TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

My CMS VI cut out midway through my interview, and I cannot go back on as it would cap my second response. So I have emailed them about resetting the VI, will this be feasible?

 

[Suii]

I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.

 

[Kakaboo]

I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.

I would talk about Australia’s social media ban and the UK making deepfakes illegal within this

 

[DavidJC]

I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.

I think Andrei and someone else has answered another person's question about approaching this app question before, I have them saved cos I'm planning to apply to SPB too, hopefully it helps.

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

OMG!! Cooley Open Day Invite just now. Finally the anxiety just let it go! It's among my Top 7 law firms!!! It was my second app after PW, but it wasn't generic. I wrote some American spellings like 'Learned' and "rigor" 😅

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Lawlawland]

How soon you get a PFO from Taylor Wessing after the test? Is that automatic?

I did that abomination of a test yesterday morning and awaiting a rejection 😭

 

[c.t.tc]

How soon you get a PFO from Taylor Wessing after the test? Is that automatic?

I did that abomination of a test yesterday morning and awaiting a rejection 😭

It would be about a week after doing it but can be a lot quicker!

 

[Lawlawland]

It would be about a week after doing it but can be a lot quicker!

Thank you!

It's kinda sad tho coz I had made a really solid application!

I think the firms should ask people to do the test first and then send the application forms selectively, best for both the candidates and the GR Team😔

 

[Dannie]

Are you meant to get an email after cleary WG?

 

[Amgrad]

Thank you!

It's kinda sad tho coz I had made a really solid application!

I think the firms should ask people to do the test first and then send the application forms selectively, best for both the candidates and the GR Team😔

I do agree, I've practiced a lot to get 97-99% percentile for streoid WG, unlike standard one that CC and Links had.

 

[Lawlawland]

Are you meant to get an email after cleary WG?

No you don't.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

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

oh wth💀

 

[Suii]

I would talk about Australia’s social media ban and the UK making deepfakes illegal within this

This is really helpful.

 

[Suii]

I think Andrei and someone else has answered another person's question about approaching this app question before, I have them saved cos I'm planning to apply to SPB too, hopefully it helps.

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

OMG!! Cooley Open Day Invite just now. Finally the anxiety just let it go! It's among my Top 7 law firms!!! It was my second app after PW, but it wasn't generic. I wrote some American spellings like 'Learned' and "rigor" 😅

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Thank you and yes it ids for SPB.

 

[Amen.daniel]

THANK YOU!!!

I am about to sit mine and that's super reassuring

Sorry, where did you find the link for the Eversheds VI? I got the invite but when I check on my account, I can't find the link 😅