TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

God, how tiring was AO Shearman's test and VI, and it's just automatic... Hope it was worth it

 

[law123456789]

God, how tiring was AO Shearman's test and VI, and it's just automatic... Hope it was worth it

Wdym it's automatic?

 

[Amgrad]

When firms don't respond to me for three weeks or more, I like to believe that my application was so exceptional that they're too shocked to reply (I'm very delusional).

I will absolutely be using this mentality from now on

Last year, When I was in final year like y'all (probably). I applied to few bulge bracket firms (non-law) and hearing back 2-6 months later after my VI. I'd say I did fairly well, not outstanding as I just got sick (eye redness) before.

I asked career coach why it took so long, she said: "Your app is strong, but not strong enough to get passed immediately or weak enough to get instant rejection"

I translated that as I (might be) close enough to get pass, if I can say number, maybe 70-90% near recruiter expectation. They usually put em on dedicated files, rather than trash, soft spokenly saying 'on waitlist'.

I knew someone here said got Sidley rejection for WVS 87 days (literally very close to 3 months) after the submission. That could be the similar case as me and you. We should learn from that and progress to be better!

 

[yk1906]

Wdym it's automatic?

It's a part of the application; you have to do it in order for them to view your app. At least for DTC

 

[s123]

Has anyone heard from the following? (Spring)
Mishcon (post AI chat assessment)
Macfarlanes (post simulate)
Reed Smith (post VI)
Mayer Brown (post VI)
Gibson Dun (post SJT)
Penningtons
Baker McKenzie
Dentons

 

[Willgetatc]

Freshfields Stage 2 invite! So happy as I honestly thought I failed the first stage as I’m so bad at WGs. I also got championing our clients as a weakness.

Congratulations! Can I ask when you did the first stage?

 

[Tyler2203]

Has anyone heard back from B&B post VI?

 

[LaDiva]

Has anyone heard from the following? (Spring)
Mishcon (post AI chat assessment)
Macfarlanes (post simulate)
Reed Smith (post VI)
Mayer Brown (post VI)
Gibson Dun (post SJT)
Penningtons
Baker McKenzie
Dentons

I think penningtons look at application after deadline?

 

[yasmars]

Congratulations! Can I ask when you did the first stage?

Thank you! I completed the first stage on the 8th

 

[marisachr]

Has anyone done a DLA telephone interview?

 

[RSK]

Has anyone done a DLA telephone interview?

hey congrats- when did you apply?

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Hi does anyone have any insight on stage two of freshfields test, specifically if the interview questions or more technical like Latham or competency based. Would be happy to give insight into Macfarlanes, HSF or Slaughters AC as a thanks!

 

[Bread]

How long for CC to inform you whether you’ve passed Watson Glaser?

 

[Trophy]

I filled in the reasonable adjustment Microsoft forms for FF stage 2 test because I forgot that I’d already asked for adjustments on my initial application form. Should I still wait for grad rec to contact me before doing the test or should I do it anyway and hope that the adjustments I requested on the initial form are put in place? My deadline is tomorrow and I’ve emailed them for clarification but haven’t heard back and don’t want my application to be withdrawn! Any advice very much appreciated

They are automatically put on the test as this happened with me and my prep and answer time for the VI were longer than 2 minutes based on the percentage of extra time I said I needed on my application.

If you’re really worried wait until tomorrow morning for a response but it was totally fine with my test.

 

[A worried paralegal]

Has anyone heard from Macfarlanes for the AC yet?

Nope and I did the job sim mid september

 

[RSK]

Hi does anyone have any insight on stage two of freshfields test, specifically if the interview questions or more technical like Latham or competency based. Would be happy to give insight into Macfarlanes, HSF or Slaughters AC as a thanks!

hey happy to provide insights on latham for macfarlanes - tried to pm you but I can't because of your privacy settings

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

BCLP interview invite! Has anyone done this before? Any insights welcomed thank you

Well done!! Do you mind me asking what your SJT strengths/weaknesses were please?

 

[johnsmith]

Slightly confused by Simmons - I did the assessment almost three weeks ago and literally heard nothing but others have heard back both positive and negative from around the same time?

Did you apply for London or Bristol? Just been at their OD in Bristol and they indicated ACs for that office won’t be out until January.

 

[c.t.tc]

Did you apply for London or Bristol? Just been at their OD in Bristol and they indicated ACs for that office won’t be out until January.

For London!

 

[13h]

any advice for dla's telephone interview?