TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Anyone know the benchmark for passing amberjack tests? Particularly Simmons & Simmons

You end up with like scales but no clear info on what passing looks like - example below from Mayer Brown report.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Wow, Macfarlanes moves fast. Just got an invite to their second-stage simulated test. Completed the first stage test this morning. Does anyone have any insight on how best to prepare for the simulation and what to expect?

 

[johnsmith]

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

Check my last post, you can see my MB results.

 

[User2640]

This might be a very dumb question - for the Position under Work History, when listing a legal internship, is it better to simply write "Position: Legal Intern" or to include the practice area that I sat with, i.e. "Position: Legal Intern (Debt Finance)". Thank you!!

 

[msclm]

This might be a very dumb question - for the Position under Work History, when listing a legal internship, is it better to simply write "Position: Legal Intern" or to include the practice area that I sat with, i.e. "Position: Legal Intern (Debt Finance)". Thank you!!

I personally specify the team I sat with in the position heading!

 

[Maddy]

Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith Can you please share if possible how many questions we can expect for Reed Smith's Video Interview?

 

[coolwizard22]

any updates on Ashurst ACs?

 

[firmfirm]

I submitted a vac scheme application to a firm but realised I made a big mistake. I forgot to remove the placeholder text “(just explain briefly here)” in the section where I was meant to explain my mitigating circumstances for my grades.

What should I do? Should I email grad rec to ask them to withdraw my application, or ask if I can access it again to add more to my explanation about my mitigating circumstances? If I do the latter, I was thinking of framing it not as a mistake, but more as wanting to elaborate on how these circumstances affected my grades and how I’ve improved since.

How likely are they to accept a request like that? Could this lead to an automatic rejection?

I’ve been to quite a few of their events (open day and virtual), and grad rec knows me, so I’m hoping that might help. The deadline for the vac scheme isn’t until early December, so there’s still time.

Any advice would be really appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[Dannie]

Is anyone else not able to see Weill's Vac scheme questions on the form...

 

[Ancika]

that is so good to hear! congratulations

you should be so grateful you have a week i was just told today i have an ac on thursday

so i have 2 days to

I am very surprised that they gave you two days!

Good luck with the prep! Let me know if you want to pop on a call and discuss anything today.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is anyone else not able to see Weill's Vac scheme questions on the form...

I believe there are no questions this year

 

[Ancika]

Random comment but I am suprised that NRF allows you to see who your teammates are for the negotiation exercise as well as the people in the other team.

 

[Dannie]

I believe there are no questions this year

so is this wrong...

 

[Amgrad]

Their FAQs on the website seems outdated. They haven't updated it yet

 

[Dannie]

Does anyone know what the application process for Weil is? is it a VI at second stage or a test?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Random comment but I am suprised that NRF allows you to see who your teammates are for the negotiation exercise as well as the people in the other team.

Well they definitely messed up as I was destined to be one of your teammates but guess what?! No AC invite 😭😭😂

 

[Maddy]

In Reed Smith test, after completing my SJT, can I close the tab and then join again for the VI the next day? Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith

 

[flower1]

Hello,
How do you answer 'tell me about yourself' in a video interview. What do they expect you to talk about (particularly as I've graduated)?

Also, I was wondering what's the best way to prepare for video interviews, because I thought writing out my answer in full and then writing bullet points from that. However, I saw numerous posts about just doing bullet points. I feel like if I did 2-3 bullet points for each question, I wouldn't be able to speak for the entire time given - it would be extremely brief. What's the best thing to do?

Also, in competency questions, e.g. describe a time leadership was shown - do you need to relate back to the firm / legal profession?

Thank you @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

 

[HappyHippo]

Random comment but I am suprised that NRF allows you to see who your teammates are for the negotiation exercise as well as the people in the other team.

I did an AC for a firm where I saw the names of candidates on other AC dates and their submitted work.

 

[SamiyaJ]

I did HG first assessment on 18 Sept and haven’t heard anything back. Should I assume PFO?