TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AshAP]

Has anyone heard from Baker Mckenzie about Open Days post app?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Also got Freshfields stage 2 invite!

 

[nbjani]

Also on the FF 2nd stage hype! Compared to last year I have so much more traction thanks to the advice here. Anyone have any tips that can be shared for this? I don’t often get this far 😂

 

[johnsmith]

Nice! I made it to the AS Commercial Awareness Semi Final

 

[Vakil]

Nice! I made it to the AS Commercial Awareness Semi Final

Same! Where are you doing your semi final? I picked Skadden.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the Reed Smith test automatic or selective submitted my app last week wondering how long everyone else waited

Hi!

The online assessment is the next stage of the application process - it is not automatic

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Nice! I made it to the AS Commercial Awareness Semi Final

Same! Where are you doing your semi final? I picked Skadden.

Congratulations both - such a fantastic achievement!! Best of luck with the semi-final!

 

[elizabethkate]

for DLA piper, does anything else have this issue when uploading the CV?

 

[AngelB]

Just got an invite for the CMS Watson Glaser, is it automatic?

 

[LawAspirer]

Anyone that did first freshfields assessment and didn't get a second invite? I did the 1st on 13th.

 

[silonthesofa]

Anyone that did first freshfields assessment and didn't get a second invite? I did the 1st on 13th.

I did the first on the 12th, so we were in that same first batch of assessment invites. So maybe an incoming PFO, but who knows. What did your feedback report say?
My two least developed skills were "we thrive as a team" and "embracing transformation", so once I saw that, I kind of assumed this one was a burner.

 

[johnsmith]

Same! Where are you doing your semi final? I picked Skadden.

Mayer Brown!

 

[c.t.tc]

Those that have already done the Simmons assessment how many video questions were there?

 

[johnsmith]

Those that have already done the Simmons assessment how many video questions were there?

4!

 

[Amgrad]

Just attended TW Open Day, it was so lovely! Interactive and no freak face, exhausted like need vacation

 

[Tattyasha]

Same! Where are you doing your semi final? I picked Skadden.

See you there!! 🤩 Huge well done to you both and best of luck @johnsmith

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone please have any words of advice for the online tests for Burges Salmon?

 

[whywhy88]

I did the first on the 12th, so we were in that same first batch of assessment invites. So maybe an incoming PFO, but who knows. What did your feedback report say?
My two least developed skills were "we thrive as a team" and "embracing transformation", so once I saw that, I kind of assumed this one was a burner.

I also did the first on the 12th and my least developed skills were ‘we thrive as a team’ and ‘championing our clients and giving them edge’. For me the critical thinking elements of the Freshfields test and HL first test were pretty much identical so I’m expecting PFOs from both 😢

 

[emily3827]

4!

hi!! was just wondering is there unlimited prep time?

 

[silonthesofa]

I also did the first on the 12th and my least developed skills were ‘we thrive as a team’ and ‘championing our clients and giving them edge’. For me the critical thinking elements of the Freshfields test and HL first test were pretty much identical so I’m expecting PFOs from both 😢

How do you know about HL? I'm still waiting to get the link for the first test this year (submitted a direct TC application about a week and a half ago), but last year, I didn't get a report from them after completing it.