TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hello!

Yes, that should be absolutely fine - especially if the application questions aren't motivation-based. Open days can be really helpful for deepening your understanding of the firm and refining your answers later on, but they're not a prerequisite for submitting an application.

If anything, attending the open day after submitting your application could strengthen your insight and help you prepare for interviews if you're invited to the next stage.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[johnsmith]

congrats!! when did you send your application

Ages ago! Thank you.

 

[Suii]

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!

Thank you this is really helpful.

 

[FutureTrainee100]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman,

I’m re-applying to Gibson Dunn this cycle after reaching the AC last year and would really appreciate your advice.

I’ve re-written my “why commercial law” paragraph and fully refreshed my first “why Gibson Dunn” paragraph.

My question is about my two other reasons for wanting to join the firm: the disputes/transactions balance, and the training philosophy. My reasoning on those hasn’t changed — so is it acceptable to keep those broadly the same this year, or is that still too risky even if I lightly rephrase?

Separately, my final “why me” paragraph is currently focused on my university research achievement and my society leadership roles (I graduated two years ago). Should I keep the research award and add a recent achievement to show progression — or would you replace it entirely?

Would really appreciate your thoughts. I thought last year’s application was strong and I’d like to keep elements of it this year if I can.

 

[Sharkfin]

Stage 1: normal SJT. You get to do it immediately after your application.

Stage 2: if you meet the benchmark for the SJT, you'll be passed on to the second stage, which is also a test and VI. This is for behaviour and critical thinking (similar to WGT but bespoke to Latham). This part is untimed. The video interview happens in a different way. Unlike the usual ones where they just as a question, here you'll be reading a case situation, it's relevant content and a crisis associated with that situation. It is followed by two questions testing your competency to handle the situation. 2 videos. Each can be 3 minutes long (maximum) and they give you one minute to prepare. Each question has 3 components (thus really long to read). That was the toughest part for me. One minute runs out by the time you read and process the question, thus barely any time to prepare.

As I did not make it to the second stage last year I'm unaware if it was the same.

I hope that helps.

Just to ask a follow up from this, do you have unlimited time to read the case situ, context + crisis or is it timed too?

 

[Lawlawland]

Just to ask a follow up from this, do you have unlimited time to read the case situ, context + crisis or is it timed too?

Reading time is unlimited! But the question is least about the content and more situational!

 

[sooae]

Hi! For those who’ve completed the Milbank WG, did you receive any confirmation email after submitting it? Like similar to the first test?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For anyone who has attended an OD at Latham this cycle, I am just curious to know, how many people were on it?

 

[e_turbo2]

Simmons OD 😀

Truly happy for you buddy!

 

[e_turbo2]

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

Is this for VS or OD?

 

[p2bv]

DLA piper interview invite