the skills or traits that would help you respond effectively

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

when a firm asks a question about competitors, is it good to namedrop firms or rather just speak about competitors in a general sense?

Hello!

I would personally avoid naming specific competitor firms. It's better to discuss competitors more broadly - for example, referring to other leading firms in the same area or market segment. This still demonstrates commercial awareness without getting bogged down in direct comparisons

 

[User2640]

Hey!

I think anywhere up to 1.5 pages is an acceptable length (although 1 page is generally best!). However, I would try and avoid using font size 10 as it can be slightly too small - font size 11 or 12 is generally preferred!

700 words seems like the right amount if you haven't been provided with a word limit!

Thank you very much!

 

[LRR23]

Just wrapped up Mayer Brown's online assessment and VI. The assessment is an Amberjacks one and VI included four questions (mixture of motivational and commercial questions)!

Do you mind sharing your feedback - not so sure if I have done well or badly (feel free to PM me)

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone received the stage 2 assessment for Latham’s open day?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Is anyone else just tired of the long waits between each stage of the process? Its just making me anxious.

 

[WiddyJ]

Hello!

I would personally avoid naming specific competitor firms. It's better to discuss competitors more broadly - for example, referring to other leading firms in the same area or market segment. This still demonstrates commercial awareness without getting bogged down in direct comparisons

By ‘referring to other leading firms’ do you mean naming them or simply saying ‘other leading firms’?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Is Macfarlanes online assessment just SJT or is there a critical thinking section to it?

just finished the test, it's both.

 

[username10341034]

Hey!

For the 150-word work experience section, I'd recommend keeping it in short, clear prose rather than bullet points - however, if you are struggling, bullet points should be perfectly acceptable (unless they state otherwise). I'd focus on a few experiences that best show skills that they value - on their 'About Us' page, they list their core values which might be useful to refer to! You can demonstrate these skills through concise examples, rather than explicitly listing them.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Hey, thanks for replying to this! It is really helpful.

Can I ask - would you use the word count to apply the experience to Mischon specifically? I am tied between just raising the skills that they value versus explicitly linking it to Mischon. I am not sure what is best.

Thank you!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Does anyone know if the HSF assessment has any VI component?

 

[Joey green]

If I didn’t receive a Linklaters AC invite by now, is there still hope? Is there still another batch incoming? When did people most recently get invited?

 

[Amgrad]

Is Milbank's test automatic?

Hello! I am not sure about it as I just applied yesterday, so I can't say as I haven't been progressed.

But what I saw from someone's thread which was cited from the email it could not be automatic.

Be aware that Milbank is stricter to grade as they don't ask any questions for the essay.

If you have any mitigating circumstances don't be hesitate to apply.

 

[Amgrad]

Is Macfarlanes online assessment just SJT or is there a critical thinking section to it?

Hi!

It's purely SJT and Critical thinking for the first test.

You can study from the resources provided on their website.

 

[MeWantTCPlz]

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding my university grades and how this factors in for applying to firms.

My official degree classification is a 2.1, however my breakdown percentage is a 58%. My university does not calculate the official percentage and so that number isn’t present on my certificate or transcript. For the overall result section it just says 2.1. Therefore, when applying to firms that ask for breakdowns (my 1st and 2nd year grades aren’t great but I picked it up in my final year and secured a 2.1), what should I do? I know I should rule out MC/US firms.

Am I okay to apply to firms with a 2.1 requirement? What do I do if they ask for a percentage even though my official grade/classification is a 2.1? Do I just put N/A?

For further context: I have solid work experience. I have completed a vacation scheme, interned with another international firm for 6 weeks and completed an AC for a TC based on my performance with them, and completed other corporate experience too. Will this outrank the low percentage?