TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bread]

I'm rather disappointed that I didn't get invited for the next VS stage at Simmons.

I put a lot of time and work into that application over the last year, including working with a firm mentor through Aspiring Solicitors, attending three in-person office events in London and Oxford, and 1-on-1 calls with two different firm partners. My prep was solid.

The thing was... I am pretty sure that I was rejected for a low score in the maths test! It would be such a shame to fall down over something like that.

Welcome to the game, we hate it here

 

[qaz99]

W&C WVS!!!! I am in so much shock right now

Congrats!! When was your interview?

 

[WillKitchen]

Got the Invite!

Me too. See you there!

 

[firmfirm]

100Qs WG is crazy

wow here I was thinking it was a normal WG. these firms are something else

 

[ninarosee]

wow here I was thinking it was a normal WG. these firms are something else

yeah let's hope it doesn't become standard practice!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Congrats!! When was your interview?

The 7th

 

[emily3827]

does anyone know at what point in the process Dechert contacts references?

 

[Chelsea101]

Mishcon 's test was horrible! I kept missing some typing mistakes because I could not see my answers well and I even sent a few with typos by mistake because it sent them when I was still correcting my parapgraphs 😭 Basically spent two hours typing just to purely expect a PFO....

Same to all of what you just said- how did people find the MDR VI question after. My brain was so fried from staring at a screen for almost three hours I messed up so badly

 

[sadboi]

does anyone know at what point in the process Dechert contacts references?

Presumably after the AC?

 

[llblawstudent]

684 in Simmons 😭😭😭😭

 

[WillKitchen]

Same to all of what you just said- how did people find the MDR VI question after. My brain was so fried from staring at a screen for almost three hours I messed up so badly

I'm really sorry to hear that. The Mishcon test was one of my favourites so far!

Yes, it takes a long time. But I felt like I had much more control over things. The video section was short and simple, and not as stressful as others.

Mishcon really stand out from the crowd with the AI chat. I'd like to see more of that, but I know not everyone will agree.

 

[yasmars]

Same to all of what you just said- how did people find the MDR VI question after. My brain was so fried from staring at a screen for almost three hours I messed up so badly

Idek if I can even be bothered to do the test. I don’t wanna spend ages on something I’m going to mess up

 

[user55998384]

Simmons AC!

congrats!! when did you apply?

 

[lawyersum]

Idek if I can even be bothered to do the test. I don’t wanna spend ages on something I’m going to mess up

It is literally impossible to tell how you've done. Just make sure you and your strengths shine through. It's a strange way of assessing people but they have to take some people through to the next stage and it may well be you, so do it!!

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

For those who did Mishcon test is it worse than HL test and FF test. I am thinking of applying for Mishcon but don't know what to expect from it like whether its worth putting my mental health through it to get that pfo. I did the HL test and that was the worst from allof the tests this cycle. I can provide advice for other firms in return.

 

[msclm]

does anyone know at what point in the process Dechert contacts references?

From what I understand in the interview invite email, they contact the references before the scheme starts (presuming you get offered the wvs post interview) but you can start the scheme without it confirmed. I imagine it comes into play with tc determinations.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock, I'm quite unsure as to how I should approach the question "Please give details of computer skills rating?". There is no specified word count, but all the other questions have a 250 word limit. I'm not sure whether they are looking for us to go into dept about the various software programmes I've used in my internships/VS and then ultimately make a self-assessment.

Hello!

I don't think it is necessary to write too much for this section! I would rate your skills overall in various software programmes that you have used, and provide a short explanation of what you can actually do. For example, whilst I'd make it personal and go into a bit more detail, you could write something like: "I'm comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and online research tools. I am confident in learning new software and managing digital files efficiently"

I would essentially use the question to describe what kind of programmes, tools or systems you are comfortable with using - I wouldn't stress too much over the question, and just be honest about your capabilities