TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[i-want-a-tc]

If it’s the same as last year, it’s a mix of verbal and numerical reasoning, SJT and WG. I don’t think there is a VI element to the test. It might have changed for this year though. Best of luck with the Macfarlanes app and test! 🙂​

That's perfect. I dont like the Video Interviews but I am fine with the rest. Thank you for your well wishes!

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice (or information) on how to prepare for: (1) behavioural questions that form part of Mayer Brown's online assessments; and (2) the online situation judgement and strength assessments part of Gibson Dunn's online assessments?

Your comments/thoughts would be appreciated a lot, in particular as they seem more opaque (in terms of how to prepare for them) compared to Watson Glaser tests.

Best wishes

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice (or information) on how to prepare for: (1) behavioural questions that form part of Mayer Brown's online assessments; and (2) the online situation judgement and strength assessments part of Gibson Dunn's online assessments?

Your comments/thoughts would be appreciated a lot, in particular as they seem more opaque (in terms of how to prepare for them) compared to Watson Glaser tests.

Best wishes

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

 

[legallybrunette8]

Hi all,

Not too sure where to write this but I'm applying to paralegal positions for the first time - any advice on how to structure and what to include in the cover letter and CV?

I've been so used to writing TC/VS apps so feels like I'm learning everything from scratch 😩 Would appreciate help from anyone, especially current paralegals!

 

[Sachin Chandra]

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

The FAQs page (linked below) states there to be: online situational judgement and strength assessment, first stage interview with Graduate Recruitment, followed by two second stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

<https://www.gibsondunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/London-Graduate-Recruitment-2025-2026-FAQs.pdf>

 

[lawyersum]

I didn't know Gibson Dunn did online assessments. It was mostly two round interviews right?

The FAQs page (linked below) states there to be: online situational judgement and strength assessment, first stage interview with Graduate Recruitment, followed by two second stage interviews with partners and associates (competency based interview and a case study)

<https://www.gibsondunn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/London-Graduate-Recruitment-2025-2026-FAQs.pdf>

I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are introducing these 'filter' SJT assessments. To even have your application read by the firm, you must reach their internal benchmark for the test. This reduces the workload for grad rec teams.

With WGs, there is at least an objective framework for success, whereas with SJTs, it mostly feels like a stab in the dark trying to align your answers with the firm's values.

@Jaysen - is there any guidance TCLA can provide on passing SJTs as they seem to be an increasingly important part of the application process, even to have our name and personal details read, let alone the answers we spend ages drafting! Like you've done with the WG and video interview platforms.