TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[llblawstudent]

Did simmons vi last year and absolutely messed up a question so badly i started cracking up mid way and ended the video. they surprisingly still invited me for an ac 🥳 dont lose hope!

Ahh thanks that’s so good to hear. For one of the questions (not motivational) I think I just gave such a nothing response and didn’t go into nearly enough depth but just said the basic shit and yeah

 

[yk1906]

Did FF stage 2 and Milbank stage 1 today... What a day 😁😁 How long did it take Milbank to invite you to stage 2 assessment?

 

[yk1906]

Thank you! And is the written exercise or any part of the assessment timed?

its all timed. But don't worry, there's nothing crazy

 

[WeGotThis!]

its all timed. But don't worry, there's nothing crazy

Thank you!

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Is it worth applying to A&O with an overall 2.2 (russell group)? I have mitigating circumstances but I do not want to raise my expectations without understanding how the firm assesses applications. I have progressed with several US firms and a few UK firms (including Freshfields, possibly because I work there). This is my first time applying to A&O so I am unsure whether the firm takes a fully holistic approach and if my experience can offset weaker grades. Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

hey it incldues a mini sjt, verbal reasoning (you have to read a passage and select the right answer), and two short written exercises (around 200 words each). Good luck!

Can I ask if the camera was on the entire time?

 

[Amgrad]

Did FF stage 2 and Milbank stage 1 today... What a day 😁😁 How long did it take Milbank to invite you to stage 2 assessment?

Yeah Monday has always been the brightest day and Friday is the most gloomy day for the law firms' recruitment!

 

[Moo&mak]

I think the point of this question is to see if you can concisely and clearly present a cogent argument on a current business topic. I do not believe there is a clear "right" or "wrong" way of going about this, as the structure it is advisable to use will depend a lot on the content. That said, off the top of my head I would go for the following approach:

1. Paragraph 1 (100-150 words): I would state the background and explain the rough outlines of the views of the two main camps in the current social media regulation debate in the UK. In this context, I would briefly outline the changes brought about by the new Online Safety Act 2023 in regards to age and ID verification of users, censorship of "harmful" topics, and increased fines for online platform operators.
2. Paragraph 2: (100-150 words): I would present my view as to which side has the stronger argument. Here, to have a nuanced argument and not simply only stating your side's points, I would try to address/acknowledge the valid factors brought up by the opposition, but explain why my side's points should be given more weigh and overall win out in an overall cost-benefit analysis. To inform your view, a particular story you may want to read about is Wikipedia vs UK Government, where the two sides took part in this debate before the High Court in a case the could result in Wikipedia being removed from the UK.

Thank you so much ☺️

 

[Julia Dyminska]

That Latham VI....... what on earth was that

Bye bye vac scheme xxx

Omg, are the VI questions commercial, competency or motivational? I'm so confused by their website...

 

[Jennifer2003]

Did simmons vi last year and absolutely messed up a question so badly i started cracking up mid way and ended the video. they surprisingly still invited me for an ac 🥳 dont lose hope!

This has given me so much hope for a Simmons AC thank you <3

 

[Jennifer2003]

is it deep if I apply to Covington despite not having done any of their previous schemes or having met them? I really want to apply, I feel like I have done so much research on the firm and could give really solid answers but I just don't know if it is worth it if I haven't interacted with them and the chances are that many applicants probably have? Having a similar problem with hogan lovells :/

 

[Ferran_]

Anyone heard back from A&O Shearman?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Macfarlanes Job Sim Invite! Completed 1st test last Friday after applying on Thursday.

 

[Afuturetrainee]

It’s automatic. And they don’t read your Application unless you pass.

Is the Mayer Brown test selective or automatic? The wording on the website makes it seem like it’s automatic but I applied yesterday and haven’t received it, not sure if I should email them

 

[Lawlawland]

Anyone here attending HSF Kramer Disputes Open Day?

 

[lawstudent2]

Are you supposed to get a confirmation email after the Mishcon chat test thing?

 

[arbitrationfan]

Are you supposed to get a confirmation email after the Mishcon chat test thing?

what was it like? im about to do it

 

[lawstudent2]

what was it like? im about to do it

I found the format fine and quite easy to deal with but it took me almost 2 hours

 

[yk1906]

Is Kirkland rolling?

 

[arbitrationfan]

I found the format fine and quite easy to deal with but it took me almost 2 hours

are they all written questions, or are there VIs as well?