TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[alphabravocharlie]

Is the W&C VI their cap test?

 

[WillKitchen]

Has anyone ever been invited to an assessment centre after getting a middling test score for numerical (or verbal) reasoning?

 

[BobThebIlly]

Does anyone have advice for Weil's SJT? I am not used to the 4 pillars so I'm pretty stumped! It's due tomorrow

 

[llblawstudent]

The people that have W&C VIs, when’d you guys apply? I’m assuming it’s a pfo myself as I haven’t got it (same for AG), applied early December

 

[sadlawyer01]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone ever been invited to an assessment centre after getting a middling test score for numerical (or verbal) reasoning?

Hi!

I scored mid for verbal reasoning in my Reed Smith online assessment, so it definitely isn't the end of the world!

 

[lolololol]

can you take a break between the weil sjt and vi?

 

[llblawstudent]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

Dechert perhaps because they’re super rolling and have already given out spring WE invited. Think someone said that grad rec had told them that for winter, they didn’t even bother reading the final hundred or so apps because they’d given out all the WEs at that point. Can’t speak for the others

 

[Harvey Specter]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

Alongside Dechert, Akin is also super rolling and they said at their open day they were aiming for ACs to be held in January. I’d try get their app in before or on Xmas day latest, cos I saw someone mention that Akin didn’t get through all the apps last year as well. Idk about W&C, JD or Bakers.​

 

[iwatchsuits]

I applied last year and it was application - online test - telephone interview ( normal phone call not zoom) - AC

Thank you for the insight! That doesn’t sound too bad

 

[Trophy]

Alongside Dechert, Akin is also super rolling and they said at their open day they were aiming for ACs to be held in January. I’d try get their app in before or on Xmas day latest, cos I saw someone mention that Akin didn’t get through all the apps last year as well. Idk about W&C, JD or Bakers.​

Incorrect. Akin you can apply up until the deadline I knew two people who applied on the deadline last year and made it to AC and subsequently got VS. I was told they hold roughly 4/5 AC's. with the last two being filled by those who applied closer to the deadline. All ACs are in Jan, but their process is fast-paced post-Christmas. so you can do the entire app-test-ti-ac all within 3 weeks. This is from a friend who converted their VS there this year.

 

[iwatchsuits]

How do you convince yourself that doing a VI is not the same as jumping in shark infested waters? Because I am so nervous I could faint rn

I totally get you. My nervous system thinks I’m being hunted for sport😭

I do breathing exercises, put on music whilst I go over my notes, drink plenty of water and remind myself that it’s just me talking to a camera. Remind yourself to speak at a reasonable pace, and if you mess up, just take a breath and carry on. I have the habit of speaking fast because I want to get it over with, but speaking at a slower pace gives your brain more time to think and you’re less likely to mess up!!

It goes way quicker than you think, and by the time you get to the last couple questions, you become acclimatised and it doesn’t feel too scary

Good luck!!

 

[JasmineM9]

I totally get you. My nervous system thinks I’m being hunted for sport😭

I do breathing exercises, put on music whilst I go over my notes, drink plenty of water and remind myself that it’s just me talking to a camera. Remind yourself to speak at a reasonable pace, and if you mess up, just take a breath and carry on. I have the habit of speaking fast because I want to get it over with, but speaking at a slower pace gives your brain more time to think and you’re less likely to mess up!!

It goes way quicker than you think, and by the time you get to the last couple questions, you become acclimatised and it doesn’t feel too scary

Good luck!!

Thank you so much, I was so nervous that I convinced myself to just not sit it 🥲

I will take your advice and attempt it tomorrow 😊

 

[lawyersum]

is wearing a jumper okay for your VI? its just a black jumper but idk. speaking as a female.

 

[iwatchsuits]

Thank you so much, I was so nervous that I convinced myself to just not sit it 🥲

I will take your advice and attempt it tomorrow 😊

You can do this!! Don’t let anxiety get in the way of your potential❤️

I had a similar experience this week, I intended to do a video interview on a specific day but my nerves got the best of me. However, I took the opportunity to then spend the whole evening preparing and practicing, so that the next day, I felt fully confident. If you can, spend today doing the necessary prep that will reassure you that you will be okay and whatever they throw at you, you can answer.

You got this!!

 

[Bree]

Hello can anyone please help me with Weil VI? I can help with FF Stage 2, Macfarlanes Stage 2, Milbank Stage 1, Latham Stage 2, Hogan Stage 1 and other firms

 

[cookedlawstudent]

The people that have W&C VIs, when’d you guys apply? I’m assuming it’s a pfo myself as I haven’t got it (same for AG), applied early December

how could they cut off online asssessments so early when their applications close in mid january? i think you will be fine

 

[llblawstudent]

how could they cut off online asssessments so early when their applications close in mid january? i think you will be fine

No I mean the VI cos you only get that after you pass the SJT and they like your app no?. Since that’s competitive, it implies they’re looking at apps already. Which makes sense since they’re rolling

 

[Rads]

Hello, is there any difference in applying for Spring v/s Summer for Paul, Weiss today? does either impact my application in any way?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Incorrect. Akin you can apply up until the deadline I knew two people who applied on the deadline last year and made it to AC and subsequently got VS. I was told they hold roughly 4/5 AC's. with the last two being filled by those who applied closer to the deadline. All ACs are in Jan, but their process is fast-paced post-Christmas. so you can do the entire app-test-ti-ac all within 3 weeks. This is from a friend who converted their VS there this year.​

I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec team knows their own process and wouldn’t give misleading information to ppl. It’s possible they’ve changed the rules for this cycle.​