TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jojo23]

guys I think i flunked my arctic shores hahahaah

Someone forgot to play call of duty beforehand 😭

 

[elle woods]

Someone forgot to play call of duty beforehand 😭

🥹 LMAO
It's saying I prefer independent working but that couldn't be further from the truthhhhh I LOVE people...
I'm actually so sad, is this how the world views me...

 

[Harvey Specter]

Their deadline is in Jan so I don't expect a reply until mid Dec at the earliest. Applied back in Oct but haven't heard a whiff since, hahah

Big respect to Sidley GR though, they seem to be one of the very few firms in London not relying on psychometrics/WG's, which IMHO have been gamed to death and are deeply flawed methods of filtering the applicant pool.

I saw someone mention on the forum that Travers Smith introduced a new online test for their recruitment process. They made a huge deal during their insight evening about their ‘simple’ process (application and interview). It’s even on their website and marketing stuff. Hopefully it’s not true but would be a shame if it is. Next thing will be Slaughters using the WG lmao. 😂​

 

[shays]

anyone has any insights on Latham VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for the field fisher work exp section - am i right not to include any society positions as there is a seperate section for extra curriculars? - feeling as though my section is lacking as there is also a diff section for insight days etc so i only have 3 entries

Hi!

I'd say that in this case you're right to keep society positions in the extracurricular section if the application separates things out (although I can't imagine it would impact you negatively if you did it another way). As there are separate sections for extracurriculars and insight days, it's normal for the work experience section to look shorter. Therefore, three entries is absolutely fine - the graduate recruitment team will care more about how clearly you explain what you learned and the skills that you developed, rather than the number of experiences you list.

As long as each entry is reflective and shows growth, your application won't feel lacking! I'd focus on quality over quantity and let the other sections round out your candidate profile

 

[Apple]

I saw someone mention on the forum that Travers Smith introduced a new online test for their recruitment process. They made a huge deal during their insight evening about their ‘simple’ process (application and interview). It’s even on their website and marketing stuff. Hopefully it’s not true but would be a shame if it is. Next thing will be Slaughters using the WG lmao. 😂​

Pretty sure thats just for the apprenticeship, no?

 

[MeWantTCPlz]

reed smith test/VI invite 🤩 applied on the 3rd of dec
would really appreciate any insights if anyone has any!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Pretty sure thats just for the apprenticeship, no?​

No idea I saw someone mention earlier it’s part of Travers’ DTC process and they were asking if it also applies to their VS route. It might be for the apprenticeship route but I’m just going by what I saw posted on the forum. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[yk1906]

No idea I saw someone mention earlier it’s part of Travers’ DTC process and they were asking if it also applies to their VS route. It might be for the apprenticeship route but I’m just going by what I saw posted on the forum. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

I applied to travers DTC and it was only the app I had to do… PFO received 😁😘

 

[yk1906]

🥹 LMAO
It's saying I prefer independent working but that couldn't be further from the truthhhhh I LOVE people...
I'm actually so sad, is this how the world views me...

No test was ever right about me, it’s just an automated program that has NOTHING to do with reality… 😁

 

[marisachr]

WFW VI invite 👍

 

[elle woods]

No test was ever right about me, it’s just an automated program that has NOTHING to do with reality… 😁

good to know, but it's sad the firm will never know... petition to bring back straight in-person interviews please 😆

 

[yk1906]

good to know, but it's sad the firm will never know... petition to bring back straight in-person interviews please 😆

Too many of us to interview I guess 😁 Hence the crazy tests

 

[elle woods]

Too many of us to interview I guess 😁 Hence the crazy tests

😣 fr they just keep adding more and more rounds with each application cycle... soon we'll be on par with IB with 5-6 interview rounds after all the crazy tests and hirevues haha...

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Damn!! I was planning on sending a spring app for dechert today, do you reckon it's too late?

 

[DavidJC]

Damn!! I was planning on sending a spring app for dechert today, do you reckon it's too late?

I'd say no, it's not too late. I'm planning to send mine in the next week. They review on a rolling basis and they've still got the ongoing WVS to manage so I wouldn't worry and just try and submit the best possible application and see what happens.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Damn!! I was planning on sending a spring app for dechert today, do you reckon it's too late?

I wouldn’t say so champ. The apps are open until the 31st Dec. I sent mine just last week and they said they are currently accepting and reviewing apps on a rolling basis so I would go for it.​

 

[Lawlawland]

omg the latham VI was an absolute nightmare

If we all get a trainee contract AC everytime someone has spoken about how dreadful the Latham interview is, we all would have atleast 30 training contract invites.

That's not a lot (it is XD), but it's funny it happens all the time.

 

[ninarosee]

If anyone’s done DLA’s TI, please DM me. I’d be happy to share Latham’s VI or Weil’s.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

reed smith test/VI invite 🤩 applied on the 3rd of dec
would really appreciate any insights if anyone has any!

Huge congratulations!! 🥳

I have quoted a post below that I have previously shared on how I would approach the Reed Smith assessment - I would really recommend that you watch the video in the TCLA Directory (linked below), as I personally found it really helpful before my Reed Smith online assessment. Wishing you the best of luck!

Hello!

Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!

Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.

• Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
• Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
• Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
• Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
• Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
• Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect

I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it