TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[aspringlawyer25]

Is Macfarlanes online assessment just SJT or is there a critical thinking section to it?

just finished the test, it's both.

 

[username10341034]

Hey!

For the 150-word work experience section, I'd recommend keeping it in short, clear prose rather than bullet points - however, if you are struggling, bullet points should be perfectly acceptable (unless they state otherwise). I'd focus on a few experiences that best show skills that they value - on their 'About Us' page, they list their core values which might be useful to refer to! You can demonstrate these skills through concise examples, rather than explicitly listing them.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Hey, thanks for replying to this! It is really helpful.

Can I ask - would you use the word count to apply the experience to Mischon specifically? I am tied between just raising the skills that they value versus explicitly linking it to Mischon. I am not sure what is best.

Thank you!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Does anyone know if the HSF assessment has any VI component?

 

[Joey green]

If I didn’t receive a Linklaters AC invite by now, is there still hope? Is there still another batch incoming? When did people most recently get invited?

 

[Amgrad]

Is Milbank's test automatic?

Hello! I am not sure about it as I just applied yesterday, so I can't say as I haven't been progressed.

But what I saw from someone's thread which was cited from the email it could not be automatic.

Be aware that Milbank is stricter to grade as they don't ask any questions for the essay.

If you have any mitigating circumstances don't be hesitate to apply.

 

[Amgrad]

Is Macfarlanes online assessment just SJT or is there a critical thinking section to it?

Hi!

It's purely SJT and Critical thinking for the first test.

You can study from the resources provided on their website.

 

[MeWantTCPlz]

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding my university grades and how this factors in for applying to firms.

My official degree classification is a 2.1, however my breakdown percentage is a 58%. My university does not calculate the official percentage and so that number isn’t present on my certificate or transcript. For the overall result section it just says 2.1. Therefore, when applying to firms that ask for breakdowns (my 1st and 2nd year grades aren’t great but I picked it up in my final year and secured a 2.1), what should I do? I know I should rule out MC/US firms.

Am I okay to apply to firms with a 2.1 requirement? What do I do if they ask for a percentage even though my official grade/classification is a 2.1? Do I just put N/A?

For further context: I have solid work experience. I have completed a vacation scheme, interned with another international firm for 6 weeks and completed an AC for a TC based on my performance with them, and completed other corporate experience too. Will this outrank the low percentage?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Skadden open evening invite!

 

[elliece]

getting confused with dates but the Reed Smith and Hogan Lovells tests people are discussing, is that winter or summer/spring?

I am referring to the Summer vac

 

[Legal12345]

Anyone know the benchmark for passing amberjack tests? Particularly Simmons & Simmons

 

[johnsmith]

Anyone know the benchmark for passing amberjack tests? Particularly Simmons & Simmons

You end up with like scales but no clear info on what passing looks like - example below from Mayer Brown report.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Wow, Macfarlanes moves fast. Just got an invite to their second-stage simulated test. Completed the first stage test this morning. Does anyone have any insight on how best to prepare for the simulation and what to expect?

 

[johnsmith]

Do you mind sharing your feedback - not so sure if I have done well or badly (feel free to PM me)

Check my last post, you can see my MB results.

 

[User2640]

This might be a very dumb question - for the Position under Work History, when listing a legal internship, is it better to simply write "Position: Legal Intern" or to include the practice area that I sat with, i.e. "Position: Legal Intern (Debt Finance)". Thank you!!

 

[msclm]

This might be a very dumb question - for the Position under Work History, when listing a legal internship, is it better to simply write "Position: Legal Intern" or to include the practice area that I sat with, i.e. "Position: Legal Intern (Debt Finance)". Thank you!!

I personally specify the team I sat with in the position heading!

 

[Maddy]

Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith Can you please share if possible how many questions we can expect for Reed Smith's Video Interview?

 

[coolwizard22]

any updates on Ashurst ACs?

 

[Deleted member 42704]

I submitted a vac scheme application to a firm but realised I made a big mistake. I forgot to remove the placeholder text “(just explain briefly here)” in the section where I was meant to explain my mitigating circumstances for my grades.

What should I do? Should I email grad rec to ask them to withdraw my application, or ask if I can access it again to add more to my explanation about my mitigating circumstances? If I do the latter, I was thinking of framing it not as a mistake, but more as wanting to elaborate on how these circumstances affected my grades and how I’ve improved since.

How likely are they to accept a request like that? Could this lead to an automatic rejection?

I’ve been to quite a few of their events (open day and virtual), and grad rec knows me, so I’m hoping that might help. The deadline for the vac scheme isn’t until early December, so there’s still time.

Any advice would be really appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[Dannie]

Is anyone else not able to see Weill's Vac scheme questions on the form...

 

[Ancika]

that is so good to hear! congratulations

you should be so grateful you have a week i was just told today i have an ac on thursday

so i have 2 days to

I am very surprised that they gave you two days!

Good luck with the prep! Let me know if you want to pop on a call and discuss anything today.