TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

For DAC Beachcroft I don’t think we’re allowed to share the exact questions. But you have 3 attempts for each question, and you have unlimited time between each attempt, so even if you run out of time before the first attempt you can take more time for the other 2. You get to pick which of the 3 options to submit

Hi! Thanks for the insight. Given the very limited info on instructions, can I clarify if you meant that between each attempt of the same question, you will have unlimited time for a break? I just got a bit confused because it felt counter-intuitive for them to put in place an initial time limit for preparation then.

In essence, do you mind clarifying -

Q1 - 2 min prep, 1 min response. Then unlimited time for a break, then another 2 min to prep, 1 min response. Then repeat for 3rd attempt, and choose the version from them.

Then is there an unlimited time for break before proceeding to Q2 or you have to proceed immediately?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yes I have that it’s due on Monday but I actually think Monday is also 5 days from now (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)

No because in the CRS email the 5 days include the date of receipt of the email so that's the confusion

 

[sadlawyer01]

cleary WG and dechert WE!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

CRS Cheltenham hmu? Xx lol

 

[Novaa]

I'm gonna call out Freshfields. I was invited to Stage 2 but becasue I needed extra time I filled out their online form. Heard nothing from them despite me following up a month ago. Today received a PFO saying I didn't do the test so cannot proceed. Surprised they're still like this - I heard last year / the year before they did the same to candidates, and said something like sorry nothing could be done at that stage and it didn't go down well!

On the back of this, I had to chase them repeatedly for my Stage 1 reasonable adjustments after filling in their form. I ended up waiting for the adjustments till after my deadline, then got my PFO the next day after completing my Stage 1 test. Which I believe aren’t automated, so it was interesting how the reasonable adjustments being acknowledged took a while, but the PFO didn’t.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

On the back of this, I had to chase them repeatedly for my Stage 1 reasonable adjustments after filling in their form. I ended up waiting for the adjustments till after my deadline, then got my PFO the next day after completing my Stage 1 test. Which I believe aren’t automated, so it was interesting how the reasonable adjustments being acknowledged took a while, but the PFO didn’t.

Many firms are saying they're inclusive and asked about reasonable adjustments on their online form but make you do this again in subsequent stages ....

 

[pembapup]

I'm gonna call out Freshfields. I was invited to Stage 2 but becasue I needed extra time I filled out their online form. Heard nothing from them despite me following up a month ago. Today received a PFO saying I didn't do the test so cannot proceed. Surprised they're still like this - I heard last year / the year before they did the same to candidates, and said something like sorry nothing could be done at that stage and it didn't go down well!

I would still try to contact them to be honest. I received this same PFO (despite doing an adjusted stage 2) and they confirmed it was an accident and my application was still being processed. I realise this is different as you did not get the opportunity to complete stage 2 (which is terrible) but it may be worth emailing grad rec anyway?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I would still try to contact them to be honest. I received this same PFO (despite doing an adjusted stage 2) and they confirmed it was an accident and my application was still being processed. I realise this is different as you did not get the opportunity to complete stage 2 (which is terrible) but it may be worth emailing grad rec anyway?

I will, thank you. Am feeling a bit drained having to do this sort of admin / correspondence with early talent teams for questions and clarification when you have lots of apps to manage

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

cleary WG and dechert WE!

Hey if you don't mind me asking when did you submit both ?

 

[LaDiva]

CRS VI - my first one in a few weeks, with a 2 day turnaround. Hope I'm not too rusty!

If you've completed this VI, I would really appreciate any insight, are the questions motivational, competency, SJT, prep time + record time....thanks in advance!!!!

 

[Myparentsdream]

On the topic of freshfields and reasonable adjustments.
Would it be bad to request a SAR against Cleary?

I applied and to my surprise I was invited to the WG having not met the A level requirements nor the 'leading university' one (Non RG applicant here). I requested additional adjustments and an extra few days as I was on a trip.

I did the WG and I was confident I had passed as it was probably one of the easiest WG I have ever taken.

I then followed up with an email maybe a week later asking for timelines as people were invited to he AC being held on the 28th Jan (they did the WG around the same day as me) and I had mandatory work training in another office (not in London). I was rejected swiftly after. I asked what my WG score was as I was quite surprised and they said no. I can take rejection but I think either a junior progressed my application then once it came to reviewing for AC they rejected me or they invited me to look inclusive to non AAA achieving and non RG students but they just target your standard Oxbridge, top london or Durham uni's..

Why get my hopes up and invite me to WG? I want to know the actual reason for the rejection as it seems shifty. I wouldn't be applying again for a TC but i assume it could affect future hiring?

 

[Shaky_Pete]

"If you couldn’t work in law, what do you think you would do and why?" - Wondered how to approach this application question as a career changer. Presumably, talk about what drew me to my current career, and perhaps mention some transferable skills?

 

[LaDiva]

No because in the CRS email the 5 days include the date of receipt of the email so that's the confusion

Yeah I noticed, better do it within the next 5 days

 

[Dolphin270]

Anybody heard post TI for Morgan Lewis?

How was the TI?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

McDermott AC day! smashed it

 

[amb303]

No because in the CRS email the 5 days include the date of receipt of the email so that's the confusion

It says from receipt of the invite not including the day of the invite so the 23:59pm Monday deadline on the shortlister email is probably right? but happy to hear what they say if anyone sends a clarification email

 

[174Tess9y3]

cleary WG and dechert WE!

Congrats! Is the Dechert WE for summer?

 

[Tired of Applications]

Haven't heard from Proskauer, fear it's a PFO. Someone gimme some hope.

 

[Byebye bye]

Has anyone heard back from Taylor Wessing after the written test?

 

[jojo23]

Has anyone got some advice on how to dress for an assessment centre where the following instructions were sent re dress code:

"There is no specific dress code. At the firm we adopt a 'dress for your day' policy meaning when colleagues have client meetings or court visits, they will dress a lot smarter, and some may be dressed more casually. We would recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in, whilst presenting yourself in a professional manner."

I'm thinking about playing it safe and wearing a full suit and tie anyway, but don't want to look out of place in case everyone else does actually follow these instructions and dresses much more comfortably?

hear me out and standout