TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[boots pharmacy]

AO Shearman's practice test correct answer has opened my eyes a lot: To show adaptability, you need to ask your colleague to help you out first. I was always under the impression that it would indicate a lack of initiative and trying to push your work on others

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

 

[londonlawyer]

People applying to Kirkland, could you please tell me if you're answering the open question at the end? "Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your application?"

I've just noticed this and not sure whether they are expecting an answer

 

[yk1906]

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

They sent me the link alongside the test, I'm pretty sure!

 

[yk1906]

People applying to Kirkland, could you please tell me if you're answering the open question at the end? "Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your application?"

I've just noticed this and not sure whether they are expecting an answer

I didn't... I added lots of details to my CV. But better ask someone who progressed to later stages, as I submitted the app yesterday!

 

[Harvey Specter]

For those that have completed the Weil test, were you required to have your camera turned on during the assessment (SJT section)?​

 

[trainee4u]

Hey guys I know this is quite late but I'm confused - I'm trying to figure out if the Autumn budget truly led to high tax rises? income tax didn't increase. there is fiscal drag but this affects individuals and high earners. from my understanding businesses are not affected significantly from the budget, with the only changes being to min wage, capital allowance relief and more compliance requirements. Would the dividends tax increase be problematic? I'm not sure what to make of this from a business POV. Would love some help!

Not really - the 2024 Budget was one of the worst budgets in history with the punishing attack on big employers such as supermarkets who went from paying £0 NI on part-time workers to hundreds of pounds each.

There is also the issue of Business Rates where particularly hospitality businesses were getting huge rate relief during covid and there are changes but again this is probably the last Budget. There's also carried interest, again the last budget.

This one was pretty dull, just more of the same, the fiscal drag is an issue and you also have salary sacrifice, and the fact that it's often a bad idea to go over£100k salary due to insane tax levels, so I suppose this exacerbates that, but it's not necessarily the kind of "commercial issue" in the way that the last Budget would inevitably harm business and determine employment. just more of a "we are permanently governed by idiots" issue.

The issue of dividends also doesn't come in for several years, so there is the point that specifically entrepreneurs have gone from paying much lower taxes than employees 10+ years ago to now higher taxes, but I'm not sure if it's particularly important..

 

[Amgrad]

For those that have completed the Weil test, were you required to have your camera turned on during the assessment (SJT section)?​

Yea, but Amberjack only check you in the beginning, it doesn't record you.

 

[elle woods]

May I know where you found the practice test? Tried searching online but couldn't find a link

SJT

assessment.weareamberjack.com

if the link doesn't work , just search up A&O Shearman Practice test and it will lead you to an article about Dos and Don'ts - if you scroll to the bottom bottom of the page there's a line saying "we've created a practice test for you" or something, and the link is there!

 

[svb risk management intern]

I like that A&OS say that one of the options is the most effective, at least they're becoming honest that an SJT is about getting the most effective answer as opposed to a personality questionnaire.

 

[tcla02]

i will be taking the mayer brown OA tomorrow. their deadline is 15th 11.59 pm and they operate on a rolling basis. i know someone here said that they passed the assessment but the firm stopped reviewing apps. i am quite anxious this will happen to me since i will be submitting so close to deadline. is that something i should be concerned about?

 

[boots pharmacy]

SJT

assessment.weareamberjack.com

if the link doesn't work , just search up A&O Shearman Practice test and it will lead you to an article about Dos and Don'ts - if you scroll to the bottom bottom of the page there's a line saying "we've created a practice test for you" or something, and the link is there!

Thank you!!

 

[elle woods]

i will be taking the mayer brown OA tomorrow. their deadline is 15th 11.59 pm and they operate on a rolling basis. i know someone here said that they passed the assessment but the firm stopped reviewing apps. i am quite anxious this will happen to me since i will be submitting so close to deadline. is that something i should be concerned about?

oh... I was planning on submitting my application like tomorrow LOL so I'm even later than you

 

[s123]

Does anyone know whether the Baker M amberjack test has a VI part?

 

[sinirs]

88th percentile for linklaters WG but nothing back

what's the percentile benchmark to get through to the AC

 

[elle woods]

what's the percentile benchmark to get through to the AC

Has anyone even heard from Links yet? If the percentile is higher than 88 then I am defo not making it LMAO

 

[ali-k]

anything from HSF? waiting to hear back and like them

 

[yk1906]

what's the percentile benchmark to get through to the AC

The percentile isn't the only factor, considering that WG is automatic. Someone here said they were in the 99th percentile and still got rejected...

 

[vweewcvew]

How long do you typically spend on applications? Say a typical 3 x 200 words/ cover letter application form?

I have spent two days on one application qs, but I hear people submitting a lot more within a smaller time frame!

I fear giving too much energy on one application form which might get rejected post test or something

 

[ali-k]

How long do you typically spend on applications? Say a typical 3 x 200 words/ cover letter application form?

I have spent two days on one application qs, but I hear people submitting a lot more within a smaller time frame!

I fear giving too much energy on one application form which might get rejected post test or something

depends how much i like the firm tbh, most time ive spent is maybe 5 days (not intensely just bit by bit) if its not rolling theres no rush i take my sweet time on them

 

[elle woods]

😔 looking at the amount of greyed out tabs (rejections) I have is actually lowkey depressing, I don't have many chances left...

on the bright side this means I can keep bothering CC next year if no TC this year