TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[a1024]

Grad Rec really seems on it. I submitted my application today at 9am. Heard back at 12.30

Hi, how many experiences did you mention in the 100 word answers?

 

[kn]

Jones Day interview invitation.

is this for their winter or spring/summer vac scheme? also, when is your interview and did you complete their forage work experience?

 

[0livia.pope]

is the ashurst test automatic?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

is the ashurst test automatic?

It has to be completed at the first stage so they read your written application together with your test results

 

[W12345]

Hi, does anyone know if the Dentons and Mayer Brown tests are recorded? Also, does anyone know if Pinsent Masons has removed its direct TC route this year?

 

[tosin4774]

Hi @Jaysen in the TCLA academy community hub(circle) it says I need an admin to grant me access to the platform. Please could you help with this?

 

[studentgrad]

To all those who work in graduate roles/9-5 roles outside law, I have a question:

How do you take time off to actually do vacation schemes? Do you just take annual leave or quit the role to actually complete the vac scheme once you get an offer? Do you solely apply for training contracts alone?
I ask as I've heard some firms only recruit from the vacation scheme cohort, and I am aware we are currently into the new cycle of applications.

I also recognise this might not be the right forum for the question so please feel free to direct me to another if necessary

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone know if Bird & Bird are doing a Direct TC route this year?

 

[kn]

has anyone here applied to the vinson & elkins winter vacation scheme?

 

[ZNadeem]

Sorry guys, if anyone has done the Ashurst test, could you confirm if its Artic shores, the one with the balloons and lock test at the end?

Hi!

I don’t think it’s the Arctic Shores one, but it is a game-based test. Ashurst uses versions that include elements like Cognify and Emotify – quick-fire, gamified assessments that are the complete opposite of something like Watson Glaser, which requires slower, more detailed reasoning.

You can’t really “study” to improve your score, but you can get more comfortable with the format. The best prep is just to get used to answering at speed. Some people find it helpful to do general brain-training apps to warm up, and also to test which device (laptop, phone, iPad) feels most natural and responsive for them.

You can use the Elevate app, as quite a few of the exercises are said to be really similar in style. It’s less about the content of the questions and more about hand-eye coordination and reaction speed.

 

[ZNadeem]

This might be a stupid question but does anyone know if firms likely check your Forage submissions. I think some of my submissions were awful and I skipped the video tasks (like I did them but I didn't want to record myself online), and I'm wondering if I should not use that experience. Thank you for the help!

Hi!

Having spoken to many grad recruiters, I would say they don’t actually check the quality of your Forage submissions, so you don’t need to worry about whether some of them were “bad” or if you skipped the video parts. What matters is that you engaged with the programme.

Where it can help you is when talking about your interest in a specific area or firm — for example, if you did the firm’s M&A Forage course, you can bring it up in the application to show you’ve explored the work and taken steps to understand what lawyers in that area do. It’s more about signalling genuine interest than being assessed on performance.

 

[ZNadeem]

To all those who work in graduate roles/9-5 roles outside law, I have a question:

How do you take time off to actually do vacation schemes? Do you just take annual leave or quit the role to actually complete the vac scheme once you get an offer? Do you solely apply for training contracts alone?
I ask as I've heard some firms only recruit from the vacation scheme cohort, and I am aware we are currently into the new cycle of applications.

I also recognise this might not be the right forum for the question so please feel free to direct me to another if necessary

Hi!

I can’t speak from personal experience, but I do know people who’ve managed it. For the shorter schemes (spring or winter), they just used their annual leave.

It depends a bit on your job and how much flexibility you have, but it’s definitely possible to balance both — especially if you’re strategic about when you apply and which schemes you target.

Does anyone have any insight into this?

 

[TC seeker]

Hi @Linus!

Firstly, congratulations on obtaining a 2:1 degree!

According to A&O Shearman's website, the following is their academic benchmark:

"Our academic requirements are AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level and on track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree. We also require 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We do take into account mitigating circumstances."

I understand your worry; I am aware that some firms, in reality, look for 2:1s across all modules. However, in my experience, these firms are rare, and often they will make this clear by stating that they are looking (for example) for a "consistent" 2:1. In any case, having also received First Class marks will be a factor in your favour!

Based on this information, I would definitely apply to A&O Shearman if they are a firm you are interested in!

With other firms, I would similarly check the application requirements section on their websites. However, keep in mind that (a) you are eligible for a majority of firms; and (b) if in doubt, you can always email their Graduate Recruitment Team to ask whether having individual 2:2s will disadvantage you.

Best of luck!

Hi! I‘m confused whether I‘m eligible for A&O Shearman's vacation scheme. I'm an international student and I haven't been educated in the UK during secondary school. Can I apply to A&O if I do not have GCSEs?