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  1. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    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! 😎
  2. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    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.
  3. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    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.
  4. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    These VIs have yous looking at the camera like this to come across slightly more ‘personable’:
  5. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    *insert a giggle here so I don’t sound scripted* x3 Idk does the “pause method” work for anybody? *pause after this line so I don’t sound scripted* x3
  6. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Nah igy cos it’s the same for me. Idk how people can be so expressive and performative during a VI cos every time I practice my voice just sounds like scratching chalk and reading off a script, but the whole time I’m literally using a few bullet points for the structure. My natural speaking...
  7. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Damn bro cooked on the Mayer Brown test! This is probs the highest score I’ve seen! 🤯
  8. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Firms probs have an overall test benchmark and one for each individual pillar, e.g., a minimum of 4 or 5 across the pillars would be an overall score of 16-20 (around a 50% overall score).
  9. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    They got rid of the amberjack test this year so it’s just the app form and then you’re shortlisted to an interview if your app is successful before getting the vac scheme. Paul mentioned on their forum thread they’ve introduced a numerical test that ppl take during the vac schemes. There is also...
  10. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I’m not being aggressive champ. I was clarifying my initial comment cos you said it was incorrect. My bad if it sounded otherwise rkid.
  11. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec...
  12. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Alongside Dechert, Akin is also super rolling and they said at their open day they were aiming for ACs to be held in January. I’d try get their app in before or on Xmas day latest, cos I saw someone mention that Akin didn’t get through all the apps last year as well. Idk about W&C, JD or Bakers.
  13. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The questions are all motivational and competency based. The first VI question has a longer response time so utilise it as best you can.
  14. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I saw someone posted on the forum recently about their commercial awareness resources and they’d referenced a podcast on Spotify called Wake Up To Money (BBC Radio 5 Live). I’ve been listening to it and ngl it’s lowkey good asf (better than trying to decipher the FT’s complicated jargon imo).
  15. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    This might be a reach but in my VI with the early careers team, they’d mentioned I’d hear back by the beginning of the new year, as atm they’re working through everyone’s VI, but they didn’t mention if they’d be reviewing SJT scores. My guess is the firm has a benchmark and only review VI for...
  16. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    When did you apply to Akin Gump? I sent my app around a week ago but haven’t heard anything. I did receive a request from an arbitration partner at Akin Gump on LinkedIn though so at least there’s that small W. Maybe we will hear back now after the Xmas and NY period has passed?
  17. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    They use rare recruitment so whilst they do have pretty high expectations it’s not strictly AAA and a high 2:1. I know of someone who had neither who went to Royal Holloway and did the Cleary VS.
  18. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Some of these firms are asking for too much imo cos Akin and Debevoise both have 6 x 250 word questions. Apps Orrick asks 5 questions and even a cover letter. It’s soo unnecessarily looong. 🫠
  19. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    https://www.clearygottlieb.com/locations/london/legal-landing-page/opportunities-and-application-information It’s on this page under current opportunities. Their deadline isn’t until Jan 31 2026.
  20. Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Damn have I just been demoted from name partner to a student brand ambassador?… 👀😂

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