TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is anybody like terrified of VI's to the point where the entire week leading upto it/preparing just feels dreadful?😂😂

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Akin open day invite

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Fieldfisher test invite.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Akin Open Days invite 🙂

While I would also be attending HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells and RPC open days, I would like to know some tips to make the most out of the open day to convert it to a VS!

Hi @jaisrihere and first of all huge congrats for getting all these open days invites - it is a great achievement! As for my best tips in terms of how to make the most of it:

• Throughly research the firms before the open day and try to be inquisitive while doing so, making note of any areas you think you may ask questions about to further improve your understanding. Asking good questions (so, questions for which you would not be able to find an answer online) is a great way to show interest and to stand out from the crowd.
• Figure out what "Why the firm" reasons you will likely want to include in a VS application, and try to ask questions relating to it - this will make it easier to include mentions of your interactions in your subsequent application.
• Ask questions about the application process - try to find out what qualities the firm is most looking for, what mistakes to make sure to avoid, etc.
• Try to connect with the firm's graduate recruiters: instead of only speaking to the firm's trainees and its lawyers, you should also try to get to know the firm's graduate recruiters - as they are the people who will ultimately make progressions decisions up to the Assessment Centre/final interview. Making a good impression (which does not only mean appearing competent and smart, but also showing that you are an interesting, personable, and kind person) when speaking to the firm's recruiters could significantly increase your chances of progressing past the application stage.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Bristows STEM IP workshop VI! Anybody got an idea of what the VI might involve as they’ve not mentioned in the email

 

[Amgrad]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

Could you tell me whether the VI has unlimited time to prepare or not?

 

[username10341034]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

Hey, well done with completing! Are you able to remember how many video questions there were?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Could you tell me whether the VI has unlimited time to prepare or not?

It's 2 mins to prepare and 2 mins to answer

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hey, well done with completing! Are you able to remember how many video questions there were?

3-4 I think, there were some SJTs in between so some breaks

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Milbank assessment completed. It's SJT and motivational questions as well, 19 questions in total, and it's timed, I think, because a timer kept counting down. Quite unique question style.

 

[i-want-a-tc]

AS CAC Semi Finals invite. Anyone else pick Reed Smith?

 

[Amgrad]

3-4 I think, there were some SJTs in between so some breaks

It's 2 mins to prepare and 2 mins to answer

TQSM! I'd definitely prepare them well for this weekend

 

[Shannon]

I got the invite on the 12th and completed it on the 4th or 5th day.

My least developed skills were 'embracing transformation' and 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' which really scares me. That said my most developed skills were thriving as a team, thriving under pressure and challenging ourselves so I'm unsure if they balance the "weaknesses' enough?

Failing on 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' feels like it would be a huge red flag for them so expecting a PFO.

I also got developing extraordinary outcomes as a weakness and got invited to the 2nd test. My top skills were championing our clients and giving them the edge, thriving under pressure and embracing transformation.

​

 

[emily3827]

any advice on how to prepare for Dechert we? would be so appreciated !!

 

[Jonny_12]

anyone going to dechert AS Semi Final?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Haven't done a job sim yet - so just wanted to ask - are the written exercises usually emails to clients?

 

[Sharkfin]

Hi all just checking whether the A&O video interview questions have unlimited prep time with 2 min answering times, and if they're mainly motivational?

 

[johnsmith]

Hi all just checking whether the A&O video interview questions have unlimited prep time with 2 min answering times, and if they're mainly motivational?

Pretty sure it was timed prep! It is a few weeks since I did though

 

[chiichii]

Akin Open Days invite 🙂

While I would also be attending HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells and RPC open days, I would like to know some tips to make the most out of the open day to convert it to a VS!

Akin Open Day invite too! Rejected by RPC though 😔😔