TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

They got rid of the amberjack test this year so it’s just the app form and then you’re shortlisted to an interview if your app is successful before getting the vac scheme. Paul mentioned on their forum thread they’ve introduced a numerical test that ppl take during the vac schemes. There is also a written task and partner interview, based on his post. Idk where it is lmao.​

That's so helpful, thank you so much for responding so quickly - I really appreciate it.

 

[Sharkfin]

I'm answering this question for a vac scheme application - "Discuss a recent legal development or case that interested you (max 300 words)".

Does anyone know what the firm is assessing here, and what structure my answer should follow. I was thinking of using the following structure, and doing 100 words for each section - Background of the case, why it interests you, and how it links to the firm.

Does anyone have any guidance on how to approach this question

Personally I fw the structure you mentioned - only thing i'd potentially advise is to ensure each section is as efficient as possible. 100 words is not a lot, and (imo from personal experience) its so easy to naturally fluff it up. So I'd make sure for each of the sections you refine what you say to ensure each word adds something to the section or the overall answer.


Edit* 100 words for each section**

 

[angdps]

Might be a silly question but if my deadline is "you have until 23/12/2025 to record your answers" does that mean I have until the end of the day on the 23rd?

 

[Trophy]

Out of curiosity what is universally seen as a ‘good’ amberjack score out of 36?

It varies between firms as I’ve scored a ‘low’ score of 24/36 and progressed to AC before. Each firm has their own benchmark.

I did ask AI out of curiosity though.

 

[DavidJC]

mfw i sense TCLA members about to clash again

 

[TCLA0322]

For Amberjack, I personally had the impression that although the overall score is sometimes what matters most, in my experience the lowest metric I received when progressing to the next stage was around 4–5. Anything below that never progressed.

 

[Harvey Specter]

For Amberjack, I personally had the impression that although the overall score is sometimes what matters most, in my experience the lowest metric I received when progressing to the next stage was around 4–5. Anything below that never progressed.

Firms probs have an overall test benchmark and one for each individual pillar, e.g., a minimum of 4 or 5 across the pillars would be an overall score of 16-20 (around a 50% overall score).​

 

[Arv_329]

Hi Guys,

I have just received an interview invitation for Slaughter and May's Summer Work Experience Programme (Non-Law). I would like to know if anyone has gone through the interview process before and could share any insights on how to best prepare for it. The interview will consist of a written exercise on the Talview platform, which will take 30 minutes, and a discussion of a current affairs article, as well as a discussion around my CV and cover letter.

Thanks in advance!

 

[James Wakefield]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…

 

[abc124]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…

WOW congrats!! It's always so nice to see an amberjack comeback haha

 

[BobThebIlly]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…

Congrats! pls pls give advice for Weil from your profound knowledge

 

[Harvey Specter]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…​

Damn bro cooked on the Mayer Brown test! This is probs the highest score I’ve seen! 🤯

 

[silversage]

Does anyone have any insights on Kirkland VI, I can help for Weil, Latham, Macfarlanes

 

[firmfirm]

I’m thinking of applying to Travers Smith and would really appreciate any insight into their application process. Even better if you completed their vac scheme in the most recent app cycle, so I know what to expect if I’m progressed. Thank you!

 

[Bread]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…

I hate to burst your bubble but I got the same for MB and didn’t progress (my VI answers were probably not very good). I think the MB test is just scored differently because I did absolutely nothing different compared to other Amberjacks

 

[BobThebIlly]

Oh brother I just practiced recording VI answers and I wanna shoot myself 😭😭😭

Bro I sound so robotic and scripted even tho in my head i was very expressive

Sigh

 

[iwatchsuits]

Oh brother I just practiced recording VI answers and I wanna shoot myself 😭😭😭

Bro I sound so robotic and scripted even tho in my head i was very expressive

Sigh

I consciously throw in a giggle every now and then (even though nothing is actually funny at all 😂 ) to try and come across as less scripted and a bit more personable hahahaha

They probably think I'm a weirdo tho because why is this girl laughing about a scenario involving document review

 

[Harvey Specter]

Oh brother I just practiced recording VI answers and I wanna shoot myself 😭😭😭

Bro I sound so robotic and scripted even tho in my head i was very expressive

Sigh

Nah igy cos it’s the same for me. Idk how people can be so expressive and performative during a VI cos every time I practice my voice just sounds like scratching chalk and reading off a script, but the whole time I’m literally using a few bullet points for the structure. My natural speaking voice is quite monotone too which doesn’t help me at all. Does anybody have any suggestions for this?​

 

[M85672]

What structure should I follow for a VI question like "what practice areas interest you and why?"

 

[Lamosophia41]

Out of curiosity what is universally seen as a ‘good’ amberjack score out of 36?

I am not sure but at the weil open day they said they will wait for a large number of people to do the test then create a benchmark from what I remember