TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[msclm]

Does anyone know whether Milbank online assessment is automatic or not?

I’m going to say it isn’t as the email asking us to do the test says “Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process as you've demonstrated the potential that we are looking for.”

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For DLA, the question says to "select one article from DLA Piper Insights page", I went to the page and selected something that's a longer form guide. Does anyone if that is okay or does it need to be one of the short form articles?

Not sure if I'm overthinking it - would appreciate any input on this

Hello!

You're not overthinking it! A longer-form guide from the DLA Piper Insights page should be totally fine, as long as it clearly relates to one of their client sectors and you can use it to discuss your personal and professional ambitions. The instructions just say to choose an article from that page, so guides and insight pieces should count - they're just different formats.

If your chosen guide ties into a client sector, then you're meeting the brief perfectly! In fact, having a longer piece might give you more to discuss in your analysis

 

[shadowboxer909]

I’m going to say it isn’t as the email asking us to do the test says “Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process as you've demonstrated the potential that we are looking for.”

I got sent it so it can't be selective as my application isn't particularly strong for law lol.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would a slightly over one-page cover letter with font size 10 (approx. 700 words) be too long? Thanks!!

Hey!

I think anywhere up to 1.5 pages is an acceptable length (although 1 page is generally best!). However, I would try and avoid using font size 10 as it can be slightly too small - font size 11 or 12 is generally preferred!

700 words seems like the right amount if you haven't been provided with a word limit!

 

[msclm]

I got sent it so it can't be selective as my application isn't particularly strong for law lol.

I mean the word “shortlisted” prob means we were shortlisted - which implies some people weren’t. Which means it ain’t automatic? Idk tho I could be wrong.

 

[shadowboxer909]

I mean the word “shortlisted” prob means we were shortlisted - which implies some people weren’t. Which means it ain’t automatic? Idk tho I could be wrong.

I wouldn't interpret that too literally.

I submitted my application on Sunday.

The assessment arrived on Monday. There would be no time to do a shortlist beyond the standard 2:1 predicted etc.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Did anyone get a Latham open day PFO for the October batch? I know they sent the invites last week.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

that is so good to hear! congratulations

you should be so grateful you have a week i was just told today i have an ac on thursday

so i have 2 days to prep.....

Congrats on ur AC!! was this for NRF?

 

[tom-sawyer]

Just wrapped up Mayer Brown's online assessment and VI. The assessment is an Amberjacks one and VI included four questions (mixture of motivational and commercial questions)!

 

[raymokhan]

Just did the Bird & Bird VI and there were way less competency questions than I was expecting - just as a heads up to everyone else that hasn't done it yet.

Hey, I was just wondering if you had any insights for the Bird & Bird video interview questions? In the email they are being really vague, and B&B is the firm I most want to work for, so I would really appreciate any insights you can give, paticularly regards to the questions. I'm happy to trade any OA insights that you could find useful, I've personally done 9 so far and know the structures of 5 more from my friends who have done them.

Thank you so much, and good luck with your applications!!

 

[stilltrying]

How long did people generally wait to hear back from Hogan post first assessment. If I haven't heard back and its been a week should I take that as a PFO

 

[whywhy88]

How long did people generally wait to hear back from Hogan post first assessment. If I haven't heard back and its been a week should I take that as a PFO

I know people who got the second test after like 3 weeks so don’t panic. It’s been a week for me and I haven’t received it either.