TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[STEM Student]

Still waiting for Freshfields second assessment after being in the first batch to get the first assessment. As such, I'm assuming PFO.

When did you receive the first test out of interest? I got mine on 13/10. Idk what batch that is.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Has anyone heard from White & Case post-VI (For VIs completed on Thursday)?

 

[Lawlawland]

Did anyone get a positive outcome for the Latham Open Day?
I remember people posting PFO, but unsure if they have sent out any invites.

Safe to assume PFO?

 

[STEM Student]

Did anyone get a positive outcome for the Latham Open Day?
I remember people posting PFO, but unsure if they have sent out any invites.

Safe to assume PFO?

Yh some people have gotten invites.

 

[whywhy88]

Is anyone aware of what the benchmark is for Links WG? Did the test for spring VS the other day and emailed grad rec for my score, turns out im in the 57% percentile but I scored 30/40. Is this too low?

 

[JBM]

Is anyone aware of what the benchmark is for Links WG? Did the test for spring VS the other day and emailed grad rec for my score, turns out im in the 57% percentile but I scored 30/40. Is this too low?

I got 30/40 last year and got an ac.

 

[whywhy88]

I got 30/40 last year and got an ac.

That’s great to hear, thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Lawlawland]

Just submitted my application for White and Case Open Day exactly at 11.59 sharp! It felt like I'm dismantling a weapon at the last second... Not recommended.

I wasn't intending to apply but got a mail about the one day extension due to Azure/AWS fiasco and I thought that's universe's sign lmao.

I couldn't complete it to my full potential (entered only 4 worke experiences out of 8), but just applied coz why not!

 

[floral.tcla]

has anyone applied to or sat tests for PwC?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Milbank second stage test done, bruh that was intense.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Anyone able to please give some insights into W&C interview and written exercise please? Or if anyone has any tips for WE in general that would be amazing as I haven’t done one before!

 

[Ben14014]

Milbank second stage test done, bruh that was intense.

Did they change it ? Was under the impression it’s just a Watson glaser assessment ?

 

[chiichii]

Hi, does anyone know whether Osborne Clarke look at your application answer if you pass the benchmark of their online test, or they only invite you to do their test after reviewing your application answer?

 

[jacksollaf]

I received my Linklaters report and I was wondering does anyone know if the benchmark is per section or for the whole exam... Because I got 92%, but scored 69 on one of them (although the two other sections were 99 and 93).... I feel like their benchmark is 70 in general, but do they also apply this for each section?

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, does anyone know whether Osborne Clarke look at your application answer if you pass the benchmark of their online test, or they only invite you to do their test after reviewing your application answer?

They haven’t reviewed your application - spoke with Patrick recently and he advised he hasn’t started yet!

 

[WillKitchen]

I've had a busy period for open days over the last month: Willkie Farr and Gallagher, Skadden, and Simmons+Simmons.

The experience has encouraged me to apply for more vacation schemes rather than direct TCs, or perhaps TCs that are only available through VS. Gaining that structured exposure to firm culture before deciding where to train is very important.

Up next: Another Simmons day and Lewis Silkin.

 

[Andrei Radu]

I received my Linklaters report and I was wondering does anyone know if the benchmark is per section or for the whole exam... Because I got 92%, but scored 69 on one of them (although the two other sections were 99 and 93).... I feel like their benchmark is 70 in general, but do they also apply this for each section?

I do not have any specific information for Linklaters on this point, but when I discussed this topic with recruiters at other firms I never heard about section benchmarks candidates have to pass.

 

[silonthesofa]

When did you receive the first test out of interest? I got mine on 13/10. Idk what batch that is.

Got the first test 08/10, submitted on 12/10 I believe.

 

[Prudentia]

I've had a busy period for open days over the last month: Willkie Farr and Gallagher, Skadden, and Simmons+Simmons.

The experience has encouraged me to apply for more vacation schemes rather than direct TCs, or perhaps TCs that are only available through VS. Gaining that structured exposure to firm culture before deciding where to train is very important.

Up next: Another Simmons day and Lewis Silkin.

Well done for getting into so many open days! Has it helped you decide which firm/s you’d like to go for?

 

[johnsmith]

I've had a busy period for open days over the last month: Willkie Farr and Gallagher, Skadden, and Simmons+Simmons.

The experience has encouraged me to apply for more vacation schemes rather than direct TCs, or perhaps TCs that are only available through VS. Gaining that structured exposure to firm culture before deciding where to train is very important.

Up next: Another Simmons day and Lewis Silkin.

What a result, Will, congrats to you - it seems you're making awesome progress. Looking at your intro post, though, I'm not surprised, as you have a super relevant background that law firms will feel fits their work excellently!