TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Chelsea101]

I want to clarify some points, as I realise I may have been unclear in my earlier message. I met with Grad Rec at the Legal Cheek Live event in London and asked extensive questions. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Testing Process: Everyone who applies for an open day will need to complete a test. I am not sure whether you need to pass the first test to take the second one (which includes the video interview). So far, it appears that everyone who completed the first test has gone on to do the second one, indicating that two tests are required. The turnaround time for the second test varies; mine took two weeks after completing the first test, while others have reported waiting only three days.

2. Vacation Scheme Applications: If you apply for a vacation scheme, you will also need to complete tests. However, suppose you successfully apply for and attend one of their open days. In that case, you won’t have to complete the online test when applying for the vacation scheme within the same academic year. If your application for the open day is unsuccessful, you may still apply for the vacation scheme, but you will need to retake the online test. It is likely that the online test will remain the same for the vacation scheme, but I am not sure of this.

3. Cohort Changes: Grad Rec mentioned that you cannot change cohorts. For example, if you apply for the Spring program, you must be able to attend fully, as they are aware that many firms offer candidates vacation schemes, which leads to students trying to switch to the Summer program. They indicated that they no longer accommodate such changes. Many firms are adopting similar policies; for instance, Weil and Akin now only offer Spring schemes, and full attendance is mandatory. Therefore, choose your scheme dates wisely.

You need to pass the first stage to get the second one. I never received a second stage test invite - only the first (which I completed three weeks ago) and I received a PFO today for the 6th Nov Open Day so....

 

[iwatchsuits]

Has anyone heard from Osborne Clarke? Very anxiously waiting as I think I flopped their interactive inductive reasoning test lol

 

[TA04]

I did the Macfarlanes application and video interview a month ago now and I have received nothing back from them, not even a holding email. Is anyone in the same boat?

 

[a0]

I'm guessing the Milbank 2nd stage assessment is the WG?

 

[Amgrad]

I did the Macfarlanes application and video interview a month ago now and I have received nothing back from them, not even a holding email. Is anyone in the same boat?

No reflection report?

Did anyone else receive the self reflection report from Macfarlanes after completing the Simulate?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

I'm guessing the Milbank 2nd stage assessment is the WG?

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

 

[c.t.tc]

Has anyone heard from Osborne Clarke? Very anxiously waiting as I think I flopped their interactive inductive reasoning test lol

I don't think they're rolling so we'll hear after their deadline I'm also so sure I did horrifically on their deductive reasoning genuinely one of the hardest firm tests ever

 

[floral.tcla]

if you're still waiting to hear back from AOS post-AC, what does it say on your application portal? still at interview or..?

 

[TA04]

No reflection report?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

Yes I got a self-reflection report, the last email was an assessment confirmation

 

[llblawstudent]

Anyone else feel like the first two assessments for Milbank are automatic (or at least for anyone that’s eligible to apply) in spite of what they’ve said? Haven’t seen a single pfo yet lol Can’t work out if I’ve actually done a good job with the responses or it can’t be known for sure 😂

 

[LawAspirer]

Anyone else feel like the first two assessments for Milbank are automatic (or at least for anyone that’s eligible to apply) in spite of what they’ve said? Haven’t seen a single pfo yet lol Can’t work out if I’ve actually done a good job with the responses or it can’t be known for sure 😂

I did the 1st assessment last Friday and am yet to hear anything

 

[iwatchsuits]

I don't think they're rolling so we'll hear after their deadline I'm also so sure I did horrifically on their deductive reasoning genuinely one of the hardest firm tests ever

Ahh okay that makes sense, I was a bit confused because after completing the test it said I’ll hear within two weeks! Yeah the tests were really tricky, I ran out of time on the inductive reasoning one so had to put random answers for the last three questions :/

 

[Goingtogetatc]

Hello!

I’ve quoted a post below for this question - I hope it assists! Just shout if you have any specific questions

Thank you so much Abbie!

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Has anyone heard back about A&O WVS yet post AC? We were supposed to be told the outcome this week so probably a PFO now I imagine?

 

[hawkins19]

Is withers rolling? im so confused

 

[aspringlawyer25]

No reflection report?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

Oh gosh, I hate the SHL assessments, so tough and timed too

 

[whywhy88]

When did you do the first stage? I did mine last friday

I did it last Sunday

 

[bh.sa]

No reflection report?

Yes, I got it 2 days after the second assesment!

The first stage was SHL, they might using the same provider though. SHL has critical thinking test too and it's way more challenging than WG.

How is SHL different from WG?

 

[student101!]

Has anyone heard back from Cleary about WVS yet?

Have you received an invite for / completed the WGT yet? or are you still waiting to hear back from the written application? I haven't heard anything back since the written application.

 

[johnsmith]

How is SHL different from WG?

Go on their site and try their practice tests and you can see! One part is standard critical thinking but the 2nd part is a real thinker under time pressure!

 

[Amgrad]

Oh gosh, I hate the SHL assessments, so tough and timed too

Yeah, I did it before my graduation at non law firm. It was definitely the toughest test I've ever had

How is SHL different from WG?

SHL is a provider just like Amberjack, Cappfinity, Arctic Shores, Plum, Sova, and Pymetrics. Whilst WG is a critical thinking test named after psychologist who found it.