TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flower1]

Hello @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock
When researching about a firm for an AC, what's the sort of things we should cover? I feel like making a long list of random facts isn't helpful, but at the same time, I don't want to miss covering anything important. Is there a criteria we can follow when researching firms for AC?

Thank you

 

[lwehl]

does anyone know what time of day tomorrow the latham VC application deadline closes? is it 23.59 on the 7th?

 

[elle woods]

does anyone know what time of day tomorrow the latham VC application deadline closes? is it 23.59 on the 7th?

Yes, I think someone else earlier on the thread said it was 23.59, so I would assume so.

 

[johnsmith]

I'm always in 2 minds about these type of assessments. l like them because they offer people (like me) with a low 2:1 a chance to prove themselves beyond academics, but at the same time there have been so many times where the "areas of weakness / development" just do not make objective sense considering past experiences.

Interested to understand, how do you feel an SJT allows you to prove yourself? Also in the low 2:1 camp.

To me, they just feel like you either get the right values or you don't, and really don't represent me as a person much at all.

 

[lwehl]

Yes, I think someone else earlier on the thread said it was 23.59, so I would assume so.

Thanks. Does anyone know is it only 1 question for the VI section?

 

[Sharkfin]

Interested to understand, how do you feel an SJT allows you to prove yourself? Also in the low 2:1 camp.

To me, they just feel like you either get the right values or you don't, and really don't represent me as a person much at all.

In the sense that, on paper, my application may seem weaker than another candidate purely off of grades (assuming similar past experiences / written answers). An SJT, while far from perfect, offers the chance to potentially position myself on the same level / maybe even ahead of that candidate based off my perfomance - an opportunity to keep myself from being screened out, rather than a way to screen me in, is kinda how I see them. Again I do think alot of SJTs are DEEPLY flawed and verge on being downright silly, but without them I strongly believe I would have recieved alot more rejections at the intial app review stage (at least alot more than I already have). A necessary evil of sorts 😅😅

 

[Dannie]

anyone who took hsfk today have you heard back...

 

[lolololol]

For those who progressed to the VI portion of Latham's application, what were your top strengths and your professional development points?

is the VI stage 2 test?

 

[aspiringlawyer2028]

anyone done the Clyde and Co VI?

 

[johnsmith]

In the sense that, on paper, my application may seem weaker than another candidate purely off of grades (assuming similar past experiences / written answers). An SJT, while far from perfect, offers the chance to potentially position myself on the same level / maybe even ahead of that candidate based off my perfomance - an opportunity to keep myself from being screened out, rather than a way to screen me in, is kinda how I see them. Again I do think alot of SJTs are DEEPLY flawed and verge on being downright silly, but without them I strongly believe I would have recieved alot more rejections at the intial app review stage (at least alot more than I already have). A necessary evil of sorts 😅😅

I hear you! I actually think the VI is the real opportunity for this, how you deliver and represent yourself and demonstrate your research verbally feels so important.

 

[johnsmith]

is the VI stage 2 test?

Think so!

 

[johnsmith]

anyone done the Clyde and Co VI?

Need to do it tomorrow! Nobody seems to have responded to multiple people asking it so I’m guessing nobody has taken it yet.

 

[DavidJC]

How do you know the provider is Amberjack?

By observing the forum threads where people have explicitly mentioned that it's Amberjack (e.g. the pillars), and by inferring based on traits common to Amberjack's tests (scoring system, wording of questions, numerical questions). I've done a lot of different online assessments in the last 15 months both law and non-law and every provider is quite noticeably different, so it's pretty obvious who a test provider is based on certain information.

The only "novel" one I've come across is HSF Kramer's (Sova), but the rest have all been pretty standard Cappfinity/Amberjack/Arctic Shores, and from the sounds of it as I haven't done it myself, Milbank uses SHL. There's still Aon, Neurosight, HireVue which I've done but haven't seen in law (HireVue might be somewhere) and probably plenty of other publishers whose tests I haven't done before.

 

[DavidJC]

Need to do it tomorrow! Nobody seems to have responded to multiple people asking it so I’m guessing nobody has taken it yet.

