TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nbjani]

Has anyone been able to change the date for the DLA AC? Not sure how willing they are to accommodate this as they’ve only given one date.

I initially emailed asking to change dates and never got a response. I then emailed days later asking to confirm the original date and they replied straight away.

 

[nbjani]

Anyone know what to expect for the NRF VI?

 

[RVD23]

Does anyone have any tips for the Kennedys VI?? Or can just share the structure/format please?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone who applied on the deadline heard back from Reed Smith?

 

[hmevey]

when answering this question for AG, Use this space to tell us about any mitigating circumstances that you might have, or any other information about you that might be relevant to your application., should i write more about my work experience/extracirrculars and answer it as a why law, why id be a good trainee question or just leave it blank as I don't have any mitigating circumstances?

 

[SophiaW]

Anyone heard back post Kirkland VI?

Just received Kirkland assessment day!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Guys I am not ready to sit my VI...i'm still traumatised by what happened with Weil's lmfao

 

[johnsmith]

I think it’s important that everyone reads receipt emails and the firms website before asking for any application timeline or what the application process entails. Most if not all of the information is on the firms website which is a google search away. But I get sometimes it’s ambiguous.

Also I didn’t apply to Goodwin but everyone asking for Goodwin VI tips when you all got the invite the same day is humorous. I highly doubt someone will give you vi questions for 1) nothing in return 2) the exact same scheme they’ve applied for and not been rejected meaning you’d ultimately impede their chances if you were to do better and there were limited AC spots. This may sound selfish but at the end of the day there’s limited VS and TC spots. Idc if it’s your first vi or you’ve never progress Ngl. It’s important to think before asking. That’s not to say I’ve not helped people.

Use the search function and look at previous years tips on the vi people do post previous years questions. Let’s use our initiative - something that’s looked at on a VS.

I think there is also an integrity point - I’m unsure what “insights” people are looking to “trade” but we should all go into the tests with the same level of knowledge. That level being what the firms have told us.

 

[tom-sawyer]

How long did it take for people to receive the feedback report post Akin online assessment?

 

[Wagamamas]

Just received Kirkland assessment day!

Damn well done 🤝

Has anyone progressed to vi who’s applied to their DTC?

 

[tcappps123]

when answering this question for AG, Use this space to tell us about any mitigating circumstances that you might have, or any other information about you that might be relevant to your application., should i write more about my work experience/extracirrculars and answer it as a why law, why id be a good trainee question or just leave it blank as I don't have any mitigating circumstances?

I chanced it and wrote about my extra curriculars because there wasn’t space to do so earlier in the app😬😬

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone still waiting to hear from Kirkland post-app for SVS? I think the pfo is imminent now

 

[flower1]

@flower1 haha that’s alright. I just want you to be comfortable with the fact that you don’t know enough and that is okay. You’re not expected to - particularly at this stage of your career where you’re applying/attending AC’s. You won’t be asked about anything technical, other than the odd contract question perhaps (which is more logic based). The purpose of an AC is to assess your skillset.

As for litigation, the content typically falls under dispute resolution. Again, another content heavy subject. You either have ADR (which is encouraged as a first step for a variety of reasons) and then litigation (which is a more formal process that requires strict adherence to statutory rules and timelines, such as a letter before claim, particulars of claim, potential defence etc. Each step carries about its own deadline.

Thank you @Afraz Akhtar - that's really reassuring and very helpful

 

[maylawwww]

when answering this question for AG, Use this space to tell us about any mitigating circumstances that you might have, or any other information about you that might be relevant to your application., should i write more about my work experience/extracirrculars and answer it as a why law, why id be a good trainee question or just leave it blank as I don't have any mitigating circumstances?

i left it blank and got to vi but up to you!

 

[13h]

Anyone have advice for DLA AC or case studies as a part of the AC in general?

 

[Wagamamas]

I think there is also an integrity point - I’m unsure what “insights” people are looking to “trade” but we should all go into the tests with the same level of knowledge.

“Insights” are a cover up for asking for the vi questions lowkey but I could be wrong.

I’ve given insights and been fully ignored no thank you or anything as it was not the questions themselves.

Like 9 times out of 10 if the application does not have any motivational questions obviously the vi will.

Most of these vi’s are the same just worded differently. Only vi I think is ludicrous is bakers. As well as W&C and Kirkland for 15 secs prep. Also Reed smith for asking 3 sub questions in 1 question.

That being said I don’t mind a cheeky trade!

 

[elle woods]

Just received Kirkland assessment day!

I guess I might see you there! Best of luck!

Wonder if they'd consider giving me a different date...I have mocks the next week 😭

 

[LaDiva]

i left it blank and got to vi but up to you!

How did you find the critical thining test?

 

[EfficientBag123]

Just received Kirkland assessment day!

Quite literally the world’s biggest stage🔥

 

[Dannie]

Anyone have advice on how to answer a question like this?

If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why? (300)

Does it need to be related to the firm's core practice areas eg life sciences, or can it be anything at all?