TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Shaky_Pete]

Everyone’s that got the amberjack SJT from Mishcon is this for the Spring VS?

Yep. Applied 11:58pm, night of the deadline.

 

[Lord Sumption]

Damn have I just been demoted from name partner to a student brand ambassador?… 👀😂​

How about Client Relationship Manager? You source and deal with clients using your flair, personality and immensely expensive suits 😂 😂

 

[Donuttime]

Do you not remember speaking to AI at all for 1-2 hours? Just asking as I’m genuinely confused how you could forget doing the AI interview when it’s a completely novel form of assessment that you wouldn’t be able to confuse with another firm.

That’s what I’m saying! Because if you really didn’t complete the AI interview it kinda proves the theory that MDR progressed lots to SJT because the AI interview was truly a trial!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Hello!

This is a great question, and I'd say it focuses more on your reasoning rather than having the "right" law. A structure that I would follow would be:

1. Briefly explain the law as it currently stands
2. Identify the problem - what currently doesn't work and who this affects
3. Explain the change you'd make
4. Justify these changes - this could involve discussing the legal, commercial, or societal impact as a whole

I don't think it is necessary to link it to the firm (and I wouldn't try to force a link), but if you can naturally tie it to a practice area or sector the firm works in, that is a bonus! The key is to show your thought process, and that you have balanced the consequences to come to a clear conclusion.

I hope that helps!

Thank you!

 

[FutureTrainee100]

I have just got Gibson test it is automatic but i wondered if it was JUST an sjt? any vi or surprises? would be grateful for your help

Nope) but the proofreading bit made me go bonkers ngl

 

[elle woods]

How does one prepare thoroughly for VIs... as a perfectionist I can't help but feel like I need perfectly memorised answers I know that is unrealistic, but it's so hard to improvise on the spot when there is a timer staring back at you and no human to interact with I find unexpected questions much easier to answer in an irl interview

 

[RJ Ruban]

Yep. Applied 11:58pm, night of the deadline.

I applied for the summer so I’m not sure if they’re just releasing spring haha

 

[DavidJC]

How does one prepare thoroughly for VIs... as a perfectionist I can't help but feel like I need perfectly memorised answers I know that is unrealistic, but it's so hard to improvise on the spot when there is a timer staring back at you and no human to interact with I find unexpected questions much easier to answer in an irl interview

I make notes and bullet points and hopefully cover them while remembering the actual content for each point etc.

For me, the most challenging VI questions I've had were actually when they were softballs rather than curveballs, which I wasn't expecting, thereby becoming curveballs in themselves instead. Also why I said I think I botched my Weil VI cos with hindsight I feel that I didn't do the first question (which is 2-parter on motivations) very well cos I expected a much more challenging and impersonal question

I think the worst part is sometimes being told that they don't want rehearsed/memorised answers but sometimes you do so many VIs that you essentially end up memorising answers and looking "robotic". Totally agree on your point about human interaction being much easier than staring down a timer too

 

[nicoledm]

For anyone who’s done the CMS VI, can you pause in between questions or does it automatically go through to the next ?

 

[oliviabeijing]

For anyone who’s done the CMS VI, can you pause in between questions or does it automatically go through to the next ?

You manually press “next question” so you can have as long as a break as you like. Your camera stays on the whole time though and I’m not sure if that footage between questions is also reviewed/ monitored.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Yes, my bad. I corrected my original post.

I haven't done the chat based interview and received an invite for the SJT!!

wtf man😭what are they playing at bruh

 

[BealMcAlly]

wtf man😭what are they playing at bruh

They came back and confirmed they did the bright apply chat based interview. Crisis averted. Haha

 

[opticskibidi]

Stay strong and get sh*tfaced

Only way to survive 😆😆

 

[opticskibidi]

Hii so sorry about this did you apply for Spring or Summer with Latham?

Spring 😔

 

[BealMcAlly]

I make notes and bullet points and hopefully cover them while remembering the actual content for each point etc.

For me, the most challenging VI questions I've had were actually when they were softballs rather than curveballs, which I wasn't expecting, thereby becoming curveballs in themselves instead. Also why I said I think I botched my Weil VI cos with hindsight I feel that I didn't do the first question (which is 2-parter on motivations) very well cos I expected a much more challenging and impersonal question

I think the worst part is sometimes being told that they don't want rehearsed/memorised answers but sometimes you do so many VIs that you essentially end up memorising answers and looking "robotic". Totally agree on your point about human interaction being much easier than staring down a timer too

What gets me is that most if not all GR could not go through the same process but they go on about not being too rehearsed. They acknowledge it's an awkward process but could neverrr!!! Same goes for all these tests 🫢🥴

 

[Trophy]

What gets me is that most if not all GR could not go through the same process but they go on about not being too rehearsed. They acknowledge it's an awkward process but could neverrr!!! Same goes for all these tests 🫢🥴

I did an AC where I asked GR have you done the tests before for fun and she said no she’s not sure how she’d do. She said she’d probably fail the Watson glaser and said hats off to those who apply to loads of firms and do a bunch of tests.

So yeah no they don’t do the tests they should have to do them before taking on the role imo haha.

 

[Sharkfin]

Anyone else get a "thank you for completing the interview" email from Mischon even though they haven't?

I dont wanna add more concern to the Mishcon situ but I 100% know I got this confirmation message before completing the test - icl this really isnt painting Mishcon in the best light... 2hr sjt + VI for it to be all but pointless..

Edit* Chat Based Interview

 

[Rads]

Are there international applicants with work experience completely outside the UK who have made it through the US firms’ processes?

 

[Kakaboo]

Any insights to the Mayer Brown test?

Omg why all the is it that bad?

 

[LawAspirer]

Are there international applicants with work experience completely outside the UK who have made it through the US firms’ processes?

Speaking from personal experience and my surroundings (LLB and most work experience done in multiple EU countries, LLM in London) , it seems that American firms actually like more “obscure” profiles.

I have mostly progressed with global/US firms rather than magic circle/silver circle etc. A friend of mine (same spiel as myself) ended up getting into A&O through Shearman Steling before the merger 2 years ago, and another friend made it with Debevoise.

What I imagine is that American firms establish themselves in London to expand to Europe more broadly , so having more “European” profiles doesn’t hurt.

Not sure what your profile is and where you have your work experience, but regarding European profiles I think there’s an angle that can be sold. If you’re from anywhere else, I think the most important is to try and leverage whatever you have with the firms that connect well with whatever work experience you have ie geographical reach of the firm and languages etc.