I got to AC stage for their Paralegal Academy back in May so take this with a pinch of salt as it's been awhile and the programme is different so the questions may be different too, but it was a mixture of motivational questions, future-facing questions, and firm-specific scenario/strengths-based (look at their values), if I remember correctly. I think I answered at least 4 questions, might've been 6 (excluding the prep/warm-up questions), hopefully helps a little!

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

anyone know if we have to complete the arctic shores for NRF before the deadline tomorrow or if its fine to do it after?

 

[BillSikes]

mishcon - mish + con
The german in me kept spelling it as mischon, but I realised after a while that it is shcon lol
Mishcon de Reya

lol I used to do this as a Brit!

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard from Dentons post application for the spring vacation scheme (either London or Milton Keynes)?

 

[WeGotThis!]

How long does it take Milbank to get back to candidates after the first stage for the 2nd stage assessment?

 

[johnsmith]

I got to AC stage for their Paralegal Academy back in May so take this with a pinch of salt as it's been awhile and the programme is different so the questions may be different too, but it was a mixture of motivational questions, future-facing questions, and firm-specific scenario/strengths-based (look at their values), if I remember correctly. I think I answered at least 4 questions, might've been 6 (excluding the prep/warm-up questions), hopefully helps a little!

Great thanks! Website does say 6 questions so that tallys.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock
When researching about a firm for an AC, what's the sort of things we should cover? I feel like making a long list of random facts isn't helpful, but at the same time, I don't want to miss covering anything important. Is there a criteria we can follow when researching firms for AC?

Thank you

Hi!

Great question - it can definitely feel overwhelming, and I remember having no idea where to start! You're making the right move by focusing on certain areas rather than trying to gather information on absolutely every area of the firm. There isn't necessarily a strict criteria you should follow when researching, but a good way to structure your research is to look for information that helps you understand these areas:

1. What makes the firm distinctive

• What differentiates them from competitors, e.g. particular practice strengths, international strategy, culture, innovation focus, legal tech, etc.
• Their values and how they put them into practice - this could be CSR initiatives, diversity programmes, or maybe they have a particular focus on pro bono work.
• Any standout features that are marketed as core (+ distinctive) elements of the firm - as examples, this could be Travers Smith's room-sharing system, or Reed Smith's Professional SQE year

2. Training contract and development

• Make a note of things such as the structure of the TC - for example, the number of seats, how seat allocation works, any compulsory seats, formal training sessions, etc
• Any specific development opportunities that they advertise - i.e. client contact, responsibility levels, secondments (client or international), mentoring schemes within the firm, or any standout support systems.
• It's also worth noting what the firm looks for in trainees, which you can usually find on their website. This gives an example of how the firm supports growth as well

3. Their work, clients and sector involvement

• Research their main practice areas and some of their recent deals or cases, ideally ones that you find particularly interesting or that align with your career interests
• Have a clear understanding of any sectors that they work and operate in (e.g. tech, finance, energy, life sciences, transport) and any current market trends that are affecting those areas. This is where I would direct a lot of your commercial awareness preparation, as they are likely to ask any commercial questions on these areas
• The type of clients they work for - i.e. do they work for large corporates, financial institutions, start-ups? Then make a note of what this means for the nature of their work

4. Awards, rankings and market reputation

• It's always handy to know their standout rankings on websites such as Legal 500 and Chambers - particularly for any seats that you are interested in
• Research and see if they have any awards for other areas, such as innovation, trainee development, DEI, sustainability, etc
• Their position in the market - for example, leading in disputes, a strong M&A practice, or known for cross-border matters, etc

5. Your own reflections

• Most importantly, have a think and reflect on why these points matter to you - what about the firm excites you or aligns with your interests?
• Be prepared to discuss how the firm matches your working style or long-term career goals, and how you would be a good fit based on your research
• I'd also note any specific examples that you could reference in interviews or AC discussions that you can link to your research on the firm

Researching these sorts of areas helps turn firm research into something genuinely useful for interviews and ACs, and avoids you making an unnecessarily long 'fact sheet' on the firm. It's mainly about connecting what you learn from your research to why you want to work there!

I hope that helps!