TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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 😔😔

 

[baj5]

the second to last Milbank question really caught me off guard, PFO incoming.

 

[chiichii]

Is Akin Open Day selective?

 

[Sharkfin]

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

Legend, tyty 🙏🙏

 

[Lawlawland]

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

Please feel free to reach out to me post 28th October, I shall share you the significant things I learnt from Insight Day!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

No one on the platform did the Latham open day this week?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Just looking through the Milbank brochure, it says the 1st stage is application and online assessment, and then a critical thinking test after. Does anyone know if this means we would do a WG-style test after this initial test since that didn't have critical thinking

 

[jamsparkle]

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.

mine were the same and i got an invite, i know someone who had 'challenging ourselves' and 'delivering extraordinary outcomes' and also got an invite

 

[whywhy88]

Sorry if this has been answered but are there any VI questions in the Milbank assessment? Need to work out if I can do it in my pyjamas or not🤣

 

[msclm]

Sorry if this has been answered but are there any VI questions in the Milbank assessment? Need to work out if I can do it in my pyjamas or not🤣

nope! (also did in bed lol)

 

[marcc]

Freshfields Direct TC Stage 2 invite! Does anyone have any tips for the written assessment or the VI?

 

[Lawlawland]

How long does it usually take to submit a good application?

It took me 3 whole days to complete one application and IDK if I'm doing it right. It's exhausting.