TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[seriouscandidate_]

I’ve been invited to two in-person open days on the same day and at the same time. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated. 🥺

 

[Chelsea101]

Those that applied to BCLP - is the test sent automatically? Thanks

 

[t2025]

If anybody could offer any advice on Freshfields' stage 2 assessment it would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance

 

[Jessica Pearson]

I got it midday when I was at work yesterday. You can't even have a quick cry😭😂

That's literally what I was thinking 😭. Got mine this morning before work so I've been listening to funny videos so I don't cry.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all, for Reed Smith's VI what type of questions are to be expected i.e., situational, competency, motivational?

Hello!

This video from the TCLA Law Firm Directory was really useful for me when preparing for the Reed Smith VI - Rik goes into detail on what kinds of questions you can expect, and how to properly answer them. I hope you find it useful!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie, thanks this is helpful. I do have a slight concern though-- the Akin form asked multiple short questions and so it forced me to really use many of my examples to explain why I was interested in X or Y. Is it concerning if I repeat some of the experiences in competency sections? I can try find some other examples, but they tend to be far weaker imo.

Hey!

No problem at all

It's completely fine to repeat examples as long as you are not giving exactly the same answer word-for-word. Firms know that strong experiences will often demonstrate more than one competency, and they won't expect you to have an endless list of examples / experiences.

If you reuse an example, just make sure you:

1. Focus on a different angle each time (e.g. one answer emphasises teamwork, another focuses on problem-solving or motivation)
2. Add a slightly different reflection or takeaway to distinguish the two answers

It's better to use a strong example more than once with a fresh focus, rather than switch to a weaker example that doesn't show you at your best

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’ve been invited to two in-person open days on the same day and at the same time. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated. 🥺

Hello!

First of all, congratulations on being invited to two in-person open days!

I would try to decide which event matters most to you, focusing on factors such as your interest in the firm, chances of applying, networking value, etc. It might be helpful to think about which firm you know less about, as the open day might be a great way to gain some more insights into their work / culture.

Once you have chosen, I would email the other firm politely, explain you have a clash, and ask if there's another date or way to attend (for example, there may be a virtual session or event in the future).

Firms are usually very understanding, particularly if you politely email them and let them know in advance. It definitely won't reflect badly on you as long as you communicate professionally and as soon as you can

 

[seriouscandidate_]

Hello!

First of all, congratulations on being invited to two in-person open days!

I would try to decide which event matters most to you, focusing on factors such as your interest in the firm, chances of applying, networking value, etc. It might be helpful to think about which firm you know less about, as the open day might be a great way to gain some more insights into their work / culture.

Once you have chosen, I would email the other firm politely, explain you have a clash, and ask if there's another date or way to attend (for example, there may be a virtual session or event in the future).

Firms are usually very understanding, particularly if you politely email them and let them know in advance. It definitely won't reflect badly on you as long as you communicate professionally and as soon as you can

Thank you, Abbie. I will do!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hello!

This video from the TCLA Law Firm Directory was really useful for me when preparing for the Reed Smith VI - Rik goes into detail on what kinds of questions you can expect, and how to properly answer them. I hope you find it useful!

thank you so much Abbie ❤️

 

[sinirs]

Could anyone kindly share insights from the 2nd stage of the FF assessment? Would greatly appreciate it

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Applied to Hogan Lovells last week Friday and have not received the first stage test :/ I thought someone said it was automatic :/

 

[firmfirm]

I was wondering if someone might be able to help me on this. I'm not really sure how DLA screen the WG or applications or what the benchmark is to pass. It almost seems random at how people get through since some will do the WG then hear back days even weeks later yet others, the next day. Also another question I have is, do they look at both the application and the WG or is it predetermined only by the WG score?

Any insight would be much appreciated 🙏🙏

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Applied to Hogan Lovells last week Friday and have not received the first stage test :/ I thought someone said it was automatic :/

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

 

[firmfirm]

Thank you so much! Also, if you don't mind my asking, were there any particular requirements about the open questions?

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

 

[seriouscandidate_]

What is the best way to practice WG tests? Any website recommendations in particular? Thanks! 🤩

 

[Someoneinlaw]

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

ohhh okay , thank you!

 

[User22022002]

For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!

From the email saying I got to the first test, i don't think it’s automatic. They implied they had looked over my application but whether that was just a requirements check or something more (like looking at work experience), I don’t know. Im pretty sure the test is a quick turn around, maybe a week or slightly less.

 

[giuliarossi1610]

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

Same position here. Tbf the London's deadline was just a few days ago so it is unlikely that they have filled all their TIs. We gotta trust the process at this point as it is out of our control

 

[Bread]

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

I found it interesting how they spent around 2 hours talking about pro bono and culture but don’t want you to focus on that in the application 😅

 

[lissa2006]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They can check whether you have done it but they cannot access the work that was posted on it. At least this is what one of the MC firms answered at an online event (CC I believe? someone said they were proud of the work they've done on Forage, but they responded there's no way for them to see it)