TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you sooo much!! This is so helpful, are these tests timed? Specifically, the ones for Weil, Freshfields, Mayer Brown, Gibson Dunn, and Milibank.

No problem at all!

I think this will differ from firm to firm, but I've found that most of the ones I have completed were untimed. I would say it is still useful to complete practice tests under timed conditions just in case!

 

[johnsmith]

Thank you sooo much!! This is so helpful, are these tests timed? Specifically, the ones for Weil, Freshfields, Mayer Brown, Gibson Dunn, and Milibank.

Milbank is timed. The others aren't timed though they do suggest to work as quickly through them as you can!

 

[ali-k]

Yes they tell you

even if youve failed?

 

[l789]

There is a VI in the second stage assessment as well as another test! If you pass this, you receive the open day invite.

I only recieved, an invitation to a two part assessment (second assessment had no video interview) Completed that on the deadline, and was emailed my cappfinity report on Wednesday

I haven’t heard anything since- I’m not sure what to make of this. Do you have any further guidance?

 

[J1234]

does the Simmons first stage test have a vi or is it just an sjt?

also wondering this?

 

[johnsmith]

also wondering this?

Yes VI!

 

[J1234]

Yes VI!

Oh right thank you! It threw me when the email said the second part of the online application stage is just an online judgement test for approx 30 minutes

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Have Hogan Lovells AC invites been sent out?

Is Hogan Lovells' 2nd stage test automatic?

has anyone heard of Hogan Lovells post Job Sim? Any AC invites?

What's the Cappfinity Job Simulation for Hogan Lovells like?
It says "mixture of scenario-based rank questions, video response questions and written response questions".

The scenario-based sounds like an SJT which I already did. Is the video response typical VI stuff ?

Hi all, for those who have completed the Hogan Lovells Job Simulation test, I was just wondering whether you wouldn't mind sharing whether the questions were more focused on the situations themselves in the test (i.e., how you would respond in different scenarios), or could be related more to your personal motivation, skills, and competencies? Prepping for possible questions such as Why the firm, why commercial law would take up so much more time. Thank you so much!

 

[LawAspirer]

IS DLA Piper Watson Glaser test automatic? I got it on a Sunday and i'm wondering if it's automatic or it was actually assessed.

 

[qaz99]

have people heard back from W&C for their winter scheme? I know it's rolling and I was wondering if it's stupid to apply today (deadline day)

was told they are going to get back to everyone after the deadline

 

[johnsmith]

Freshfelds stage 2 all done - is it weird to say you enjoyed it?

 

[whywhy88]

Anyone else feel like they bombed the last two questions on the Milbank assessment? They definitely caught me off guard, and I ran out of time for the last one on my final sentence 🙃

 

[flower1]

was told they are going to get back to everyone after the deadline

Hello, do you know if this is also for the spring/summer vacation schemes for W&C?

 

[Dannie]

should I prepare deals for Freshfields VI?

 

[FutureTrainee100]

Milbank is timed. The others aren't timed though they do suggest to work as quickly through them as you can!

Thank you SO much, this has been very helpful! Helped me calm my nerves a bit.

Last question I promise, which one of these include video responses? I know Weil and Mayer Brown but I am unsure about the rest.

 

[Andrei Radu]

IS DLA Piper Watson Glaser test automatic? I got it on a Sunday and i'm wondering if it's automatic or it was actually assessed.

Back when I was applying it was definitely not automatic, and I do not think that they have changed their process. I would not read too much into the fact you heard back on a Sunday - this has happened to me a number of times when hearing back even after a VI/online test. Sometimes, recruiters also work in the weekends; and sometimes, while they may send invites all together in a semi-automised process which kicks in at the end of the week, that does not mean your application has not already been considered and that the process was not selective - the automised invites may be sent periodically to people whose applications were listed in "to be progressed" categories.

 

[jojo23]

Receiving a Hsf pfo on a Sunday felt violent 💀

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Receiving a Hsf pfo on a Sunday felt violent 💀

I’m sorry was it after the online test?

 

[jojo23]

I’m sorry was it after the online test?

Nope, when I completed the test I received a follow-up email stating I'd passed the benchmark. This was for the winter vs

 

[congrades]

was told they are going to get back to everyone after the deadline

ah, thank you so much!