TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[shadowboxer909]

Just did the Mishcon SJT and got high verbal, high numerical and 6/7/7 for Applied Intellect, Creative Force and Digital mindset but only a 4 for Grit

Genuinely stumped by the "Grit" scores I'm getting - I'm yet to encounter a single question that I feel actually tests for grit and resilience. Perhaps I am misunderstanding the concept of grit in relation to these tests

Law Firms: "You can't study for the SJT, just be yourself!"

Me: *Answers SJT honestly*

Law Firms: "Eww"

You need to game it.

Not answer it honestly.

Answer what you think the firm will like - make sure you come across as someone who values collaboration but can do independent work, someone who's resilient but knows when to ask for help etc.

 

[Sharkfin]

Does anyone know if the Mishcon SJT (stage 3) has a recorded video interview element?

I know that the AI Chat (stage 2) had a brief VI at the end, but it was not assessed.

Just an amberjack! no vi

 

[meredithgrey]

Any advice for SJTs for neurodivergent candidates? From what I’m aware of HSF Kramer is the only firm that lets you skip the test if you’re neurodivergent. I find them difficult and have had situations where firms haven’t replied to emails requesting adjustments. I know some offer alternative formats but not many do. Not sure what to do going forward?

 

[c.t.tc]

just did the Mishcon SJT and got 7/9, 6/9, 7/9, 6/9 and excelled in both numerical and verbal. how is that likely to score against the average? Amberjack seems to have no rhyme or reason so honestly never have any idea what's good and what's not

 

[WillKitchen]

I just completed the Mishcon de Reya test and got the impression that their scoring system was back to front.

I usually score highly for verbal reasoning but middling for maths (that is often my downfall with these tests).

But with Mishcon, I got top marks for maths and middling for verbal reasoning. The first time that has happened.

Anyone else notice that something was off?

 

[emily3827]

Guys how likely are W&C to give VI extensions? I really can't do my VI rn as I am travelling and emailed grad rec about it 2 days ago and no response. its due tomorrow

i’ve gotten a VI extension from them before but it was bc i was in a&e lol so might depend on the reason? but i remember they also took maybe a day to reply - maybe follow up again? the extension was for a whole week though so quite useful!

 

[c.t.tc]

I just completed the Mishcon de Reya test and got the impression that their scoring system was back to front.

I usually score highly for verbal reasoning but middling for maths (that is often my downfall with these tests).

But with Mishcon, I got top marks for maths and middling for verbal reasoning. The first time that has happened.

Anyone else notice that something was off?

My scores vary massively in these tests depending on the questions so might just be that in this specific version of Amberjack you did better the other way around!

 

[lawschool123]

Hi, I just completed a winter vacation scheme and was wondering whether it makes sense to update applications I am waiting to hear back from by letting them know that I have done further legal work ex? Would appreciate any thoughts/ advice on this.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Is the W&C VI their cap test?

 

[WillKitchen]

Has anyone ever been invited to an assessment centre after getting a middling test score for numerical (or verbal) reasoning?

 

[BobThebIlly]

Does anyone have advice for Weil's SJT? I am not used to the 4 pillars so I'm pretty stumped! It's due tomorrow

 

[llblawstudent]

The people that have W&C VIs, when’d you guys apply? I’m assuming it’s a pfo myself as I haven’t got it (same for AG), applied early December

 

[sadlawyer01]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone ever been invited to an assessment centre after getting a middling test score for numerical (or verbal) reasoning?

Hi!

I scored mid for verbal reasoning in my Reed Smith online assessment, so it definitely isn't the end of the world!

 

[lolololol]

can you take a break between the weil sjt and vi?

 

[llblawstudent]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

Dechert perhaps because they’re super rolling and have already given out spring WE invited. Think someone said that grad rec had told them that for winter, they didn’t even bother reading the final hundred or so apps because they’d given out all the WEs at that point. Can’t speak for the others

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

is it way too late to apply for jones day, dechert, white and case, baker and akin?

Alongside Dechert, Akin is also super rolling and they said at their open day they were aiming for ACs to be held in January. I’d try get their app in before or on Xmas day latest, cos I saw someone mention that Akin didn’t get through all the apps last year as well. Idk about W&C, JD or Bakers.​

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I applied last year and it was application - online test - telephone interview ( normal phone call not zoom) - AC

Thank you for the insight! That doesn’t sound too bad

 

[Trophy]

Alongside Dechert, Akin is also super rolling and they said at their open day they were aiming for ACs to be held in January. I’d try get their app in before or on Xmas day latest, cos I saw someone mention that Akin didn’t get through all the apps last year as well. Idk about W&C, JD or Bakers.​

Incorrect. Akin you can apply up until the deadline I knew two people who applied on the deadline last year and made it to AC and subsequently got VS. I was told they hold roughly 4/5 AC's. with the last two being filled by those who applied closer to the deadline. All ACs are in Jan, but their process is fast-paced post-Christmas. so you can do the entire app-test-ti-ac all within 3 weeks. This is from a friend who converted their VS there this year.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

How do you convince yourself that doing a VI is not the same as jumping in shark infested waters? Because I am so nervous I could faint rn

I totally get you. My nervous system thinks I’m being hunted for sport

I do breathing exercises, put on music whilst I go over my notes, drink plenty of water and remind myself that it’s just me talking to a camera. Remind yourself to speak at a reasonable pace, and if you mess up, just take a breath and carry on. I have the habit of speaking fast because I want to get it over with, but speaking at a slower pace gives your brain more time to think and you’re less likely to mess up!!

It goes way quicker than you think, and by the time you get to the last couple questions, you become acclimatised and it doesn’t feel too scary

Good luck!!