TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[oliviabeijing]

Does anyone know if Dentons’ test is automatic?

Have you had the test come through? I applied for the Vac Scheme over a week ago

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Have you had the test come through? I applied for the Vac Scheme over a week ago

Same! I applied almost a month ago

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Have you had the test come through? I applied for the Vac Scheme over a week ago

Yeah i got it this afternoon. I applied on the deadline and the wording of the email is ambiguous so I can’t tell if it’s automatic

 

[AMullin]

Taylor Wessing PFO post test for summer. This one kinda stung as it was in my top 5 firms. Actually one of the worst critical thinking tests out there I would not wish it on anyone fr, but good luck to those who made it through to the next stage!

Sorry to hear that, and best of luck with your other apps. I completed the tests for the Spring scheme about 2 weeks ago and have had nothing back so assuming I'm in the same boat 🤝

 

[opticskibidi]

How long after submitting milbank first test did people get the second one?

Very irritated at the fact I wasn’t made aware there were written aspects.

I got the invite 4 days after the first stage.

 

[Bbhu19]

Did anyone get a confirmation after doing Taylor Wessing’s test?

Yes I did

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Does anyone know if Dentons’ test is automatic?

I don't think so, a lot of us haven't heard back post application. Was this for spring or summer vac scheme please?

 

[CamilaPG]

I'm really anxious about doing the Mayer Brown online assessment... If someone has already done it, I would be extremely grateful if you could share some insights and help me out. Many thanks in advance!

 

[futuretraineeihope]

I don't think so, a lot of us haven't heard back post application. Was this for spring or summer vac scheme please?

Ah okay thanks! I'm sure you'll hear soon!! It was for London Spring.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I don't think so, a lot of us haven't heard back post application. Was this for spring or summer vac scheme please?

I'm so confused about this cause I thought everybody who met the basic requirements got the test

 

[Andrei Radu]

Andrei, I made a similar mistake where I started directly on why Davis Polk, should I try and rectify it now by emailing the early careers team?

Could you give me more detail about what the mistake was? Generally, I would advise you to apply the rule I mentioned in my previous post:

• If the mistake is one that may disable a graduate recruiter to properly consider your application on its true merits, or if it is one that may lead to a misleading conclusion or may confuse them as to a relevant part of the application, it is best to inform them about it.
• If the mistake is one that is merely the result of an oversight and it is clear what you actually intended to write, you should not email them about it.

 

[Andrei Radu]

I done my DLA Piper WG yesterday, just got an email saying: ‘We’re writing to confirm that your application is now under consideration for the next stage of our recruitment process: the first stage interview. Our team will carefully review all candidates who have reached this point and shortlist those who will progress further.’
Does this mean I have passed the WG? Did people who progressed to the next stage also get an email like this?

I think it is very likely the case that you gave passed the WG benchmark and your application is now being reviewed again in a holistic manner (so, taking account WG performance + everything that went into the application form) before the firm decides who to progress to the interview stage - at least, this is what this email meant back when I applied to the firm two years ago.

 

[lividowl03]

If it's alright, I've got a few questions about the Reed Smith process? I've been observing for a little haha, but this is my first post here so please let me know if this should be in a different thread.

Has anyone heard back from Reed Smith after SJT/VI? I have applied for the winter scheme and I would've thought ACs would take place before Christmas?

Further to that, roughly how many people make it through to AC? How many vac scheme offers are made? What is success rate from a vac scheme? I've been told before it's roughly 50% through to blended assessment but I'm not sure if that's accurate? Also how many places are actually available on each scheme, as there is conflicting information on different websites.

Sorry for the barrage of questions, Reed Smith is by far my top choice firm, but I wasn't able to attend any open days to ask my questions. Any advice would be much appreciated!!! @Abbie Whitlock @RikPalmer-ReedSmith @ReedSmithBecca

 

[user55998384]

has anyone recieved a feedback report from HSF Kramer and willing to share?

