TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone made an error with A-Level grades before and emailed grad rec? Do they consider that negatively against you? I have emailed them just wanted to understand. @Abbie Whitlock would you have any inputs on this?

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - mistakes in applications happen more often than you think! The important part is that you noticed the error and contacted the graduate recruitment team as soon as possible. They will appreciate the transparency and communication, so correcting it should not reflect negatively on you, especially if it was a small oversight.

Since you have clearly explained the mistake and provided the correct information, it's likely to be a quick fix and won't cause an issue. You've done the right thing by reaching out, so try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!)

 

[Bree]

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - mistakes in applications happen more often than you think! The important part is that you noticed the error and contacted the graduate recruitment team as soon as possible. They will appreciate the transparency and communication, so correcting it should not reflect negatively on you, especially if it was a small oversight.

Since you have clearly explained the mistake and provided the correct information, it's likely to be a quick fix and won't cause an issue. You've done the right thing by reaching out, so try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!)

Thank you Abbie!

 

[legal18]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

 

[wooliewoo]

I feel like the Eversheds test went horribly lol idk why I was so confused.

 

[zonnonomo]

@Andrei Radu , I trust you are well.

I am currently applying to Squire, and I am struggling to understand how to approach this question.

"Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media". Is it ok if, for example, I say:

I am in favour of/against stricter regulation for two reasons. Firstly [...]. Secondly [..]
The following sources support the above statements, and I can then conclude by providing feasible solutions.

they asked this question in the video interview last year! i progressed to ac and my answer was

1. current regulation of social media as intermediaries
2. clarifying the difference between regulating the social media companies themselves vs scrutinising individuals' posts
3. importance of privacy and freedom of speech rights of individual, but recognised security or hate speech concerns
4. alternative to regulation: incentivise social media to develop beneficial community guidelines/ self correcting policies
5. problem with proposed solution: private companies acting as arbiters of justice, potentially impinging on public rights

which is to say there really was no structure at all but i think VI format allowed that flexibility 🤔

 

[Harvey Specter]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

I think there are a handful of firms that are solely application and interviews (no test stages):

Covington & Burling
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dechert
Goodwin
Jones Day
Kirkland & Ellis
Morrison Foerster
Paul Hastings
Sidley Austin
Skadden
Slaughter and May
Travers Smith
Vinson & Elkins
Willkie Farr & Gallagher

There might be others but these are the ones in mind that I believe don’t use tests.

Think most of these firms place emphasis on academics though (AAA/AAB and strong 2:1).​

 

[Suii]

Shakespeare M test invite

 

[shadowboxer909]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

Normally, they say on their site if they do/don't.

Except when they surprise you with it after making you answer written questions before hand. Cough. Eversheds. Cough. Cough.

I've been using the list below.

Firms Without The Watson Glaser / SJTs In Their Application Process

Hi TCLA Community! Due to popular demand, a thread has been created which outlines the firms that do not require situational judgment tests (SJTs) and the Watson Glaser test in their application process. As always, do let us know if there are any suggestions for improvement, or anything we...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Mike Ross 2025]

Has anyone heard back from Paul, Weiss post application?

 

[jojo23]

It's been over a month since I took the Simmons test. For context, I got 8,7,5 in the pillars, and I think middle range numerical and verbal.

At this point, I might meet the love of my life and get married before they respond🙄

 

[Harvey Specter]

It's been over a month since I took the Simmons test. For context, I got 8,7,5 in the pillars, and I think middle range numerical and verbal.

At this point, I might meet the love of my life and get married before they respond🙄

Might even have 3 kids and watch them graduate before they respond at this rate. 🙄​

 

[sarg1234]

Just made a silly mistake (missing out a word, making a semi-nonsense sentence) on the optional feedback for an SJT. Does anyone know if this is something likely to be read by the recruiters?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I feel like the Eversheds test went horribly lol idk why I was so confused.

I think it's because they took concepts we learnt in law school and then said the complete opposite in the answers
At least for me, that was the case😂😂

 

[applicant3000]

Has anyone heard from Simmons since the ACs? : /

 

[ellamai0]

I applied to FF two months ago, I’ve completed both test stages (stage 2 on 9th Nov), and I’ve not heard anything yet about progression to AC. The wait is killing me lol.

 

[Harvey Specter]

I applied to FF two months ago, I’ve completed both test stages (stage 2 on 9th Nov), and I’ve not heard anything yet about progression to AC. The wait is killing me lol.

If it helps, I still haven’t completed stage 2. Been waiting for adjustments for over a month… 😂😂​

 

[ellamai0]

If it helps, I still haven’t completed stage 2. Been waiting for adjustments for over a month… 😂😂​

I’m so sorry, that’s absolutely shambolic… what’s going on over there🤔

 

[Singh241]

Can anybody give insights on FF Stage 2 please? Thank you!

 

[ellamai0]

Can anybody give insights on FF Stage 2 please? Thank you!

It’s similar to stage 1 in terms of situational judgement questions. You’ll then be asked follow up questions at the end of each section; video interview style. There’s also a short untimed written task 😊.

 

[James Wakefield]

How long were people waiting for FF stage 2 (or a PFO…)

Thanks! ☺️