TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[elizabethkate]

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?

did u ask for it?

 

[boots pharmacy]

did u ask for it?

You have to email grad rec for it

 

[anon78365222111]

Anyone know if you can apply to AO with a 5 in gcse maths due to mitigating circumstances

 

[WillKitchen]

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

Thank you!

Yes, it is very useful to gain a sense of US/City culture for myself, and see which firms replicate that sense of intellectual curiosity and global collaboration that I know from my university teaching and academic publishing work.

In the past, I've been a project manager for international research teams (supervising professionals from Japan, Canada and Sweden), so the larger firms with a portfolio of cross-border work make the most sense. I also have some sector knowledge around commercial media. Aside from that, I'm keeping an open mind!

 

[WillKitchen]

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!

Thank you - I'm hoping that recruitment teams will agree!

 

[Amgrad]

Thank you!

Yes, it is very useful to gain a sense of US/City culture for myself, and see which firms replicate that sense of intellectual curiosity and global collaboration that I know from my university teaching and academic publishing work.

In the past, I've been a project manager for international research teams (supervising professionals from Japan, Canada and Sweden), so the larger firms with a portfolio of cross-border work make the most sense. I also have some sector knowledge around commercial media. Aside from that, I'm keeping an open mind!

That's cool. I am currently drafting for my VS applications and will submit them after the open days:

• Taylor Wessing
• Skadden
• Goodwin
• Shoosmiths
• Reed Smith

Planning to apply/Waiting for the open day outcome:

• Gibson Dunn
• Stephenson Harwood
• Cooley
• Clyde & Co

Hope to get more insights to get well-polished app!

 

[Lawlife5]

For those that passed Freshfields 1st stage assessment how long did you spend on the Watson Glaser section and overall? Just trying to gauge as I feel like it took me ages😂

 

[johnsmith]

For those that passed Freshfields 1st stage assessment how long did you spend on the Watson Glaser section and overall? Just trying to gauge as I feel like it took me ages😂

I'd say around 30 minutes, but I'd done quite a few CappFin tests by that point.

 

[Lawlife5]

I'd say around 30 minutes, but I'd done quite a few CappFin tests by that point.

30 minutes overall?