 

[Harvey Specter]

To those applying to Goodwin, was at their open day today and they said they still haven’t gotten to finalising their VI questions. Early careers did mention it will be kind of similar to the application questions so largely motivational, competency and commercial awareness questions. Not really ideal given the deadline is in 10 days. They are non-rolling so it is likely nobody will hear until after the new year in any case.​

 

[Happy Law Student]

Would it be too late to apply for Gibson Dunn? The deadline is mid January so there’s still more than a month, but it’s been open since September so I’m not sure if it would be better to wait until next year.

 

[Ferran_]

anyone know if macfarlanes vac scheme deadline this friday means for assessments too?

 

[Mikeross750]

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the final interview - that's amazing news! 🎊

Whilst I haven't been through the Withers process myself, I can share some general tips on how I would prepare for an interview with HR and a partner!

1. Research the firm and Withers' focus

I'd refresh your memory and do a little more research on the firm - as they're known for their private client and HNW/UHNW work, it might be worth brushing up on:

• Their key practice areas (private clients, family, reputation management, real estate, etc.)
• What makes them different - have a think about what sets them apart in the market. This could be things such as their client base, international presence, and the relationship-driven nature of their work
• A couple of recent deals or insights that they have shared that genuinely interested you

2. Be prepared for the classic motivation questions

You can almost guarantee that at most law firm interviews you will be asked questions such as:

• "Why law?"
• "Why Withers?"
• "Why you?"

I'd also pay particular attention to the fact that they are well-known for their private client work, and prepare an answer for "Why private client work?" in case they ask you this. They likely want to see that you understand the people-focused nature of the work, and why that appeals to you / you are a good fit for it.

3. Prepare strong examples

I would also expect some competency-style questions as well. Have a few solid stories ready for traits such as teamwork, resilience, attention to detail, handling responsibility, managing competing deadlines, etc. I would always recommend this forum post by Andrei, as it is really comprehensive and super handy to go over before an interview!

4. Expect some commercial awareness

Even though it's private client focused, they still want to see you can think commercially (and I was asked commercial questions at a similar, private client focused firm). Pick one or two current issues affecting HNW clients (e.g. tax changes, cross-border estates, family office trends, economic shifts) and be ready to discuss them logically. Discuss how the firm can help their clients navigate these issues, and which departments in the wider firm would be involved.

5. Consider your tone

Whilst it is important to remain professional in an interview, it's also just as important to show genuine enthusiasm and be engaged in the conversation. They will want someone personable, thoughtful, and genuinely interest in their work, so remember to show your personality as well!

6. Prepare a few questions

As with most interviews, I would prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end if you have time. These should be things that you aren't able to find on the firm's website, such as:

• "How does Withers collaborate across practice areas for private client matters?"
• "What makes a trainee stand out here?"

You could potentially even ask the partner for their views on how recent developments might change the work that Withers completes, or how it creates new opportunities / challenges for their clients - particularly if it is a topic you are interested in!

I hope that helps, and best of luck! You've got a whole week, which should be plenty of time to prepare

Thank you so much Abbie!

 

[Mikeross750]

Hi, congratulations! Although, I thought that Withers wasn't rolling? I'm confused!

Hi, thank you! I believe they started progressing applications around one month after the applications opened (as stated on their website), but in an irregular pattern. I believe I received the SJT in late October, then got the invitation to the proof-reading test yesterday, and was invited for an interview today.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or @Andrei Radu !!
Just wondering what the correct sign-off for an email to a client in a written exercise would be? Does this differ if I’m writing to my supervisor or a partner?

Also, just in terms of formalities, is ”Dear [first name]” fine for writing to a supervisor or a partner? And then “Dear Mr/Ms [surname]” for a client?

And lastly I was unsure about headings/subheadings throughout the email. If I kind of list the key issues, do I actually add in a header “Key Issues”? Or if I then analyse said issues, do I add “Analysis”?

Thanks!