TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

“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!

Oh don’t worry I know what people mean by insights.

Each of the tests has an integrity statement at the beginning that we accept each time we complete them to keep the process fair and any form of trading just breaks that so it’s sad to see people constantly asking.

The short prep times are tough but equally there will plenty of instances where you need to think quickly on your feet so being put under pressure, even at this early stage, feels like something firms needs to assess.

Equally, the questions will come up during interviews, and at that point there’s definitely no insights coming anyones way!

 

[johnsmith]

Dear [insert name],

“Thank you for your application for a place on the Gibson Dunn Vacation Scheme and for completing our online Capptivate Law Assessment. Following the completion of your assessment you will be sent a feedback report. Please note, this will not be sent instantly and may take a few days to arrive in your inbox. Please be assured that we have received your assessment results unless we get in touch to state otherwise.

We just wanted to let you know that we will be reviewing your application and assessment results and will be in touch as soon as we have further updates. As you are aware our programmes are highly competitive so please do bear with us.”

Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

International Graduate Recruitment & Development Team at Gibson Dunn.​

Yep got the same back in October but nothing since apart from an OD rejection.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

elle woods is clocking out! Just decided that I am retiring from applying to firms this cycle now Best of luck everyone! I mean we might see each other again next cycle, but hopefully not (since I hope we all no longer need to apply)!

I'll still pop online once in a while (knowing me that will be quite often) but I wish all of you the very very best! Wishing you all insane stamina to get through the rest of your apps and manifesting ACs, VS', and TCs for everyone!

Happy early new years! May 2026 be our year!

Well done @elle woods!!
You were such a ray of sunshine during the trenches of the application season
I wish you all the best and hope you become a smashing trainee❤️❤️

 

[johnsmith]

elle woods is clocking out! Just decided that I am retiring from applying to firms this cycle now Best of luck everyone! I mean we might see each other again next cycle, but hopefully not (since I hope we all no longer need to apply)!

I'll still pop online once in a while (knowing me that will be quite often) but I wish all of you the very very best! Wishing you all insane stamina to get through the rest of your apps and manifesting ACs, VS', and TCs for everyone!

Happy early new years! May 2026 be our year!

Such a good feeling, submitted my last one on Saturday! Good luck with everything.

 

[EfficientBag123]

She has a VS from A&O which is basically a guaranteed TC and a Kirkland AC.

Not much need to apply to more firms if majority of deadlines have passed really especially as they’ll clash.

Yeah that’ll do😂. Fair play.

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Am I cooked... For Weil:
good verbal intellect, average numerical intellect
6/9 Grit
6/9 Applied intellect
4/9 creative force
4/9 digital mindset

My scores but for Reed Smith

 

[xMontmorency]

She has a VS from A&O which is basically a guaranteed TC and a Kirkland AC.

Not much need to apply to more firms if majority of deadlines have passed really especially as they’ll clash.

I dont think A&O VS is a guaranteed TC. Word of mouth says they're adopting the FF approach of reducing the conversion rate.

Edit: not to put anyone off lmao just a rumour

 

[Novaa]

I dont think A&O VS is a guaranteed TC. Word of mouth says they're adopting the FF approach of reducing the conversion rate.

Unless Grad Rec announce it, hopefully the chances of converting are still good!!

All the best Elle, you’ve got that TC in the bag!! 🙂‍↕️

 

[EfficientBag123]

Thank you for everything, Elle. Go get your TC.

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

My bad boss. I hope you receive your insights and go on to secure the Reed Smith TC.​

A Goofy-Tyrion crossbreed won’t make this better, nobody helps a tactical genius who 'Hyucks' through a wine-fueled trial by combat.

 

[anon78365222111]

when did you do the TI? I did mine today and they said they will get back to me after the first week of JAN

Did mine start of December lol, I think they expected to have a clear idea of AC’s by now but haven’t got enough people they like so probably extended it, just an assumption

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

I am going to assume it’s too late to apply to Akin😂

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi everyone,

Quick update:

Hill Dickinson amberjack- 4,6,6,9!!!!! Not happy about the 4 but I’m super happy about the rest! Think this is the first time I’ve done relatively well in this stupid test, hope it’s enough? 😭 scored mid for numerical/verbal. Think the VI went well too? Fingers crossed 🤞🏽

Got Goodwin and NRF (round 2 haha) VIs to do. Barely any time to revise for my exams next week 😭

 

[tc2026]

hi does anyone know if dla will be releasing more London AC offers?

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone,

Quick update:

Hill Dickinson amberjack- 4,6,6,9!!!!! Not happy about the 4 but I’m super happy about the rest! Think this is the first time I’ve done relatively well in this stupid test, hope it’s enough? 😭 scored mid for numerical/verbal. Think the VI went well too? Fingers crossed 🤞🏽

Got Goodwin and NRF (round 2 haha) VIs to do. Barely any time to revise for my exams next week 😭

Amazing!!! do u have any tips for amberjacks (generally)?

 

[tc2026]

Does Mishcon SJT have video questions?

hi, did you find out please?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Does anyone have amberjack

Amazing!!! do u have any tips for amberjacks (generally)?

Hey,

I’m honestly the worst person to ask lmao- my score always fluctuates.

One thing I can say is to make sure you remember the firm’s values, and answer according to that. I know they say to answer honestly but I realised that this method doesn’t work (for me at least). HD are big on creativity so I kept that in mind, and scored 9/9.

I did Mishcon amberjack not so long ago and got 3/9 in creative force lmao. Think I focused too much on being a collaborative person and didn’t display my own initiative etc!

Hope that helps x

 

[AGB2060]

Slaughter and May interview 🥳

 

[tc2026]

does anyone have a list of firms that dont use amberjack? or the Taylor wessing/eversheds type test? im getting tired of these... I almost miss the Watson Glaser.

 

[Ferran_]

Slaughter and May interview 🥳

may i ask when did you apply and when did you hear back? and for vs or tc? Congrats!