TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

RS assessment, applied deadline ☺️

Same, also on deadline

 

[EfficientBag123]

A

Can you share how many questions were asked and how long you had to answer each one please? Thank you

3 with 90sec each

 

[kukubird]

Does anyone know if the Akin test is automatic, I applied last week and haven't received anything yet.

 

[kukubird]

It's not automatic, if you pass the application stage then you get the test

Thanks!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

For anyone who completed the online tests for Osborne Clarke, how long after submitting your application did you receive the test, and how many days were you given to complete it?

I received the test link around two weeks after applying (I think I applied the day after applications opened). They give 5 days to complete it

 

[M85672]

How long did it take people to receive the Milbank test? I submitted last night

 

[spamelinazoid]

How long did it take people to receive the Milbank test? I submitted last night

1 day

 

[spamelinazoid]

The radio silence from Reed Smith is cooking me. Do i just accept defeat?? Any other deadline apply-ers still waiting??

 

[EfficientBag123]

The radio silence from Reed Smith is cooking me. Do i just accept defeat?? Any other deadline apply-ers still waiting??

I don’t want to put you down or anything, but from my experience if you’re not receiving an invite to the next stage when everyone else is assuming it’s a non rolling basis, it’s unlikely you get progressed. Of course if it’s rolling then there is still hope though.

 

[johnsmith]

The radio silence from Reed Smith is cooking me. Do i just accept defeat?? Any other deadline apply-ers still waiting??

When did you apply?

 

[spamelinazoid]

When did you apply?

Deadline^ 19th Dec

 

[Harvey Specter]

The radio silence from Reed Smith is cooking me. Do i just accept defeat?? Any other deadline apply-ers still waiting??

Yup I’m still waiting for Reed Smith. I sent my app early hours on the deadline but I’m gna assume it’s a PFO now. ​

 

[solicitor_2028]

The radio silence from Reed Smith is cooking me. Do i just accept defeat?? Any other deadline apply-ers still waiting??

I applied on the deadline, same as I did last year and still progressed to the second stage, so I'm hoping for some good news this year too!

 

[Novaa]

Does anyone know if Baker McKenzie recruit
trainees primarily from the VS or is it split equally with DTC applicants?

Also has anyone got an understanding of the conversion rates for their VS?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Does anyone know if Baker McKenzie recruit
trainees primarily from the VS or is it split equally with DTC applicants?

Also has anyone got an understanding of the conversion rates for their VS?

VS. Last 2 years around 15 of their 40 trainees were from DTCs.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Does anyone know if Baker McKenzie recruit
trainees primarily from the VS or is it split equally with DTC applicants?

Also has anyone got an understanding of the conversion rates for their VS?

Baker McKenzie offered 40 TCs last round. They have 30 spots on both spring and summer vacation schemes. I assume that it’s probably 1/2 people on the vac scheme get a return offer and 10 people are offered direct TCs. Bare in mind this is just an estimate on my part, I may be wrong.

 

[Novaa]

VS. Last 2 years around 15 of their 40 trainees were from DTCs.

Baker McKenzie offered 40 TCs last round. They have 30 spots on both spring and summer vacation schemes. I assume that it’s probably 1/2 people on the vac scheme get a return offer and 10 people are offered direct TCs.

Thank you both!!

Looks like I’ll be locking in and making sure this application gets finished. 😸

 

[elle woods]

💀 you know you've been engaging with the commercial law world way too much when you start writing Macfarlane(s) instead of McFarlane (family law)...

sigh time to go back and change my notes
...I didn't even apply to Macfarlanes 😭

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

If a firm asks for a company/organisation reference but you don’t think it’s appropriate to provide one, is it ok to provide two academic references

@Bread at this stage in the process, references aren’t really contacted. The majority of your application form is actually used as a data capture form that feeds into HR for future hires, ROI analysis, and DEI information.

It’s common to actually go through the entire process until offer of VS or TC without having any background checks - and even then - a third party screener will be in touch to conduct these.

As for your references in particular, I’m sure at that time, the firm or third party will be in touch to see if they’re still accurate/your top choices - so I wouldn’t worry about who you’ve selected too much at this stage.

It is encouraged to choose one of each, but that can be a discussion closer to the time e.g. you don’t want your current company to know that you’re applying elsewhere.