TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[username10341034]

I have already messed up on the first VI question for Macfarlanes simulate assessment. I panicked and didn't really make much sense. Am I better off not submitting it so that they won't have a record of it if I want to apply in the future?

 

[boots pharmacy]

88th percentile for linklaters WG but nothing back

I was 99th percentile last year but got rejected without progression. No news is good news!

 

[User22022002]

I looked at the Milbank's application portal, and it only showed areas to post work experience + grades. Slightly confused as there weren't any areas to answer long-form questions. Is this how they are conducting their first stage?

 

[boots pharmacy]

I looked at the Milbank's application portal, and it only showed areas to post work experience + grades. Slightly confused as there weren't any areas to answer long-form questions. Is this how they are conducting their first stage?

Yes, some firms seem to be pivoting away re AI worries. Freshfields similar.

 

[Amgrad]

I looked at the Milbank's application portal, and it only showed areas to post work experience + grades. Slightly confused as there weren't any areas to answer long-form questions. Is this how they are conducting their first stage?

You will be asked to do that if you pass the first stage, grades & eligibility screening.

 

[User22022002]

You will be asked to do that if you pass the first stage, grades & eligibility screening.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ali-k]

HSF Kramer AC and W&C VI!
What an evening!

congratulations! is this for the winter VS?

 

[manifestingthetc]

RPC assessment!

 

[jojo23]

how bad is it to ask for a VI extension... im on holiday lol or do I just try and firm it

Stand on business and do it on a beach or from the pool.

 

[jojo23]

And to talk about business stuff as well?? It's cruel 😭

15 seconds...That's almost enough time to read the questions🥵

 

[zxkwok]

I really enjoyed the tasks. Unsure how I'm performing with VIs yet, as not heard positively or negatively from any I've completed VIs for.

Hi there! Would you mind sharing how many questions there were for the written and VI component?

 

[Suii]

It says in the email - I believe 4 days, but they say it is better to do before then. It doesn't take long anyway

Thank you

 

[Suii]

Any advice on how to approach why have you chosen to apply for this placement. Other than the firm's work in practice areas of interest any other suggestions.

 

[johnsmith]

Hi there! Would you mind sharing how many questions there were for the written and VI component?

Being honest it's been too long since I did it and too many other tests inbetween

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Did the email come in just now? Good info to know, though even with mitigating circumstances, drawing the line at 2.2s if the overall classification is a 2.1 seems a bit harsh depending on how impactful the circumstances are.

My email was at 5:44pm. She said they also look at things on a case by case basis so it's not an automatic no if you have a couple 2.2s or less. Personally I have a third in my grades and I have progressed to 2nd and 3rd stages at multiple firms so it's not the end for me at least.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

For some reason, I cannot upload my CV in pdf format on to DLA Piper application form. Anyone encountered the same problem?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When an AC says they'll get back to you "week of" x day, does that usually mean at the start or the end of the week?

Hey!

This generally can mean at any point in the week - I wouldn't assume that because you haven't heard at the beginning of the week, it is an automatic rejection (or vice versa) as there are many different factors that the graduate recruitment team will need to account for before making any decisions. If you still haven't heard after the week is over, it might be worth politely emailing the graduate recruitment team to ask for an update on when you can expect to hear back

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have already messed up on the first VI question for Macfarlanes simulate assessment. I panicked and didn't really make much sense. Am I better off not submitting it so that they won't have a record of it if I want to apply in the future?

Hello!

I would still submit it even if you think you messed up the first question - sometimes the depth of your answer will come across better than you think! Additionally, it is unlikely that they'll refer to any previous applications if you want to apply in the future. Law firms receive so many applications that it would be very time-consuming to go through records of old VIs or applications for each applicant, so they will judge you based on your submission in that cycle.

I would try not to worry too much - even if you submit it, it is very unlikely it'll have any effect if you decide to apply again in the future!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

how bad is it to ask for a VI extension... im on holiday lol or do I just try and firm it

Hello!

Totally understandable that it may not be ideal to film the VI on holiday! If there is still a bit of time before it's due, it could be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to ask - the worst thing they can say is no! However, keep in mind that they might not get to your email in the time before the deadline if the window to complete it closes soon

 

[DavidJC]

HSF Kramer WVS PFO, oh well I guess, I guess the strictness on grades really has kicked in at this point