TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Deleted member 43292]

im going to keep my head up and treat myself this eve by watching new season of emily in paris, we got this guys! their loss

100% you go girl!! They'll regret missing out on a star like you

 

[AMullin]

Just jumping on here because I am assuming this is about the Amberjack - I have practised loads after getting a WHOPPING 0 for Creative Force last year for RS's DTC. It left me completely mortified because it's all about adaptability, which I use a lot in my day job - and verbal reasoning measures different strengths to applied intellect.

You may already know this but applied intellect measures your EQ, social awareness, and your intelligence of course compared to verbal reasoning which measures if you can pick up on information based on what you read.

I assume most of you are practising but if not, and I know it's not cheap, buy the practice tests. I found them so helpful. Also, just a caveat about digital mindset, apparently that's the least important pillar according to the aptitude-test-prep breakdown.

Is there anywhere in particular you would recommend to buy the practice tests from?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Is there anywhere in particular you would recommend to buy the practice tests from?

I opted for this one - https://aptitude-test-prep.com/test-providers/amberjack-assessment/ - (not sure if links are allowed). It's $25 and you get two full tests and it gives you a breakdown of why each answer is high or low scoring and what each question is looking for.

I haven't seen any other platforms that have Amberjack practice tests, perhaps someone else has insights on this?

 

[Amgrad]

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now

Agree. I think if you got OD, you should write something remarkable that attracts GR minds and made them remember of you. It could be backfires if you wrote a mediocre app compared to those who never attended their event or if you performed average at AC. You should definitely get through them easily as you have dedicated your time and got resources more than others who can't due to work commitment or others.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Spring!
And yea, they were my second most interacted with firm... maybe the strategy is NOT to interact with them...since it didn't seem to work with CC and HSF Kramer, but apparently I go to one Open Day with AOS and here I am now

This is the same for me. I applied for HSF Kramer WVS and despite going to several open days, AS events, online webinars, etc. I got rejected. Then here comes Skadden with a written exercise and I’ve only been to one event with them and that’s the insight evening they did cpl months ago. ​

 

[JustwantaTC]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

 

[yuhhhh]

genuinely surprised NRF hasn't sent out PFOs yet?? Like with my arctic shores score they should've rejected me the day after I did my test

What were your arctic scores results?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith screen all applications? I applied today a few hours before the deadline and wondering how much this actually affects the application.

I paralegal in a city law firm and we are always given until the exact deadline to revert (to the minute) on all work. Firms' emphasis on submitting apps as early as possible *specific emphasis avoiding being close to the deadline* despite giving a clear deadline boggles me because this is so not the reality of working in some of these places....

 

[jojo23]

Um... I feel like i got asked a different set of questions for DLA.


Anyway.. Im probably cooked

 

[oliviabeijing]

hi guys, can anyone recall whether you received an email confirmation upon completing the CMS watson glaser? Thanks

Yes confirmation email, but they don't tell you your score

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Finally after waiting 193950 years Freshfields got back to me about the reasonable adjustments for stage 2. I thought I was hallucinating for a sec but it’s real! Gna do it in Jan.​

 

[abc124]

Good luck to you with your other apps!

Thanks, you too!!!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith screen all applications? I applied today a few hours before the deadline and wondering how much this actually affects the application.

I paralegal in a city law firm and we are always given until the exact deadline to revert (to the minute) on all work. Firms' emphasis on submitting apps as early as possible *specific emphasis avoiding being close to the deadline* despite giving a clear deadline boggles me because this is so not the reality of working in some of these places....

I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last cycle and they screen every application.

I agree with what you're saying, but I think a lot of them review before the deadline because of the sheer volume of applications they get and how lean their GR teams are. They would take weeks, if not months just to move people through their multi-step processes

 

[llblawstudent]

Finally after waiting 193950 years Freshfields got back to me about the reasonable adjustments for stage 2. I thought I was hallucinating for a sec but it’s real!​

this must imply they have a few AC spots left, even tho people are already getting vac scheme offers. Maybe hope is not lost after all…..

 

[Afuturetrainee]

not applied there before I would say it is focusing on the skills you've learnt. for example academic studies is there a module you did that made you interested in a specific area of law furthering your interest? do you hold a scuba diving qualification (random I know) but from this qualification you could say it pushed you out of your comfort zone and taking risks which can be key in deals in transactional seats.

work experience is kinda easy just what have you learnt from work which relates to law, is it speaking with customers, helping people, researching, networking. Have you done maybe a legal adviser role at university this is a god example to use...

I hope this made some sort of sense haha

No, this is genuinely helpful. Thank you!

And yes scuba diving was random lol

 

[spamelinazoid]

I applied two days before the deadline for the DTC last cycle and they screen every application.

I agree with what you're saying, but I think a lot of them review before the deadline because of the sheer volume of applications they get and how lean their GR teams are. If not, they would take weeks, if not months just to move people through their multi-step processes

does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one

 

[Novaa]

Ah this process is getting too much now. Really considering if I am just wasting my time and will never succeed. Constant rejections just coming in and I am not sure what more I can do. I feel like I constantly see one type of person succeed in this process and that will never be me. As someone from an underrepresented background I also feel like the vac scheme I was unable to convert was my only chance and I blew it. Can't even get to an AC since. I feel like a loser when UNIVERSITY students are securing top TCs and I am here as a grad begging firms cycle after cycle. Probably just not good enough either and need a reality check, haha.

Hey!! I just want to say the fact you’ve made it to a vac scheme is really amazing and shows on paper you have what it takes to be a solicitor. Its hard when you don’t convert as there is a lot of decision making which goes into these things. But, just know that you are good enough and have previously shown it. Hope some good news comes your way soon

 

[BealMcAlly]

does it impact the applications liklihood to progress if its near the deadline? approach for all firms is different on this one

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

From what I heard from Reed Smith's GR team, they don't stop reviewing before the deadline. @Abbie Whitlock can probably confirm if this is true hah

 

[spamelinazoid]

Yeah, some firms straight up close their application window if they fill their spots before the deadline.

but assuming the window is still open does this usually affect the outcome of applications if they are successfully submitted?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Has anyone else not received the test or the holding email from FieldFisher? I applied on deadline day and haven't heard anything but I know people have received emails saying their applications are on hold.
(This is for the pathways to practice scheme)