TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[plsgivemetc]

hey, can someone please explain Milbank’s first test? I’ve seen someone mention timed written questions commercial and motivational? I’m really confused, I can’t find anything on this and I don’t know how to prepare

 

[yoyowong]

Was the AC for the WVS?

yes its for WVS but shouldnt be too different from the summer one

 

[yoyowong]

was Sidley AC summer or winter VS?

winter! but shouldnt be too different as far as i know

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Has anyone received an Akin AC invite yet? I’ve seen a few people mention that they have. I completed my TI on 30 December, so I’m assuming it’s not a PFO and that they may just need more time given the holiday period.

 

[BealMcAlly]

hey, can someone please explain Milbank’s first test? I’ve seen someone mention timed written questions commercial and motivational? I’m really confused, I can’t find anything on this and I don’t know how to prepare

Look at TCLA's application database and prep for the three questions from last year. I heard there's two - it's likely they will be very similar to last year's app questions.

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Any Insights for Norton VI? Can share insights for Hogan Lovells stage 2, Milbank SJT written questions, Bakers VI, reed smith VI, Akin TI and many more!

 

[tenibankoleolusina]

Hi! @Abbie Whitlock Hope you are doing well! I will be doing the Reed Smith AC in a couple of weeks and wanted to know if you have any general, as well as Reed Smith specific tips? As far as I am aware, it has a case study + motivational interview and proof reading exercise. Please let me know if there will be certain types of documents, or other situation based questions that one can expect in this. Thank you!

Hi there! I'm sure there will be loads of people with Reed Smith specific advice, but for ACs generally speaking, practice is the name of the game. I would suggest coming up with a rigorous practice schedule (about six hours of prep every day between now and the AC if you can) which outlines clearly the work you are doing to be doing towards practicing the specific aspects of the AC (such as Case Study Interviews, Competency Interviews, Scenario Interviews, Written Exercises etc.), as well as the work you will do to study commercial trends and concepts, and firm specific knowledge such as their areas of expertise, recent work and other USPs.

It perhaps goes without saying, but the more preparation you do, the more confident you will feel on the day. Hope this is helpful!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Any insight into Milbank's stage 1? Nothing specific needed, just a broad idea of what to be prepared for!

 

[User2640]

Has anyone applied to Clyde & Co during Christmas and not yet received their auto assessment?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Manifesting good news today everyone!!!

 

[2ndCycle74]

Anyone heard from Sullivan & Cromwell recently?

 

[jamsparkle]

Does anyone know if white & case, sidley austin, covington, and cleary vac schemes are rolling?

Cleary is for vac schemes (but not open day)

 

[Lawlawland]

It's crazy to think that Perkins Coie had their application window only for about 10 days for 2 positions to fill, and I already know about 100+ people have applied for the same. Crazy.

Given they don't sponsor visa yet, IDK what my chances are with them, but man this the most favourite application I've drafted.

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone received an Akin AC invite yet? I’ve seen a few people mention that they have. I completed my TI on 30 December, so I’m assuming it’s not a PFO and that they may just need more time given the holiday period.

I’ve only seen one person mention it but I don’t think they’re even giving AC’s yet I did mine 3rd December and I know some that did theirs at the start of December no one has got a reply yet lol

 

[wooliewoo]

Does anyone have any tips for completing VIs? This is the worst stage of the app process for me, and I have yet to pass one lmao. I have improved but I cannot tell what's limiting me e.g., I may be speaking too fast with too much information, maybe I am too robotic etc., Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Any insight into Milbank's stage 1? Nothing specific needed, just a broad idea of what to be prepared for!

If you have researched the firm, you’re all good! There’s 18 situational questions (iirc) and 2 written questions, 250 words each, 20 mins each. I think you get 1 min and 30 seconds to choose an answer for each situational question.

 

[dlc3266]

Hi guys, for a firm like Perkins where the cover letter length is not specified, would two pages be alright? Especially since they’re asking two separate questions

 

[TortillaTC]

Hello!

Unfortunately, I don't have any specific insights into when people can expect to hear back after completing the online assessment. If it is any consolation, I waited a month between completing my online assessment and receiving an AC invite, so I wouldn't make any assumptions yet! It may just be that it is taking slightly longer due to the holiday period

Thank you!!

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

Weightmans Grad Rec posted on Linkedin that they received 10,237 applications in 2025 (and made 340 offers) 😯

 

[Novaa]

Weightmans Grad Rec posted on Linkedin that they received 10,237 applications in 2025 (and made 340 offers) 😯

I mean love that for them but… 😀