TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[JasmineVill]

should i assume pfo for macfarlanes after not hearing from them for over a month?

Is this after the second simulate assessment?

 

[sadboi]

Oh god the FF stage 2 exercise was hard....

 

[Vasil2004]

Anyone still waiting on Cleary post WG?

 

[yasmars]

Oh god the FF stage 2 exercise was hard....

What was hard about it specifically?

 

[RJ Ruban]

Milbank stage 2 invite!! Completed stage 1 earlier today... Is stage 2 automatic? And is it timed? Thnxx

I’ve completed Milbank a week ago but haven’t heard anything back. Im guessing I didn’t get to the next stage haha - they reviewed your written questions pretty fast tbf!

 

[FutureTrainee100]

Does anyone have insight on Weil’s VI process? I can help with Jones Day’s AC, Gibson Dunn’s first-stage interview and AC, Dechert’s written exercise and AC, and White & Case’s VI and AC. VIs are the area I struggle with most, so any guidance on Weil’s approach would be hugely appreciated!!!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

I just sent off an application to Freshfields' SVC but I searched through the forum and found that people have already been invited to the 2nd assessment. Be completely honest with me here, am I cooked?

I also was about to start an application for Hogan Lovells but I noticed they said they required an AAB at least for A levels, and I definitely do not have that lol. I do however attend a RG uni which is especially good for Law, and I had to take a foundation year before I could enter the Law School in order to compensate for my poor A levels. I got a 2:1 in my first year and I have solid experience, should I still apply?

 

[FutureTrainee100]

I just sent off an application to Freshfields' SVC but I searched through the forum and found that people have already been invited to the 2nd assessment. Be completely honest with me here, am I cooked?

I also was about to start an application for Hogan Lovells but I noticed they said they required an AAB at least for A levels, and I definitely do not have that lol. I do however attend a RG uni which is especially good for Law, and I had to take a foundation year before I could enter the Law School in order to compensate for my poor A levels. I got a 2:1 in my first year and I have solid experience, should I still apply?

YESS, I attended their first-year scheme and was their campus ambassador. From my understanding they are a bit more flexible on A-levels (especially if you have mitigating circumstances), but I would email to confirm if you are still unsure ))

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

When re-applying to a firm, is it okay to answer the Q "Have you previously applied for any positions at X LLP?" by also flagging how you've improved since the last cycle? @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

 

[cookedlawstudent]

YESS, I attended their first-year scheme and was their campus ambassador. From my understanding they are a bit more flexible on A-levels (especially if you have mitigating circumstances), but I would email to confirm if you are still unsure ))

The thing is, I don't have any mitigating circumstances for my A levels. I was just burnt out and didn't perform well because of it. It's just that when I started the application it said that I had to have AAB at a level, but I am projected to get a 2:1.

Also, am I still cooked for Freshfields?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Any insight on Weil VI will be much appreciated please 🙏🏾 thanks

 

[yk1906]

The thing is, I don't have any mitigating circumstances for my A levels. I was just burnt out and didn't perform well because of it. It's just that when I started the application it said that I had to have AAB at a level, but I am projected to get a 2:1.

Also, am I still cooked for Freshfields?

On their website they said they could potentially close applications earlier than a deadline, if they allocate all of the places. They haven't done that yet, therefore you have all the chances!!

 

[yk1906]

Are there any VIs on Linklaters 1st assessment?

 

[Amgrad]

Not sure as the information is unavailable online. I'm visiting the firm tomorrow, and shall ask and let you know!

Could you ask when their scheme date is? It says TBC here and their website. Is it possible that they will cancel it like previous year?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

Does Mischcon's chatbot include a VI or is it just that our camera is on throughout?

 

[Hamlindigo Blue]

anyone who completed the Freshfields stage 2 assessment didn't receive a confirmation email? I did mine recently and didn't receive anything like a feedback report or submission confirmation. Really worried mine didn't go through!

 

[RJ Ruban]

Does Mischcon's chatbot include a VI or is it just that our camera is on throughout?

I went to the open day and they said there’s a VI at the end but your not recorded throughout the whole process. There is a verification video tho but you can turn that off.

 

[WillKitchen]

Does Mischcon's chatbot include a VI or is it just that our camera is on throughout?

Yes, there is a very brief video question at the end. They say it is just for ID checking, but it will be reviewed by a human, not AI.

 

[lawschool123]

Hi, I was wondering whether anyone has any information on the Cleary AC. I have been unable to find any information on the style of the technical case study interview. Currently sort of preparing for all formats, but having some idea beforehand would really help!

 

[RJ Ruban]

anyone who completed the Freshfields stage 2 assessment didn't receive a confirmation email? I did mine recently and didn't receive anything like a feedback report or submission confirmation. Really worried mine didn't go through!

Haven’t gotten one aswell, I pressed on the link again and it said it’s completed so assuming it has been submitted