TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

I think it defeats the purpose of have a third party to run the test and produce a score if Mischon ia gonna look deep beyond the score provided by Amberjack.

And I took about 45 mns gap while the test screen was still on to attend an emergency call, and still scored 30 (my best score yet). So I think the time didn't impact my score.

Fair enough! Was just what they said at the Open Day but MDR hasn't exactly made a huge amount of sense so far this cycle tbf

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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!

Hi!

I completed a vacation scheme at Travers Smith last cycle, although I don't have too much insight into the application process (as I received my VS through BIUCAC). However, if you are interested in learning more about how you are assessed on the vacation scheme, or what the structure of the scheme looked like, more than happy to share some insights - just shout!

 

[BobThebIlly]

You can turn it off though there’s an option for it at the top of the screen. I think it’s there to verify that we’re acc taking the test ourselves.​

Oh great! How do I turn it off on iPhone? I’m also blind so I really struggle with test formats (maybe I should’ve let GR aware…)

 

[Harvey Specter]

Oh great! How do I turn it off on iPhone? I’m also blind so I really struggle with test formats (maybe I should’ve let GR aware…)

Idk about iPhone cos I did the test on my laptop. There was a settings icon at the top for the camera and video recording stuff.​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

Hey!

For this sort of question in a video interview, I'd say that sometimes having a clear and structured answer matters more than extensive detail. My approach to it would be:

• Directly answer the question first, clearly stating the practice areas you are interested in
• Explain why those areas interest you, and focus on what attracts you to the work (such as the type of clients, the skills involved, or the overall nature of the matters)
• Support this with brief evidence from your past experiences, linking them to a past example where you have gained an insight into the area or something that developed your interest
• Show how this fits with the firm, referencing why those areas appeal to you at that firm specifically (i.e. if this is for the Corporate team, the firm might have a unique client sector that specifically interests you)
• Finish with your overall motivations and what you are keen to learn or develop as a trainee in that practice area at the firm.

As it is a video interview, I'd try to focus on keeping your points concise and natural - otherwise, you might find that you run out of time!

I hope that assists

 

[abc124]

I just remember from the open day that grad rec said timing is taken into account! I’m not sure if that’s an amberjack or Mishcon thing though sorry!

Thanks for the insight! I hate it when law firms do that, at least be transparent and mention that time is taken into account...They technically do say to 'try and work through it as quickly as you can' but I thought it was standard amberjack language to discourage people from taking ages on the test, Reed Smith also used that disclaimer and their grad recruitment said timing is not taken into account at all...

 

[elle woods]

Just did Weil!! Gotta do MB tomorrow... God help me.... and then Kirkland the day after that... hehe I might be in a mental asylum the next time you hear from me

Anyways, lowkey this score is so bad 😂whatever, using Weil as a practice before MB then I guess - are the pillars the same for MB does anyone know?

 

[Lamosophia41]

Just did Weil!! Gotta do MB tomorrow... God help me.... and then Kirkland the day after that... hehe I might be in a mental asylum the next time you hear from me

Anyways, lowkey this score is so bad 😂whatever, using Weil as a practice before MB I guess - are the pillars the same for MB does anyone know?

Its the same pillars

 

[elle woods]

Its the same pillars

Thank you!!

 

[iwatchsuits]

Browne Jacobson asking for the 'date taken' of each of my A-levels and GCSEs - am I expected to go find all of the dates of my exams? Confused 😂

 

[elle woods]

Browne Jacobson asking for the 'date taken' of each of my A-levels and GCSEs - am I expected to go find all of the dates of my exams? Confused 😂

😂 for those things I just pick a random late date in June of the year I took the exams and stick to it

 

[floral.tcla]

icl ive been finding it tough recently to balance uni with grad scheme applications but regardless of what happens i am so proud of us all for continuing to persevere and working towards our dreams/goals🥺 this might sound patronising but I think it’s very easy to forget when we’re all so swept up❤️

 

[elle woods]

Does anyone have any insights into the K&E VI? Is it 3Qs? How much time to prep and answer? Types of questions? Am I to be expecting commercial questions... anything would help, thank you!!

 

[DavidJC]

Just did Weil!! Gotta do MB tomorrow... God help me.... and then Kirkland the day after that... hehe I might be in a mental asylum the next time you hear from me

Anyways, lowkey this score is so bad 😂whatever, using Weil as a practice before MB then I guess - are the pillars the same for MB does anyone know?

I can relate, I've got to finish MB tomorrow and I'm currently travelling, and I've still got four applications I'd like to get in before Christmas too

 

[elle woods]

I can relate, I've got to finish MB tomorrow and I'm currently travelling, and I've still got four applications I'd like to get in before Christmas too

Omg so much!! Best of luck with all of them and safe travels!! I don't think I'd be able to cope with all of that haha

 

[Harvey Specter]

I can relate, I've got to finish MB tomorrow and I'm currently travelling, and I've still got four applications I'd like to get in before Christmas too

Here’s me thinking 3 apps before NYD is gna be a mission and you’re aiming to try get 4 done before Xmas??!! I rate the grind lad, you’ve got this! 😎​

 

[Lawlawland]

So... How strict are the grad rec teams with putting down the work experience in chronological order? (I realised I missed one important work especially within the section and added it late😞)

 

[DavidJC]

Here’s me thinking 3 apps before NYD is gna be a mission and you’re aiming to try get 4 done before Xmas??!! I rate the grind lad, you’ve got this! 😎​

I've got one mostly done, honestly the real challenge is Dechert's first question (it's very loaded for 300 words) cos idk how to link skills to specific practice area interests lmao, I definitely put this one off for too long (I'd originally intended to finish and send it off first week of the month but irl and other deadlines got in the way)

 

[Lawlawland]

Here’s me thinking 3 apps before NYD is gna be a mission and you’re aiming to try get 4 done before Xmas??!! I rate the grind lad, you’ve got this! 😎​

I'm planning the holy Trinity of US firms (Debovoise, Gibson and Akin) from the scratch before the NYD lmao. Additionally, RPC and Dentons are almost done, just editing and submitting.

IDK if I'm being too ambitious, but it is what it is!

 

[elle woods]

So... How strict are the grad rec teams with putting down the work experience in chronological order? (I realised I missed one important work especially within the section and added it late😞)

I want to petition for these application portals to install the draggy thing feature... like wdym I can't just move these entries where I need them to be (like my SJT choices)?