TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[seriouscandidate_]

Hello!

First of all, congratulations on being invited to two in-person open days!

I would try to decide which event matters most to you, focusing on factors such as your interest in the firm, chances of applying, networking value, etc. It might be helpful to think about which firm you know less about, as the open day might be a great way to gain some more insights into their work / culture.

Once you have chosen, I would email the other firm politely, explain you have a clash, and ask if there's another date or way to attend (for example, there may be a virtual session or event in the future).

Firms are usually very understanding, particularly if you politely email them and let them know in advance. It definitely won't reflect badly on you as long as you communicate professionally and as soon as you can

Thank you, Abbie. I will do!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hello!

This video from the TCLA Law Firm Directory was really useful for me when preparing for the Reed Smith VI - Rik goes into detail on what kinds of questions you can expect, and how to properly answer them. I hope you find it useful!

thank you so much Abbie ❤️

 

[sinirs]

Could anyone kindly share insights from the 2nd stage of the FF assessment? Would greatly appreciate it

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Applied to Hogan Lovells last week Friday and have not received the first stage test :/ I thought someone said it was automatic :/

 

[firmfirm]

I was wondering if someone might be able to help me on this. I'm not really sure how DLA screen the WG or applications or what the benchmark is to pass. It almost seems random at how people get through since some will do the WG then hear back days even weeks later yet others, the next day. Also another question I have is, do they look at both the application and the WG or is it predetermined only by the WG score?

Any insight would be much appreciated 🙏🙏

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Applied to Hogan Lovells last week Friday and have not received the first stage test :/ I thought someone said it was automatic :/

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

 

[firmfirm]

Thank you so much! Also, if you don't mind my asking, were there any particular requirements about the open questions?

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

 

[seriouscandidate_]

What is the best way to practice WG tests? Any website recommendations in particular? Thanks! 🤩

 

[Someoneinlaw]

It is automatic but sent out in batches manually, so it might be possible they will send it to you in the next batch of test invites.​

ohhh okay , thank you!

 

[User22022002]

For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!

From the email saying I got to the first test, i don't think it’s automatic. They implied they had looked over my application but whether that was just a requirements check or something more (like looking at work experience), I don’t know. Im pretty sure the test is a quick turn around, maybe a week or slightly less.

 

[giuliarossi1610]

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

Same position here. Tbf the London's deadline was just a few days ago so it is unlikely that they have filled all their TIs. We gotta trust the process at this point as it is out of our control

 

[Bread]

I’ve been to both their open day and their online events, and grad rec said they want the application to really reflect you. They also want to see depth, especially for the “Why Skadden?” question, so it’s important to talk about their different practice areas in detail and avoid focusing too much on pro bono and similar topics.

I found it interesting how they spent around 2 hours talking about pro bono and culture but don’t want you to focus on that in the application 😅

 

[lissa2006]

Do they ever check the work you uploaded to forage? I definitely did not do them to the standard I would have done had I know they checked

They can check whether you have done it but they cannot access the work that was posted on it. At least this is what one of the MC firms answered at an online event (CC I believe? someone said they were proud of the work they've done on Forage, but they responded there's no way for them to see it)

 

[Trophy]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

hi all, when mentioning a transactions in an application how far back are we allowed to go? Would it be safe to say that transactions completed 3 years ago is improper to mention?

 

[firmfirm]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

For DTC, I know Kirkland is still open and they make their decisions in the winter

 

[WeGotThis!]

From the email saying I got to the first test, i don't think it’s automatic. They implied they had looked over my application but whether that was just a requirements check or something more (like looking at work experience), I don’t know. Im pretty sure the test is a quick turn around, maybe a week or slightly less.

Thank you! After how many days did you receive the test invite on submitting your application? I'm trying to gauge how I can space out my app submissions.

 

[noahsmiit01]

Hi everyone, can someone please tell me on whether Bakers is rolling or non-rolling? Have anyone been progressed to AC yet?

 

[msclm]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

I think one week schemes are kinda rare. The only one I’ve came across is the Sidley wvs.

 

[Trophy]

I think one week schemes are kinda rare. The only one I’ve came across is the Sidley wvs.

Definitely more than one firm, just didn’t know if there were more.

Sidley, Goodwin, withers, Milbank (spring), Addleshaw (spring), PMC, forsters to name a few