TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jennifer2003]

Does anyone know if I can complete the Simmons SJT at different times? E.g. can I do the SJT part now and then the VI part tomorrow?

Yes you can do SJT and then do VI separately - it saves it so you can go back when you log in to the portal, and each question gives you unlimited time to prepare too so you can take a break between

 

[mg42guy32]

How did everyone find the Bristows STEM VI? The short prep time threw me off. Hopefully I didn't seem too nervous!

 

[johnsmith]

How did everyone find the Bristows STEM VI? The short prep time threw me off. Hopefully I didn't seem too nervous!

I was non-STEM and did find the short prep time threw me off, I felt I hadn't given good answers, but I have received a workshop invite, so perhaps worth not overthinking it!

 

[Jennifer2003]

How did everyone find the Bristows STEM VI? The short prep time threw me off. Hopefully I didn't seem too nervous!

It really threw me off haha - I was definitely very nervous and didn’t answer as well as I wanted to but we’ll see how it goes I guess!

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone know if I can complete the Simmons SJT at different times? E.g. can I do the SJT part now and then the VI part tomorrow?

You can have a short break between the two but they film you the whole time to avoid any cheating so I think you probably can't do it across two different days.

 

[Jennifer2003]

You can have a short break between the two but they film you the whole time to avoid any cheating so I think you probably can't do it across two different days.

oh my god i had no idea they did this and i completed it yesterday haha that's terrifying

 

[LRR23]

Has anyone received FF Stage 1 invite as of late?

 

[c.t.tc]

oh my god i had no idea they did this and i completed it yesterday haha that's terrifying

I know!! I doubt they actually look at it though it probably is just to double check any identities if something seems weird - someone for a different firm told me that for these tests people sometimes actually get someone else to do the video interview versus the sjt so want to avoid that

 

[WeGotThis!]

For competency questions, is it expected that you bring it back to the firm? As the suggestive answer format is usually STAR.

 

[BT0901]

Any tips for the HL job simulation? Is it a standard cappfinity test (SJT, WG) with a VI?

 

[Maddy]

Anyone who still hasn't received the HL second stage for WVS? Completed my first test on October 10th.

 

[Sharkfin]

Anyone else get a "thank you for completing the interview" email from Mischon even though they haven't?

 

[Trophy]

Willkie Written Exercise

 

[silonthesofa]

Hogan Lovells PFO. Was expected at this point though

Sorry to hear. For what programme and at what stage?

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone else get a "thank you for completing the interview" email from Mischon even though they haven't?

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

 

[Sharkfin]

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

Makes sense, did they get back to you about when you'll receive it?

 

[johnsmith]

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

I was going to say I've not received the test yet - I think at the OD they did mention if you'd applied already for the VS that they would send them out whereas new applicants would be automatically receiving it.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Did anybody do the Bird and Bird virtual open day? I applied for their STEM one and the deadline is tomorrow. I was wondering if anybody who was successful with the trainee solicitor open day heard before the deadline or if all invites were sent out day of/after?

 

[mg42guy32]

It really threw me off haha - I was definitely very nervous and didn’t answer as well as I wanted to but we’ll see how it goes I guess!

Fingers crossed we did well enough anyway haha!

 

[Trophy]

Has anyone else had their PW interview? I felt mine went terribly

I’m sure it was not as bad as you thought, treat yourself and leave it in the past until you hear back

Regardless of the outcome you should be proud of yourself for making it soo far in the application process it shows your hard work and research was valued by the firm