TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WiddyJ]

Kind of worried about my Simmons scores now, I got 7, 9, 4 and excelled in both numerical and verbal but scared that the 4 will weigh me down massively! 🙁 have no idea how they judge/weigh the results

what are the three competencies you received 7, 9, 4 in if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[johnsmith]

Kind of worried about my Simmons scores now, I got 7, 9, 4 and excelled in both numerical and verbal but scared that the 4 will weigh me down massively! 🙁 have no idea how they judge/weigh the results

I had the same worry, I got an 8, 7 & 5 but remember it's holistic - you have your verbal & numerical, but even more importantly, your VI answers, which I'm sure carry a huge amount of weight!

 

[iwatchsuits]

what are the three competencies you received 7, 9, 4 in if you don’t mind me asking?

7 in self management, 9 in commercial acumen and 4 in people skills

 

[iwatchsuits]

I had the same worry, I got an 8, 7 & 5 but remember it's holistic - you have your verbal & numerical, but even more importantly, your VI answers, which I'm sure carry a huge amount of weight!

That’s very true actually, ahh it’s just so easy to spiral and read into every little stage of the process. Fingers crossed we get through! ☺️

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon in regards to the Winter VS? Just got an email saying I will hear by the end of the week, so just wondering if anyone has got a PFO or assessment centre invite yet.

No response yet, perhaps might mean a positive result for you!

I also haven’t heard anything from Burges Salmon

They just closed for applications yesterday and they don't recruit on a rolling basis so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Good luck to us all!

 

[Joey green]

Hey, is there anyone who did the Jones Day AC in October who can help me? And/or Case White’s virtual interview… it would be much appreciated and I am sure I have other insights I could share in return!

 

[johnsmith]

That’s very true actually, ahh it’s just so easy to spiral and read into every little stage of the process. Fingers crossed we get through! ☺️

It most certainly is, and that's why being part of a forum like this is so important.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anyone did W&C VI yet? I wanted to know the time allocation as is it 2 mins overall or 2 mins to speak.

 

[J1234]

Hey!

Congratulations on getting the interview, what a fantastic achievement!

Most first-stage interviews will be relatively conversational, with the aim of learning more about your motivations and skillset. You can expect questions around your motivation for law, why Gibson Dunn specifically, and competency-based questions (such as showing examples of teamwork, resilience, or attention to detail).

It really helps to have a strong answer for why Gibson Dunn in particular. I would make sure to refresh your research of the firm and have a look at a few of their standout deals (especially in their main practice areas), as well as think about what attracts you to their US firm culture in London. Try to show you understand how they differ from other US firms in London, such as their focus close trainee supervision and smaller intakes.

Also, have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer - these do not have to be overly technical, but you should show some genuine curiosity in learning more about the firm and the application process. I would usually prepare 2-3 in advance, but it's also good to bring up questions that pop up on the day!

Overall, whilst you should show clear motivations and knowledge of the firm, it is a chance to get to know you better - stay relaxed, be yourself, and show enthusiasm for the firm and its work. Best of luck!

Thank you so so much! This is incredibly helpful and reassuring. I really appreciate all your advice, I'll make sure to incorporate all of it into my preparation. Really thank you so much!

 

[abc124]

Does anyone know if W&C VI questions are currently relatively standard? I've seen some threads from few years ago, the questions were quite bizarre (e.g. If you had a £1,000,000 where would you invest?) and I'm not sure how representative this is now. The email just said to reflect on practice areas that interest you, legal trends etc. but I'm terrified of getting an 'explain commercial law to your grandma' question with 15 seconds prep time

 

[WeGotThis!]

Does anyone know if W&C VI questions are currently relatively standard? I've seen some threads from few years ago, the questions were quite bizarre (e.g. If you had a £1,000,000 where would you invest?) and I'm not sure how representative this is now. The email just said to reflect on practice areas that interest you, legal trends etc. but I'm terrified of getting an 'explain commercial law to your grandma' question with 15 seconds prep time

I don't think they'll ask such obscure questions in a VI as it's the first time the firm is interacting with a potential candidate. This is probably at a later stage or must be for TC interviews.

 

[username10341034]

Has anyone applied to Mischon? It is only letting me list 4 work experience. I am wondering if it is an error with the form or meant to be that way. I emailed their early careers team but have not heard back yet.

 

[apap]

Has anyone applied to Mischon? It is only letting me list 4 work experience. I am wondering if it is an error with the form or meant to be that way. I emailed their early careers team but have not heard back yet.

It's like that on purpose. At the open day I attended they said just put your latest experiences. They also said link it to the skills they expect out of trainees, so keep their values in mind.

 

[username10341034]

It's like that on purpose. At the open day I attended they said just put your latest experiences. They also said link it to the skills they expect out of trainees, so keep their values in mind.

Sweet, thanks!!

 

[apap]

Sweet, thanks!!

also open days and insight days should go in achievements/activities

 

[tom-sawyer]

Do we not receive email confirmations after completing the second assessment for Macfarlanes? Completed mine about half an hour ago and still not got any confirmation.

 

[Amgrad]

Do we not receive email confirmations after completing the second assessment for Macfarlanes? Completed mine about half an hour ago and still not got any confirmation.

You'll get it in 48 hours post completing the second test. I just received it now after doing the test on Sunday. There's no Strenghts and weakness report, just bunch of reflective questions and acknowledgement that they will reach out in due course for the final outcome.

I am expecting they will get back next week if you got PFO and if successful you'll get AC invite in 2-3 weeks just like most people here said.

 

[justkeepswimming]

Freshfields Stage 2 assessment invite!

What was stage 1

 

[jacksollaf]

I just realised that by accident in my cover letter and application to A&O Shearman, I said "Sherman" instead of "Shearman" for about 80% of the times I used the name... How cooked am i... such a stupid mistake, I didn't even notice... At least they know that it's not Chatgpt tho 😂😂😂

 

[WeGotThis!]

Is using a headset with a mic a good option during a VI or should I just speak as normal?