TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Sharkfin]

I hate to burst your bubble but I got the same for MB and didn’t progress (my VI answers were probably not very good). I think the MB test is just scored differently because I did absolutely nothing different compared to other Amberjacks

My bubble is burst (pause) - I got the same score and was so gassed

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know graduate recruitment's stance on saying 'PW' instead of 'Paul, Weiss'? I'm really trying to reach the word count....

P,W*

 

[c.t.tc]

OMG really?? Do you mean Mishcon takes it into account or that it impacts your pillar scores??

I just remember from the open day that grad rec said timing is taken into account! I’m not sure if that’s an amberjack or Mishcon thing though sorry!

 

[Bread]

I just remember from the open day that grad rec said timing is taken into account! I’m not sure if that’s an amberjack or Mishcon thing though sorry!

It better not be the chat interview omg I had to type the whole thing

 

[TheLegalEdit]

My strategy of changing my answers for Amberjack worked. 6,9,9,7 for Mayer Brown! 😅

These tests are a joke, I won’t even say what I got for Weil…

Please could you share your strategy

 

[Lawlawland]

I just remember from the open day that grad rec said timing is taken into account! I’m not sure if that’s an amberjack or Mishcon thing though sorry!

I think it defeats the purpose of have a third party to run the test and produce a score if Mischon ia gonna look deep beyond the score provided by Amberjack.

And I took about 45 mns gap while the test screen was still on to attend an emergency call, and still scored 30 (my best score yet). So I think the time didn't impact my score.

 

[yk1906]

I feel like I’m the only person who didn’t apply to MDR 😁😁😁

 

[BobThebIlly]

Is Weil’s SJT recorded or will my camera be in the whole time? If so, would it look bad if I scroll through my laptop for dim values and my cheat sheets for SJTs?

Also, I’ll likely have to use my phone so I’m worried I’m gonna be all up in the phone during it 😭😭

 

[yk1906]

Is Weil’s SJT recorded or will my camera be in the whole time? If so, would it look bad if I scroll through my laptop for dim values and my cheat sheets for SJTs?

Also, I’ll likely have to use my phone so I’m worried I’m gonna be all up in the phone during it 😭😭

The camera is on the whole time

 

[adekuku]

Just did Weil SJT got 6,7,7,6

EDIT:
For anyone looking for advice, make sure you read the questions bcuz they WILL try to cook you with the wording. And general amberjack advice I would also say answer how you think the firm would want you to answer based on their recruitment website never answer what you'd actually do, if the two match up then great!

 

[Harvey Specter]

The camera is on the whole time

You can turn it off though there’s an option for it at the top of the screen. I think it’s there to verify that we’re acc taking the test ourselves.​

 

[adekuku]

I also have dyspraxia, haven't touched math outside of GCSE and scored highly on numerical and verbal equally so hopefully that takes away any stress for the mathematical portion.

 

[Lawlawland]

I also have dyspraxia, haven't touched math outside of GCSE and scored highly on numerical and verbal equally so hopefully that takes away any stress for the mathematical portion.

I second this.
It's been 9 years since I last touched maths, and scored high on all the amberjack numericals I did.

Only thing to focus on is choosing the right data from the heavily loaded numericals... If that's done with care, you have the answer!

 

[c.t.tc]

I think it defeats the purpose of have a third party to run the test and produce a score if Mischon ia gonna look deep beyond the score provided by Amberjack.

And I took about 45 mns gap while the test screen was still on to attend an emergency call, and still scored 30 (my best score yet). So I think the time didn't impact my score.

Fair enough! Was just what they said at the Open Day but MDR hasn't exactly made a huge amount of sense so far this cycle tbf

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’m thinking of applying to Travers Smith and would really appreciate any insight into their application process. Even better if you completed their vac scheme in the most recent app cycle, so I know what to expect if I’m progressed. Thank you!

Hi!

I completed a vacation scheme at Travers Smith last cycle, although I don't have too much insight into the application process (as I received my VS through BIUCAC). However, if you are interested in learning more about how you are assessed on the vacation scheme, or what the structure of the scheme looked like, more than happy to share some insights - just shout!

 

[BobThebIlly]

You can turn it off though there’s an option for it at the top of the screen. I think it’s there to verify that we’re acc taking the test ourselves.​

Oh great! How do I turn it off on iPhone? I’m also blind so I really struggle with test formats (maybe I should’ve let GR aware…)

 

[Harvey Specter]

Oh great! How do I turn it off on iPhone? I’m also blind so I really struggle with test formats (maybe I should’ve let GR aware…)

Idk about iPhone cos I did the test on my laptop. There was a settings icon at the top for the camera and video recording stuff.​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What structure should I follow for a VI question like "what practice areas interest you and why?"

Hey!

For this sort of question in a video interview, I'd say that sometimes having a clear and structured answer matters more than extensive detail. My approach to it would be:

• Directly answer the question first, clearly stating the practice areas you are interested in
• Explain why those areas interest you, and focus on what attracts you to the work (such as the type of clients, the skills involved, or the overall nature of the matters)
• Support this with brief evidence from your past experiences, linking them to a past example where you have gained an insight into the area or something that developed your interest
• Show how this fits with the firm, referencing why those areas appeal to you at that firm specifically (i.e. if this is for the Corporate team, the firm might have a unique client sector that specifically interests you)
• Finish with your overall motivations and what you are keen to learn or develop as a trainee in that practice area at the firm.

As it is a video interview, I'd try to focus on keeping your points concise and natural - otherwise, you might find that you run out of time!

I hope that assists

 

[abc124]

I just remember from the open day that grad rec said timing is taken into account! I’m not sure if that’s an amberjack or Mishcon thing though sorry!

Thanks for the insight! I hate it when law firms do that, at least be transparent and mention that time is taken into account...They technically do say to 'try and work through it as quickly as you can' but I thought it was standard amberjack language to discourage people from taking ages on the test, Reed Smith also used that disclaimer and their grad recruitment said timing is not taken into account at all...