TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

This week I have to complete:
1. Simmons SJT VI
2. Weil SJT VI
3. Hogan Lovells SJT
4. Freshfields Stage 1

And 4 applications... Additionally an interview to another graduate role at a University.

Phewwwwwww!

 

[CharlesT47]

Any advice for Akin Telephone interviews?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys - I'm going through the Mischon de Reya application form, and have a quick query to ask. If anyone's got any advice, I'd be really grateful

On the form, there's a section marked "Work Experience", but it only contains 4 available spaces (all of which are only 150 words long). The next section on the form is titled "Activities & Achievements"; here, there's 5 spaces available, all of which are 200 words long.
Would it be right to assume that the "Activities & Achievements" section is only for extra-curricular stuff (and so it wouldn't be a good idea to use it to list any examples of work experience that I couldn't fit into the previous section)?

I think so - the fact that the firm only provided you with 4 entries in the work experience section is likely a conscious choice to deviate from the norm, as most firms allow you to have around 10 or so entries. Thus, the firm probably wants to get candidates to be selective with the work experiences they discuss instead of mentioning everything and anything they did in the past. If this is the case, using the activities & achievements section to talk more about work experiences could be seen as you ignoring the restriction the firm was trying to place on you.

That said, I think there may be an exception if what you would discuss would be centrally focused on the achievement part, and merely ancillary in terms of discussing any work experience as the context of which the achievement took place. For instance, if you interned at a firm/company that had some internal competition (for instance, I know of some firms that have internal mooting competitions) and you placed 1st there, I think you could include this in the achievements section.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi all, I recently attempted to complete the Mishcon chat-based interview, but on the last question the system completely crashed (out of my control, I have videos and pictures of evidence) and I was unfortunately unable to complete/submit any of the contents. I have persistently reached out to Mishcon Grad Rec (with no luck), but I am wondering whether there is a more appropriate route of communication I should take? I obviously can understand that it may just be a tough luck situation, but I was hoping to hear back from them with a concrete answer - any tips/suggestions?

As long as you keep it to one message which is very politely formulated, I think you can reach out to the firm's graduate recruiters on LinkedIn and explain you wanted to let them know about the situation there as well, as you feared your emails might have not gotten through. If you decide to do this, I advise you to include your full name, email address, and application reference number in the message. I would also apologise in advance in case they had simply not gotten to see your email or had time to respond yet, to show that you appreciate how busy they are at this time of year and are not someone who thinks they are entitled to an immediate response.

 

[ahahamwahaha]

Did anyone get a second email from Mischon post chat interview asking them to do the feedback form?
They asked me to do it the day I did the interview about 10 days ago, then, today they sent an identical email again. Not sure if it is a glitch or what.

what were you asked for the recorded interview?

 

[W12345]

Hey has anyone done the CMS VI and would be willing to give any insight into it at all? I can help with Reed Smith, Weil, Willkie, Goodwin, Simmons, DLA VI + Hogan, Skadden, Pinsent, Macfarlanes, Akin Gump Goodwin and Fried Frank ACs

 

[llblawstudent]

How soon after applying to the summer wex at slaughters did everyone hear back?

 

[boots pharmacy]

Hello, does anyone know if the Taylor Wessing stage 1 Verbal/Critical reasoning test includes a VI component? Thank you!

 

[p2bv]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

 

[User22022002]

Has anyone heard back from Milbank 2nd test (critical thinking)? I got an email saying I missed the deadline to do it but I had completed it a few days before. Thankfully they allowed me to re-complete it but now I’m worried I don’t exist in their database!

 

[Bbhu19]

TW test invite!! Was a bit stressed it wasn’t coming in

Is this automatic or do they read your application as I applied today and received the test invite aswell

 

[Harvey Specter]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

I think Willkie has their assessments before the VS (written app, video interview, written exercise and partner interview). Candidates are judged solely on their VS performance. Most firms have a range of assessments during the VS and/or a final interview afterwards.​

 

[Dannie]

Any tips on how to get over fear and dread around ACs especially after trauma from PFOs after a bunch of past ones?

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!

 

[johnsmith]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know much about the Proskauer Rose training contract?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

I have been to their AC before and can confirm it is heavily weighed.

I passed every component of their AC but did not finish the intray due to strict timings. I was told if I had finished that it would’ve been a different outcome.

Partner interview is pretty easy… why the firm, why London. It is a very rigid format everyone is asked the same exact questions across all offices. They will ask you a commercial question. I can’t remember it.it is one partner in the interview 1 partner in the commercial case study. They will mostly be looking down taking notes so don’t be too nervous. Friendly firm for sure. I know someone who got a TC offer from a VS AC as they were very good and passed all aspects of the AC.

Please don’t send me lots of messages asking for tips just giving my two pence above 🫡

Wow, thank you very much for this!

 

[elizabethkate]

rogue but anyone applying to capsticks?

 

[c.t.tc]

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

Quite a few are tbh - often the ones that have a similar culture I have found (not that this is the rule just a pattern)

 

[user55998384]

Hey guys, whats the time limit to answer each video interview quesion in the Simmons & Simmons assessment. It doesn't tell you how long next to the first question. Thanks!

2 minutes