TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[CuriousTrainee]

Hi!

That section is usually just a space to add anything about your degree that isn't captured elsewhere in the application. A few things that you might include (and you don't necessarily need to include anything!):

• Any unusual aspects of your course (e.g. a year abroad, a dissertation, joint honours structure, or anything that makes your degree slightly different from the standard)
• Context around grades - if there is not a separate mitigating circumstances section, this could be a good place to briefly explain it
• Additional academic achievements (e.g. scholarships, awards, dean's list, prizes, or anything else related to your degree)
• Transfer of change of course - if you switched course or university at any point, this might be the best place to clarify

If you don't have anything you need to add, it's perfectly fine to keep it short / empty - they're just giving you an optional space in case something needs explaining.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with the Mills & Reeve application!

This helps clarify a lot, thank you!

 

[asplawyer100]

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 received this a couple of weeks ago and have heard nothing since.

 

[hawkins19]

if you dont mind me asking, when did you receive the invitation, and was the only step before the SJT?

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

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

BCLP's Recruitment Manager @Isabel Elsey is live for the next hour to answer any questions you have about the firm, the application process, and what the team looks for in applications.

You can jump in to ask a question now.

 

[Trophy]

Milbank first assessment! Not sure if it's automatic, any tips will be helpful

There are two written questions 20 mins each it’s timed. Then some sjt questions

 

[CuriousTrainee]

I received this a couple of weeks ago and have heard nothing since.

I'm honestly a bit confused on how they screen candidates. Some people complete the WG and get an email the next day and others that also pass, it's normally two weeks or more. 🤔 😂

 

[jojo23]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear from simmons? I took the test Nov 4.

Im starting to find it unsettling that I haven't heard from firms ive applied to around a month a go

 

[lawyersum]

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!

hey so sorry to hear this🙁when did you complete the test if I may ask!

 

[LaDiva]

Any advice for Trowers & Hamlins online assessments? is it STJ, verbal and numerical?

 

[WeGotThis!]

There are two written questions 20 mins each it’s timed. Then some sjt questions

Thank you!!

The WG is the 2nd test?

 

[johnsmith]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear from simmons? I took the test Nov 4.

Im starting to find it unsettling that I haven't heard from firms ive applied to around a month a go

London or Bristol?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone know if Dentons’ test is automatic?

 

[jojo23]

London or Bristol?

London

 

[jojo23]

Anybody heard from wfw or hfw yet?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

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

 

[I_hate_pickingusernames]

Clyde & Co VI!!

When I applied to the spring scheme there were no questions in the application. Was this right?

 

[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 🤝