TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[silonthesofa]

it was slightly harder, I thought I did well but clearly did not practise the enough (I did all the prep tests multiple times lol)

Slightly harder is an understatement. Problem with the practise portal – apart from not being as difficult – is that the content started to repeat, so it had limited utility after the first couple of practice sections. Also, the actual test is adaptive, so in a way, take it as a good thing that it got progressively harder.

Also, don't be so sure that you didn't do well on the tests. They mean it when they say they take into account your whole application. Like, I think back to my application last year and I'm amazed it wasn't tossed faster. It was completely non-specific and for one of my answers, I don't think I even directly answered the question.

So you know, ultimately, this whole process is extremely opaque and abstract. We don't actually have any idea how they make their decisions. Some firms put more weight on this, some more weight on that. Maybe you got unlucky in that your application was reviewed later in the day when they were tired – or even reviewed by one member of the team instead of another.

 

[apap]

Slightly harder is an understatement. Problem with the practise portal – apart from not being as difficult – is that the content started to repeat, so it had limited utility after the first couple of practice sections. Also, the actual test is adaptive, so in a way, take it as a good thing that it got progressively harder.

Also, don't be so sure that you didn't do well on the tests. They mean it when they say they take into account your whole application. Like, I think back to my application last year and I'm amazed it wasn't tossed faster. It was completely non-specific and for one of my answers, I don't think I even directly answered the question.

So you know, ultimately, this whole process is extremely opaque and abstract. We don't actually have any idea how they make their decisions. Some firms put more weight on this, some more weight on that. Maybe you got unlucky in that your application was reviewed later in the day when they were tired – or even reviewed by one member of the team instead of another.

I ran on the assumption that if you hear back within a week of your online assessment window closing, it means you did not meet their test benchmarks.

I think you're somewhat right about them reviewing holistically but I have heard the above from someone who was told this by one of their early careers advisors.

 

[silonthesofa]

It’s sort of a half stage - if you don’t meet the benchmark you get a PFO. If you pass the test then you’re ‘éligible’ for the next stage but still have to be actively selected for the written exercise.

You know this for a fact or are speculating? It's sensible that that'd be the case, but I've also learned not to always apply the word 'sensible' to this process. Like, it's a classic necessary, but not sufficient condition, but I also haven't found anything to concretely support that if you don't pass it, you get a quick PFO.

 

[jojo23]

Interesting, I didn't apply Simmons as I am ineligible. Did you take Weil VI? Could you tell me which one is harder for you, Reed Smith or Weil? As I thought both have the quite similar type.

I haven't applied for weil😭

 

[Amgrad]

see examples

Try 'default' and remove the last sentence. Ask in a new chat box. If that's not working try clean your cache, update your browser and app, check bug/server issues and contact the team at https://help.openai.com/en

 

[TCLA0322]

DLA piper wgt invite submitted on 6th Nov

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I was wondering if you would recommended me emailing graduate recruitment regarding my score on the test - they already said the outcome, but just out of curiosity to know the exact score?
And also about emailing them regarding further information on the video interview, as there's really nothing mentioned on their website from what I can see?

I don't want it to seem like I'm impatient or anything

Thank you

Hi @flower1 I think it is fine to email about your score - I know a number of people who have done so with various firms and have received their exact figures. Nonetheless, I would not ask about the VI, as the firm likely has a standard process for releasing information about them.

 

[silonthesofa]

I ran on the assumption that if you hear back within a week of your online assessment window closing, it means you did not meet their test benchmarks.

I think you're somewhat right about them reviewing holistically but I have heard the above from someone who was told this by one of their early careers advisors.

So maybe, but again, we truly don't know. Last year, it seemed like it was common practice for firms to get all the invites out of the way before sending out PFOs. One of my applications was floating around into March I think, well after people had posted about VI and AC invites. Then this year, HSF Kramer flipped the script on its head and was sending out PFOs and AC invites in tandem. And last year, my application for Taylor Wessing hung around for a month before the PFO. So was my Mishcon application last year really in the running for so many months? Or did they just not bother PFO'ing people because they were preoccupied with screening their VIs and arranging ACs? Was my Taylor Wessing application strong? Or did it just bridge the holidays when everything slows down any way, so it just hadn't been looked at until things got back to normal in January?

There's no way to know (though believe me, this is one of those low level mysteries of life that absolutely drives me crazy to not know. If I knew anyone at all with a psychology background looking to get into HR, I'd implore them to apply for grad recruitment teams at law firms just so I could finally get some kind of insight into what actually goes on).

 

[apap]

Try 'default' and remove the last sentence. Ask in a new chat box. If that's not working try clean your cache, update your browser and app, check bug/server issues and contact the team at https://help.openai.com/en

clearing my cookies seems to have done the trick. Thank you!!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys I just had a first stage interview with a recruiter (not a member of the early careers team) and was told if i have any questions to direct it the early careers email instead of asking during the interview. I was wondering if i should email the early careers team general questions that you would typically ask at the end of an interview about what the role is like etc or if they just mean if i have any specific questions about the recruitment process to email. I don’t know if it’s expected to ask questions or if it would look weird if I asked the early careers team about trainee life etc

Since you would be asking question on email, there is definitely no expectation of you doing this unless you have a specific issue that you actually require information about. I would not ask general questions about culture and work at the firm this way, as it would just unnecessarily add to the graduate recruitment team's workload (as they would have to type out rather lengthy answers) and make you appear as if you are trying a bit too hard to impress and show enthusiasm.

 

[Anniee]

Does CC send you your WG scores if you email them?

Hi, from my past experience they don't, but I think you should give it a try as their graduate recruitment team is quite responsive anyways. After the test, if you meet the benchmark, you should receive an email confirming this and stating that they will review your application.

 

[Goingtogetatc]

BCLP interview invite ! Got to interview stage last year but failed it. Really hope this time I’m better

 

[LawAspirer]

Is there any way saying "no" to the use of the rare contextual system could disadvantage me?

 

[lawstudent2]

BCLP interview invite ! Got to interview stage last year but failed it. Really hope this time I’m better

congrats! Is this for spring or summer

 

[bh.sa]

If a firm asks 'have you met or made contact with anyone at the firm', does this include meeting trainees/grad rec at a law fair?

 

[JBM]

Anyone heard from HSFK, HL or Cleary for winter. I passed the test for HSFK, Did the HL 2nd stage assessment and the WG for cleary. Ik some people have got offers for HSFK already but i have also seen PFOs so just wondering. Same for Hogan and Cleary

 

[lawstudent2]

Anyone heard from HSFK, HL or Cleary for winter. I passed the test for HSFK, Did the HL 2nd stage assessment and the WG for cleary. Ik some people have got offers for HSFK already but i have also seen PFOs so just wondering. Same for Hogan and Cleary

I completed HL second stage early october and haven't heard anything, am assuming PFO atp

 

[Anniee]

does anyone know if Payne Hicks beach is rolling?

On their website it says 'Following the closing date all applications will be reviewed.' so i believe its non-rolling 🤨

 

[Goingtogetatc]

congrats! Is this for spring or summer

Thanks it’s for spring

 

[BillSikes]

Anything from Burges Salmon post-AC?