TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I've heard some grad recruiters say they use a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" method. But one always feels like one too many.

If it makes you feel any better, I published a book in 2020 in which I spelt Jimi Hendrix's name wrong ("Jimmy"). I cringe about that to this day.

I attended a Mishcon open day and wrote Mischon every single time I referred to the firm. They still let me slide so perhaps it’s firm dependant. Was such a rookie error lmao. Smh. ​

 

[studysquirrel]

2 questions in the VI, you can choose to do the VI first or the WG as it has a page of different sections!

Thanks a lot ) Is it timed/ can I do the WG and then later do the VI?

 

[annalise.keating]

Thanks a lot ) Is it timed/ can I do the WG and then later do the VI?

You're welcome! Once you start the assessment, you cannot do it another time so you must complete it in one sitting. I did the vi first to get it done with (timed each so 3 minutes per q) then did the WG (not timed)!

 

[zonnonomo]

update i cannot get over this no matter how hard i try, i randomly think about it in the day and just start crying hahah so i ended up emailing the Early Careers team telling them everything i've done to prepare for this year and asking for advice on how to approach the test next year when i reapply because the feedback report doesn't align with who i am. i hope i don't sound like a crazy person but come on what is the Early Careers team's job if it doesn't involve being transparent with and helping applicants who went beyond everything they've been advised to do and still failed???? i really hope they reply to me because i think that will give me closure

tbh you don’t sound crazy, just a very valid reaction to this insane process. I hope you get some clarification via email. I do hate how firms preach about individuality in this process and on their bs corporate marketing material, when in reality they’re looking for cookie-cutter bots who can pass unrealistic sjt or gamified tests.

to add to this, i also would not trust anyone who did not become at least somewhat of a crazy person after going through the tc/vs application process

i feel like a lot of us here have had their hearts broken by "their hsf"; for me, it was sullcrom last year, i had a partner there vet my application and everything LOL

like any other sort of heartbreak, know that you will heal, and it will be beautiful again i know it stings right now, but, hell, you just broke up! i hope you are able to get some closure, but like i'd say to any other friend, there's plenty of fish, and some are far easier to bait, bathe, and breed

 

[asplawyer100]

I’m really confused by Osborne Clarke’s verbal reasoning test. The instructions clearly state that whilst the test is timed, you can leave at any time, but you will then have to restart the test. Doesn’t this mean you basically get unlimited attempts at taking the test - i.e. if your time is about to run out but you still have lots of questions left, you can just exit the test and restart? Why would a firm allow this, I’ve never seen such rules for any other law firm assessment?

 

[Lawlawland]

I was procrastinating my Kirkland application wanting to make it perfect, now I'm too overwhelmed to even complete it

 

[WillKitchen]

I was procrastinating my Kirkland application wanting to make it perfect, now I'm too overwhelmed to even complete it

Best of luck finding the time.

I submitted to Kirkland very early in the year - before I had any idea what I was doing, really! Subsequent applications have been steadily improving.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

hi how do you prepare for cappfinity tests? any resources, websites etc would be great to know. Also i dont understand how you're really meant to succeed at these tests because each law firm is different and they may place importance on different qualities so there's not really one correct answer - if that makes sense?

 

[TCchaser]

Pretty sure same cycle - I wrote in my insight day notes that you can apply again that year so I’m assuming it’s the same cycle but someone correct me if I’m wrong

Ooh ok thank you! I got a PFO post HR telephone interview, so did they indicate as to whether we should update our app or if it's fine to submit the same one again?

 

[Lawlawland]

Best of luck finding the time.

I submitted to Kirkland very early in the year - before I had any idea what I was doing, really! Subsequent applications have been steadily improving.

I hope it goes well for you!

I'm hoping the application doesn't close before noon tomo, phew!

 

[e_turbo2]

Hi all.. need advice for Written Exercise.

I am new to this type of test as this is my first cycle and I am coming from now law. I am aware of the Exam protocol or assessment policy, my concerns were:

• Do we need to turn on camera during the test?
• Are we monitored by a person (like invigilator) on real time?
• Are the questions sent over before the deadline?

I am so confused as the email only stated the time slot and mentioned that the assessor were partners and associates, which graded anonymously. Is this a general rule or practice that might be varied by firm?

Also, please give me the most recent tips if any @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Just to add to this, I've done a WE recently with the grad recruitment team live monitoring us via web cam. You can mute the mic but had to leave the camera on throughout and ask for toilet breaks etc. I've also done another WE last month and it was literally log in whenever you want and just do the task without camera on. Two very different styles. The questions are rarely ever sent beforehand.

The WE assessments are marked by actual lawyers not the grad recruitment team without your name or other aspects of your application given to them.

Wishing you all the best for the WE. My best advice for these is just clear structure and answer the question i.e. advise the client or summarise for the partner. Best way to do both, is just simple, basic English language.

 

[anonymous.15]

do you mind saying which firms rejected you?

wnc,gowling,kennedys,MB

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Ooh ok thank you! I got a PFO post HR telephone interview, so did they indicate as to whether we should update our app or if it's fine to submit the same one again?

I'm not actually sure, sorry! Also not sure if it's applicable to ppl who get to interview stage - maybe it's best just to clarify with them? Because honestly, I'm not even sure if it's true that you can reapply, it's just vaguely something I think I remember from the Insight Day (apologies!)

 

[fta2024]

88th percentile for linklaters WG but nothing back

How did you find out

 

[noahsmiit01]

My roommate just came home with some wine - I guess Kirkland motivational question will have to wait till tomorrow

Is the deadline tomorrow at 23:59, no?

 

[noahsmiit01]

I hope it goes well for you!

I'm hoping the application doesn't close before noon tomo, phew!

I doubt they will, because deadlines usually end at 23:59, especially on Sunday night.

 

[jamsparkle]

Thanks.

So I’m assuming it’s AI that reads the written questions not GR if the next stage (stage 2 test) is automatic? Sorry I may be confused.

I think it's more likely that the written part is only looked at once they are looking to make AC invites - they mentioned something about a partner review between stage 2 and the AC

 

[TCLAAAA]

plane delayed… stuck onboard…battery dead… there goes my plans about finishing Kirkland today

I was overconfident that I could finish one application today, but after the plane and bus journey with my heavy luggage, I completely gave up. Total holiday mood.

 

[applicant457]

@Abbie Whitlock

During my WFW VI I experienced a major technical difficulty. I could not locate the time remaining for the first question, and was looking for it throughout the question, moving my cursor and scrolling. In the end, I found it after 1 minute in the bottom right corner where the small video window was, and it was only displayed AFTER my cursor went above it.

This was not enough time to save an already disjointed answer which I had prepared really well, because I was simply looking for how much time I had left and it wasn't visible.

I have emailed them explaining to them this situation, is there any chance (with a poorly constructed answer) that this is not a PFO and they will understand and take this into account?

 

[trainee4u]

Update! Invoking my EU261/2004 rights

Uk261 now tho innit.