TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[cookedlawstudent]

For people who completed the Freshfields Stage 2 Assessment, how long did it take before you received confirmation of assessment completion? Finished mine a few minutes before the deadline and am slightly worried.

Hi considering that FF doesn't have a section in their application form dedicated to extracurriculars, did you just mention them in your work experience section instead? I just submitted mine yesterday and because of this I didn't mention any of my extra-curricular activities </3

 

[sal44]

anyone heard back post stage 2 test for Freshfields (or have any idea when we might hear back)?

 

[xMontmorency]

You see you're absolutely correct and now I'm certain I'll get a PFO from them. Now that I'm comparing the description for the work experience section to other firms, I would recommend you mention your extracurriculars. I excluded exec positions, writing for a legal blog and so many others 😭

In my opinion, the standard is not to include extra curriculars in the work experience section. If a firm wants to hear abour your position as treasurer of the water polo club they usually have an additional section where you mention extra curriculars. Work experience is for paid work, internships and you can get away with law firm open days and forage programmes.

Problem is with a lot of firms switching away from written questions it becomes less clear what they want in the WE section.

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI? Is it timed etc? I'm terrible at VIs so would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has

 

[jojo23]

In the initial Freshfields applications, I wrote that I required extra time as an adjustment, but didn't specify anything else. In the stage 2 email, they've provided a form to fill in, in case you hadn't mentioned it previously. Is it worth filling in that form to be more specific, or is it likely they've already implemented it?

 

[ORB]

have you heard back from the AG watson glaser test? It's been 3 days and i've heard nothing, assuming that's a bad sign

have you heard back yet?

 

[xMontmorency]

In the initial Freshfields applications, I wrote that I required extra time as an adjustment, but didn't specify anything else. In the stage 2 email, they've provided a form to fill in, in case you hadn't mentioned it previously. Is it worth filling in that form to be more specific, or is it likely they've already implemented it?

Fill it in. You'll be doing a lot of form-filling as a solicitor so it's good practice.

 

[silonthesofa]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI? Is it timed etc? I'm terrible at VIs so would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has

Assuming it hasn't changed from last year, timed. Otherwise, general advice of making sure you are clear in your motivations for law and know the firm. Sorry if that doesn't help much. If it's of any help, no one likes VIs. My best recommendation is to try not to panic, even if things go a little sideways or you get a curve ball of a question.

 

[apap]

Taylor Wessing PFO post verbal reasoning and critical reasoning test.

 

[silonthesofa]

Taylor Wessing PFO post verbal reasoning and critical reasoning test.

Sorry to hear. When did you take the tests? For spring?

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI? Is it timed etc? I'm terrible at VIs so would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has

Cant offer any advice but i attended their allaboutlaw event and it is timed, good luck!

 

[apap]

Sorry to hear. When did you take the tests? For spring?

I got the invitation to do the test 24th October and completed it 11 days later (you get 14 days to complete it)

 

[margauxetienne]

Has anyone heard from Gibson Dunn post- first interview? I did mine two weeks ago...

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Passed Clifford Chance WG after receiving the test this morning (DTC)! Now we have to wait until week commencing 8th December for VI invites.

 

[Jennifer2003]

I got the invitation to do the test 24th October and completed it 11 days later (you get 14 days to complete it)

So sorry to hear that. Was this for the spring or summer programmes?

 

[applicant3000]

Assuming it hasn't changed from last year, timed. Otherwise, general advice of making sure you are clear in your motivations for law and know the firm. Sorry if that doesn't help much. If it's of any help, no one likes VIs. My best recommendation is to try not to panic, even if things go a little sideways or you get a curve ball of a question.

Thank you!

 

[firmfirm]

Am I the only one who’s a bit worried that DLA Piper hasn’t gotten back yet, even after successfully passing the WG? I’ve seen a few people get a response already, so I’m starting to worry… is it still early days, or should I be expecting a PFO?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hello my friends,

Hope everyone is doing well.

I haven’t posted in a while as I took a little break, went on a holiday (and even got engaged!! 💍)

Has anyone heard back from the following firms? I haven’t in a while so out here twiddling my thumbs:

* Taylor Wessing post SJT
* Skadden
* Goodwin
* Clyde & Co post SJT
* Bird & Bird post VI
* Cooley
* Mischon post chat interview
* CMS post WG (DTC)
* Withers post SJT
* HFW
* Hill Dickinson
* Stephenson Harwood
* WFW

Thank you!

 

[Amgrad]

Hello my friends,

Hope everyone is doing well.

I haven’t posted in a while as I took a little break, went on a holiday (and even got engaged!! 💍)

Has anyone heard back from the following firms? I haven’t in a while so out here twiddling my thumbs:

* Taylor Wessing post SJT
* Skadden
* Goodwin
* Clyde & Co post SJT
* Bird & Bird post VI
* Cooley
* Mischon post chat interview
* CMS post WG (DTC)
* Withers post SJT
* HFW
* Hill Dickinson
* Stephenson Harwood
* WFW

Thank you!

TW: Will invite WE after the deadline
Goodwin, Cooley, Skadden: Non-rolling, they're not reviewing app yet except for Open Days
SH, WFW: Will ask them on the Open Day! Typically they're Non-rolling.

 

[Bbhu19]

Hello my friends,

Hope everyone is doing well.

I haven’t posted in a while as I took a little break, went on a holiday (and even got engaged!! 💍)

Has anyone heard back from the following firms? I haven’t in a while so out here twiddling my thumbs:

* Taylor Wessing post SJT
* Skadden
* Goodwin
* Clyde & Co post SJT
* Bird & Bird post VI
* Cooley
* Mischon post chat interview
* CMS post WG (DTC)
* Withers post SJT
* HFW
* Hill Dickinson
* Stephenson Harwood
* WFW

Thank you!

Skadden you won’t hear until after deadline