TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amz2006]

Congrats! May I ask if this was the open day or the social mobility open day?

open day

 

[Amz2006]

Hiya
Is this automatic or is the test stage 2?

the amberjack one i think its automatic it comes with a video assessment i believe

 

[TCchaser]

This year they've removed the 850 word personal statement and replaced it with a short application form (probably detailing grades, personal info) and a blended interactive assessment which will probably form the bulk of their decision-making. The assessment sounds mainly SJT based.

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

 

[lawyersum]

So are they essentially replicating Linklaters' process? Ie. just personal details, grades etc and no written questions at all?

Yeah, I guess you could say that! But, I would recommend checking their website for regular updates, as it is all very new it seems.

 

[ZNadeem]

Can firms see what I have submitted for my forage work exp assessments. I did I bulk of them during exams last year and rushed a few that definitely arent my best work - is it worth redoing them or not mentioning them at all?

Hi! Most firms are clear that they don’t actually check the details of your Forage submissions, and you can also update your Forage settings if you’re concerned. Honestly, they’re not reviewing them—there are just too many students completing these. These programmes are more for your own learning and exposure than for firms to test you.


So don’t worry about redoing them and feel free to mention the ones most relevant to you as evidence.

 

[ZNadeem]

i attended a masterclass/virtual event from paul weiss last year, and I am applying their open day. Would it hinder my chance if i mentioned that i attended their virtual event last year? since the nature of these events are quite similar. Would the recruiment manager saw this and be like: "oooh this person attended a similar event, let's save their spot for someone who never attended our insight event"?

Hi! If it were an in-person event, they might lean toward giving priority to new attendees. But since it is virtual, I really doubt they’ll restrict spots that much.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hello @ZNadeem
I wanted to apply to Mayer brown but I really would like to attend an open day before I submit my application. So, is it better to wait until after the open day to apply, or should I just submit earlier? The open day would be towards the end of October and Mayer Brown is rolling.

Definitely wait until after the event! Firms take their own events into account before they start reviewing applications—so attending the open day first will only strengthen your application.

 

[ZNadeem]

Quick question- how do you get TCL A Gold this year? I can’t seem to find it on the main page like I did last year. The only option I see is Premium. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Hi! We’ve consolidated the two options, and what you see as Premium is now the new package.

 

[ZNadeem]

Just did the Macfarlanes Simulate assessment and wishing luck for everyone going into it.

I know a lot of people wanted to know what it involves. Macfarlanes' email says "Integrity is one of our core values at Macfarlanes. We kindly ask that you complete the assessment independently and avoid sharing its content with others." - I think based on this it is only fair that no one has shared their experience (at least publicly). Also, it is only fair that we all enter the assessment with a degree of not knowing what it may involve. This way no one has an advantage.

I think I tried my best. At very least, it was interesting to practice video questions, especially some unexpected ones. Good luck to everyone doing this assessment! My only advice is always be yourself.

Well done, and wishing you the best!

 

[ZNadeem]

The Reed Smith app questions are identical to the Direct Training Contract App a couple of months ago... how unwise is it to use the same answers that got me past the first round?

Hi! I’d recommend tweaking small details here and there just to show growth and reflection, but otherwise it’s fine to build on the same answers.

 

[safari3]

For the question 'what is your biggest achievement', if I had a standard answer across all applications last year that was successful in passing the written application stage and it remains my biggest achievement to date, can I reuse the answer?

 

[ZNadeem]

For the question 'what is your biggest achievement', if I had a standard answer across all applications last year that was successful in passing the written application stage and it remains my biggest achievement to date, can I reuse the answer?

Hi! Yes, you can! If it’s for the same firm, I’d suggest changing small things so you’re not submitting the exact same answer again. But for a different firm that hasn’t seen it, reusing it is completely fine.

 

[studentdelaw786]

I would be grateful if anyone on the Forum team can kindly advise if we are still hearing back today regarding the Willkie open day

 

[Bread]

Is it worth including Forage work experience in your applications if you have done a vac scheme?

 

[ZNadeem]

Is it worth including Forage work experience in your applications if you have done a vac scheme?

Hi! Yes, definitely! If you spent the time doing it, include it in your work experience. If the Forage course covers something you didn’t get exposed to during your vacation scheme, you can also use it as evidence of your interest in that area.

 

[TCSeeker999]

For HSF Kramer SJT, it says it is untimed.

However, does this mean that the time we DO take to answer each question influences our overall test score?

Reason for my query is that JobTestPrep says this...

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

@vera.mekhonoshina Does TCLA still review CV？I cannot find the link

Hi! I don't think that TCLA currently has the CV review service available. Sorry about that!

 

[cheeseontoast]

For anyone applying for baker mckenzie's open day, just found out that they have a minimum requirement for your a-levels (AAB). They didn't specified the a-level requirements on their website, so i thought i'd give it a shot and apply for their open day, and then i got siked by the a level requirement in the application portal (because i kinda flopped my a levels.) And also they have like three 300 words questions for the open day.

 

[dm_corporate]

Is Baker McKenzie rolling?

 

[Lawlife5]

Is anyone else feeling really stressed/burnt out already? I work full-time and still trying to prepare for the cycle as efficiently as I can but seeing so many people already sending out applications and me not being able to start as I don't feel ready enough or in order is really getting to me!!!!!!!!!!