TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[EfficientBag123]

Has anyone applied for the Simmons bristol vac scheme, and if so, have you heard anything rejection or AC invite. I’m going mental over here

 

[W5690]

mine says we are fully considering the information provided

@elizabethkate Hi! Thanks for sharing this! I suppose that you took their WG test? If so, may I please ask when you took it, and did you receive an email informing you of passing it? I took it, but I have not heard anything from them since I did the test. Thank you.

 

[user55998384]

Has anyone applied for the Simmons bristol vac scheme, and if so, have you heard anything rejection or AC invite. I’m going mental over here

nope someone has said on here that they are aiming to repsond in jan

 

[Goodbyetc]

Has anyone heard from dla about ACs?

 

[Wompycapy]

Hogan Lovells Stage 2 Invite. Applied 23 Nov; first stage 7 Dec; feedback 8 Dec; second stage invite 20 mins ago.
Got 'Personal Responsibility' and 'Ambition' for strengths and 'Adaptable' for area of development.
Any insight would be appreciated, can share Latham VI.

 

[Wompycapy]

Applied for summer and yet to hear back abt TI post WG.

 

[jojo23]

Sometimes you've just gotta look at feedback reports and laugh.
Genuinely nrf, wtf.

 

[EfficientBag123]

nope someone has said on here that they are aiming to repsond in jan

Okay thank you. Did you apply to Bristol office?

 

[zonnonomo]

Sometimes you've just gotta look at feedback reports and laugh.
Genuinely nrf, wtf.

my reaction with irwin mitchell's report saying my STRENGTH is pride and weakness collaboration got me sounding like some LSE finance bro

 

[Bbhu19]

from Milbank open day - expecting about 1500 apps for approx 60 places across both of their vacation schemes this year, expecting to take on 15 or so trainees (I think? might be 30) across both of their TC routes

OA is automatic contingent on eligibility requirements, then if you pass this the next online test (SJT?) is automatic, and if you pass this there's a manual review to decide if they'll invite to AC, so pretty standard stuff

How can it be automatic if there is a written element to it?

 

[yk1906]

Thanks.

So I’m assuming it’s AI that reads the written questions not GR if the next stage (stage 2 test) is automatic? Sorry I may be confused.

It will be heartbreaking if it’s true because they formulate progression to next stages as if it’s a big deal. Also I though getting a Test 2 invite a couple of hours after submitting Test 1 was an indicator they liked me. Ouch

 

[yk1906]

I have a personal issue with an AI review of applications... In the EU, I think they're starting to regulate it via the AI Act, but still, I know I have been rejected so many times due to indirect discrimination by AI. Don't want to sound like a victim (I'm not, fortunately), but it's a real problem!

E.g., my cousin only started getting interviews in Germany after she paid 50 Euros for a service that helps you bypass ATS

 

[W5690]

When did you do WG

@BillSikes Sorry, I know you did not write to me, but I took mine on 28 November. You?

 

[James Wakefield]

Hogan Lovells Job Sim invite. Only completed stage 1 yesterday!

 

[W5690]

Guys I just saw this on my portal for DLA piper: ‘Thank you for working with us during our recruitment process. We are enjoying getting to know you’.
What does this mean? I wonder if this is a pfo in disguise

@SemperParatus Hi! Mine says the same and I wonder if it is not an implicit rejection before being informed officially.

 

[AGB2060]

Kirkland & Ellis VI!!! (Not sure if it is automatic or not but I am still happy haha, my first response from firms).

Does anyone have any insights as to what to expect, or advice etc.

I can offer advice on Linklaters (entire process to AC), Freshfields Stage 2, Latham & Watkins VI, Mayer Brown

 

[Trophy]

Kirkland & Ellis VI!!! (Not sure if it is automatic or not but I am still happy haha, my first response from firms).

Does anyone have any insights as to what to expect, or advice etc.

I can offer advice on Linklaters (entire process to AC), Freshfields Stage 2, Latham & Watkins VI, Mayer Brown

Congrats, when did you apply if I may?

 

[AGB2060]

Congrats, when did you apply if I may?

Literally yesterday which is why I think it might be automatic but I'm still trying to savour some good news this cycle haha

 

[Trophy]

It will be heartbreaking if it’s true because they formulate progression to next stages as if it’s a big deal. Also I though getting a Test 2 invite a couple of hours after submitting Test 1 was an indicator they liked me. Ouch

Yeah that’s a bit shit in all honesty. You hire people to find the right candidates then outsource to AI to filter through written timed responses.
I would’ve thought they would’ve been read by the team themselves as it wasn’t advertised your get a written question in the online tests, you’d either see very genuine or generic AI answers which a human would be able to make an informed decision on.

Well done on getting the second stage invite whether or not it’s by AI that’s great progression

 

[BillSikes]

DLA TI invite applied deadline for London. Monday and Tuesday slots - Not much notice!!