TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

Did they give any indication as to whether the process was the same as the usual vac schemes? Eg AC after tests?

They're figuring out ig, coz I got two different inputs regarding this.

One said there might be an interview with grad team and the tech team. One wasn't sure if they have any...

That said, I don't think this is anyway easy as they made it clear the benchmark for AI internship is the same as the benchmark for Vac Scheme AC invites. So similar kind of applications standard and test quality one have to maintain for both.

 

[Lawlawland]

Thank you so much for the reply! That's really helpful. Although I have to say, I don't really see the point then of doing it... not sure about the idea of a direct TC assessment centre either given that they don't accept applications for direct TCs, so surely they don't make their vac schemers then go through an additional assessment centre after having been there for a couple of weeks...

I kind of get the feeling they haven't figured out yet what they want to do with this exactly.

Yes, they told the same tbh.

While they're rolling out ACs for Vac Schemes, they're planning to wait till the deadline for AI internship closes to make any decisions for this. That said they're taking step cautiously.

While my friend who applied for the AI one got rejected in a few days itself, if they're yet to reply you, that means you're on wait list, which isn't a bad thing. They told me they'll confirm the details by the end of December ideally (deadline is December 15).

That said, I'm interested in this because I studied AI Law. I wouldn't necessarily take this path if I am not particularly interested or aware of what this could be, as this seems kinda complicated compared to the usual route.

 

[YS391]

It was high for both and 7/9 for applied intellect and 9/9 for digital mindset so I’m happy with the rest 😭

I still think that's a pretty decent score compared to other ppl.

Especially considering I found the SJT Qs in the Reed Smith test this year way harder than the last two years. Did u also find the SJT test Qs hard ?

 

[yasmars]

Yes, they have 3 potential paths, given we perform really well:
1. If we wanna continue in the legal tech space, they'll note us as priority when a role opena up and reach out and hire us directly.
2. If we wanna take the solicitor path, and if we wanna do a vac scheme for exposure, or if they think they wanna know us better before offering a trainee contract , they'll send us to the Vacation scheme AC, where we meet other direct applicants in the pool, same process.
3. Highly unlikely, but if they're satisfied with our work, they'll put us on a direct trainee contract assessment centre (where we again have to meet the people in the pool).

Long story short, this would not be a short cut to VS/TC, and you still have to get through another assessment centre and filtering, despite the 2 week internship.

Simmons have a direct TC process?

 

[Lawlawland]

Simmons have a direct TC process?

Nope, but being exceptionally good at the AI internship might get you a direct TC assessment is what I was told, which was pretty confusing for me too!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hogan Lovells Job Sim (second stage) test invite! I can’t believe I actually passed a test that contains SJT and WG questions! 😂​

 

[abc124]

I still think that's a pretty decent score compared to other ppl.

Especially considering I found the SJT Qs in the Reed Smith test this year way harder than the last two years. Did u also find the SJT test Qs hard ?

Yes! I have completed amberjack tests before (not with Reed Smith though) and have always got better scores. I thought a lot of the answers were quite plausible. Hope your assessment went well!

 

[msclm]

If anyone has done a vac scheme (particularly with a US firm), could you pls share any tips to do well? Would LOVE to convert 😭

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

If Dentons virtual interview is u have 2 mins for each q to record urself and submit ur answer but its untimed like u can prepare as much as u want before am I allowed to look q up and prepare before i hit record? I’m so confused i never did a virtual interview before?? 😭

Thx

 

[vweewcvew]

Would it be fine to apply for a VS before attending the firm's open day? The application questions aren't motivation based.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Did the hogan job sim include any commercial awareness or motivational vi questions? or were they just SJT questions?

 

[LegalLigase]

Hi everyone,

I received a PFO for the Latham Open Day today after completing the stage 2 online assessment two weeks ago. Congratulations to all who were successful!

I'm now focusing on strengthening my future vacation scheme application and would be grateful for any insights from those who progressed.

I have a few specific questions:

1. Post-Stage 2 PFO: If the rejection comes after Stage 2, does it typically indicate that the VI performance was the primary reason? While I believe my VI could have been stronger, I want to be thorough in my reflection.
2. Scenario-Based Questions: For the hypothetical questions (e.g., "How would you handle X?"), I structured my answers by outlining my approach and then briefly linking it to a relevant past experience to demonstrate a proven method. Was this an effective strategy, or were they looking for a different response style?
3. Broader Preparation: Beyond this, what other tips do you have for excelling in Latham's VI and any critical reasoning tests?
4. Holistic Reflection: If the reason isn't solely the VI, what other parts of the application should I critically re-examine? How did you ensure your written application (work experience description, written answers for supporting questions) truly stood out for Latham specifically?

I would be incredibly grateful if anyone would be willing to share their written application answers via private message as a reference for structure and detail. Of course, any general advice posted in reply is also highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

 

[YS391]

Yes! I have completed amberjack tests before (not with Reed Smith though) and have always got better scores. I thought a lot of the answers were quite plausible. Hope your assessment went well!

Same here, very similar/plausible answers. Thanks

 

[johnsmith]

Simmons OD 😀

 

[user55998384]

Simmons OD 😀

congrats!! when did you send your application

 

[c.t.tc]

Any Bird&Bird Spring ACs today?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Latham 2nd test invite after completing the 1st test yesterday. Is this automatic?

 

[aria_d]

should I assume Hogan Lovells PFO for their WVS if I completed the Job Sim on the 3rd of Oct and haven’t heard back yet

Hi! Sorry this is off topic but what was the Job Sim test like? Was there a VI element to it?

 

[Ams4567]

4,3,6,9 for RS SJT - am I cooked 🥲

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you this is really helpful and it is really helpful. I agree with you about explaining why. Just a follow up would you say including figures help to make it a stronger answer.

No problem at all!

Yes, including figures can definitely help make your answer stronger, as long as they feel natural and relevant. For example, mentioning how many people joined the WhatsApp group or how often you ran discussions helps show the scale of your effort and makes the impact more tangible.

Just keep it concise, and make sure the focus stays on your actions and what you learned. Try to not overload your answer with lots of data and figures, as this might make it difficult for the graduate recruitment team to read.

I hope that assists!