TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BealMcAlly]

uhmm my first ever amberjack was AOS' one and I think that one took me quite a while - maybe 2hrs max? But then the next ones I did (Weil and Mayer Brown) took much less time because I knew what to expect, and the maths questions were practically the same lol. Some of the questions were even the same LOL But then again, I didn't get amazing scores so maybe I'm doing them way too fast haha

I actually quite enjoy the maths questions - I find writing down the answer choices and then also my workings really helpful!

Yeah i always write them out too for maths. Dunno, this one took me ages today and feeling a bit dazed haha

The Mishcon one took me 40 mins but on reflection I feel that maybe I rushed because I got a 4 for creative force...

 

[M85672]

Hi guys, I completed Simmons' test and VI a while back. I got 2,7,4 in the amberjack so at first glance thought that I did pretty poorly in that. However, I do remember thinking my VI went quite well. But shortly after, I emailed grad rec who said they only review the VI's following passing the benchmark.

Thing is, I have a mate who completed the test and VI at the same time as me, and he got the rejection almost instantly. So just getting mixed signals about whether there is still a chance I could get the AC? Or they would have rejected by now surely?

 

[abc124]

How long does it usually take to get the Akin online assessment?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Hi guys, I completed Simmons' test and VI a while back. I got 2,7,4 in the amberjack so at first glance thought that I did pretty poorly in that. However, I do remember thinking my VI went quite well. But shortly after, I emailed grad rec who said they only review the VI's following passing the benchmark.

Thing is, I have a mate who completed the test and VI at the same time as me, and he got the rejection almost instantly. So just getting mixed signals about whether there is still a chance I could get the AC? Or they would have rejected by now surely?

Oh interesting. Was this really recent? This tells me those who haven't heard back in weeks may well still be in with a chance for AC.


Edit: Never mind, I clearly cannot read. You said a while back.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Thank you @Afraz Akhtar. How many pages do you think my cover letter should be?

@AS24 personally I would aim to get it all on one page which allows for ease of reading. You may find you have a lot to say, but the trick is to be concise without compromising quality.

 

[jojo23]

Oh interesting. Was this really recent? This tells me those who haven't heard back in weeks may well still be in with a chance for AC.


Edit: Never mind, I clearly cannot read. You said a while back.

Don't give me hope -53 days and counting

 

[M85672]

Oh interesting. Was this really recent? This tells me those who haven't heard back in weeks may well still be in with a chance for AC.


Edit: Never mind, I clearly cannot read. You said a while back.

Haha, I completed the test on the 12th November for the record! So really not sure if I'm in with a shout or if they're preparing a lovely rejection as a New Years present

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Haha, I completed the test on the 12th November for the record! So really not sure if I'm in with a shout or if they're preparing a lovely rejection as a New Years present

Man I am so prepared for bags of coal (PFOs) as a belated gift

 

[lividowl03]

I'm sure it varies by firm, but do firms with both a VS and direct TC typically reserve places for the direct TC, or would they potentially fill all from VS and then cancel the direct TC process as this often takes place much later?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Man I am so prepared for bags of coal (PFOs) as a belated gift

I can alr imagine grad rec are gearing up to launch a huge wave of new year PFO missiles like:

 

[Deleted member 43292]

I can alr imagine grad rec are gearing up to launch a huge wave of new year PFO missiles like:

HELP hhh

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Akin telephone Interview!!! What to expect guys did anyone do it?

Is the Akin test Amberjack, or normal SJT, or WG?

 

[i really like clouds :)]

is it okay for me to send emails to grad rec to follow up on my application? i applied to mischon when they opened and haven't gotten the amberjack test yet so i want to check if it is a pfo

 

[cookedlawstudent]

did anyone who had issues with mishcon not sending the automatic test after applying close to the deadline end up receiving the test?

 

[M85672]

Quick question: I know I will probably not be able to write a great Baker McKenzie application from scratch, considering the deadline is New Years. Their DTC deadline is some time in April I believe. If I apply for DTC instead but soon, does that mean I have to wait all the way until after April to hear back regarding that? Or would they likely reply in line with replying to Vac's

 

[lolololol]

Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? - should i focus on the specific firm or more generally? I am confused.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Same lol being a Welshie at a London uni is not for the weak

LOL I went to a very posh Northern uni and would get mimicked by everyone I hope they don't bring that attitude into their professional lives because I doubt HR would be very happy with them!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Birketts - anyone applied? I quite like their application process, from the website it seems to be application form -> selective SJT -> in-person partner interview.
Any firm that does not do video interviews and crazy tests like the SHL interactive inductive reasoning test (cough cough, OC) is in my good books (love you really OC xxxxx)

 

[BealMcAlly]

did anyone who had issues with mishcon not sending the automatic test after applying close to the deadline end up receiving the test?

You won't have received this this week because grad rec was likely on holiday from the 24th, if not sooner. It was also Saturday today.

I reckon you will hear back on 2 Jan if the grad rec team are all on holiday. Even if it's automatic, they may still be manually sending these out in batches.

Mishcon's grad rec team is only three people, and it may not be as fast to get through the process. I applied on 10 November and got the bright apply invite on 12 November, which tells me the invites are not automated. I also did not hear back again until 19 December for the SJT. They said that post-SJT, they won't get back to anyone till end of January, so you are likely going to hear back after the Christmas period.

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi guys, I'm trying to prep answers to motivational interview questions and I'm not sure how to answer why law separately from why commercial law. When asked why law, are interviewers asking why did you decide to study law at uni or why do I want to be a lawyer (in a general sense) separately from why I want to be a commercial lawyer?