TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Prudentia]

What test is the first stage for milbank?

It's a SJT followed by two 250-word application questions.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Just did the Milbank test and absolutely bombed it. 😭 It was a last minute application, so I'm not too upset. For anyone wondering, it's an SJT followed by two 250 word questions. I was not prepared AT ALL for the application questions, so make sure you do your research before starting the assessment!

what were the questions??

 

[Prudentia]

Omg bye now I’m scared. I also applied last minute. Are the written questions firm-related??

Yes, they are. I thought I was going to dodge the application questions, but they snuck them in at the end! 😆 I would have preferred to have answered them in the application as you only have 20 minutes to write the answer. You also can't copy and paste from anywhere else (system doesn't let you), so even if you have a response prepared you have to manually type it out.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Yes, they are. I thought I was going to dodge the application questions, but they snuck them in at the end! 😆 I would have preferred to have answered them in the application as you only have 20 minutes to write the answer. You also can't copy and paste from anywhere else (system doesn't let you), so even if you have a response prepared you have to manually type it out.

that is an awful way to test a candidate at an initial stage, holy hell

 

[Prudentia]

what were the questions??

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share the specific questions... but as long as you know why you want to apply for Milbank specifically and brush up on your commercial awareness and understand Milbank's work and clients, you'll be fine!

 

[Rads]

AG mentions on their application form that they might not sponsor visas for TCs

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Yes, they are. I thought I was going to dodge the application questions, but they snuck them in at the end! 😆 I would have preferred to have answered them in the application as you only have 20 minutes to write the answer. You also can't copy and paste from anywhere else (system doesn't let you), so even if you have a response prepared you have to manually type it out.

Milbank whyyyy😭 I was so happy when I saw no application questions on the form… this is an absolute sneak attack

 

[Prudentia]

that is an awful way to test a candidate at an initial stage, holy hell

It's intense, but I guess it's indicative of the firm's culture. I did enjoy the test though, but I will very surprised if I pass.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Anyone heard from baker McKenzie post VI?

 

[Prudentia]

I am considering doing Milbank but then again I'm also thinking of applying next cycle with stronger grades and more experience. I also wanted to ask if you have any idea of whether they recruit NQ associates or not?

Milbank do have application questions, btw! They just put them in the online test (which is more stressful!)

 

[BealMcAlly]

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share the specific questions... but as long as you know why you want to apply for Milbank specifically and brush up on your commercial awareness and understand Milbank's work and clients, you'll be fine!

This is more than helpful, thank you so much!

I have 4 days to do research I guess hahah

 

[zonnonomo]

just got NRF VI

 

[Bread]

Inbox is so dry that I'm requesting allhires login codes just to feel something...

 

[EfficientBag123]

Inbox is so dry that I'm requesting allhires login codes just to feel something...

I feel you. I’m fully tweaking over baker McKenzie rn

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

Applied to MB and HL in November but am yet to receive the tests. They are automatic right??

 

[anon78365222111]

NRF VI, anyone that did it for winter vac pls pm me on insights l. I did it for winter too but can’t remember lol

 

[ayiiii05]

based on the wording of the email, does milbank not send the online test to everyone?

 

[BealMcAlly]

based on the wording of the email, does milbank not send the online test to everyone?

I thought the same but maybe it's just a basic 'yep your academics are fine and you have some work experience' screening.

 

[GT1205H]

Hi everyone!
It’s me again back in the game after 10 days as usual 💪🏼😂 before hand I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Secondly I received my first ever AC invite! I’m so nervous, I still cannot believe it, if anyone has any DLA and HSFK AC insights/tips and it’s willing to help me I would appreciate it, I’m willing to help too💕

Now the bit you all want, updating the previous list:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and... AC invite on 22/12🎊 (Spring)

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. Phone interview and benchmark email both 09/12 and… AC invite on 19/12 (London)

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, still no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, test invite 10/12. Now waiting🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells, Bird & Bird, Slaughter and May, Reed Smith and A&O Shearman

*For context I am Non RG, most modules above 70 (only 2 below) and no legal work experience.

Just wanted to update you guys after 10 days. I would really appreciate anyone that applied to the firms that I am waiting for and has heard back to please let me know🥹🙏🏻 also I understand that everyone deals with PFOs differently but IMO we should include at least the date that we applied on when informing the forum on both invitations and PFOs. Current status below:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. I had the interview and received confirmation that I passed the benchmark on the same day 09/12. Still waiting on next steps. 🤞🏼

-Reed Smith 💀: Applied 06/11, test invite on 20/11, PFO 16/12.🤞🏼

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, still no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, test invite 10/12. Now waiting🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells, Bird & Bird, Slaughter and May, and A&O Shearman

Thank you guys for your support, I hope everyone is enjoying the festivities, firms are giving PFOs as if they were Santa on Christmas days, don’t let that ruin your family time ( this advice is also to myself 🙈😂) and stay positive. Remember:

 

[user55998384]

i am applying to a firm which asks for a CV - i have been so used to j filling out the work exp section my CV isn't even up to date atm!!! I was just wondering as for insight/open days i usually group it in one section in my work exp section. But for my CV should I structure it in this way too eg put Firm X, frim Y, firm Z - Insight/Open Days or should i have a seperate heading for each one?

any guidance would be really appreciated! @Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock