TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[safari3]

I haven't received anything from MDR yet either – maybe they are sending the SJTs in batches.

From what I've gathered on the forum, most people are Spring who submitted way before the deadline

 

[_hashirm1]

From what I've gathered on the forum, most people are Spring who submitted way before the deadline

I applied to the Spring VS and haven't received the SJT

 

[BealMcAlly]

From what I've gathered on the forum, most people are Spring who submitted way before the deadline

I think it is for spring but not sure it's 100% accurate on timings or how they are screening, if they are screening these at all.

I have a friend who submitted and completed the AI interview before me and hasn't heard back today. I applied on the 10th of November and did the the interview on the 17th of November.

 

[manifestingthetc]

I just did the Mishcon Amberjack and got excelled in numerical + verbal, grit:6/9 creative force: 6/9, digital mindset 6/9 and 4/9 in applied intellect lol, i dont think this is good enough

 

[testing123]

Hi! for the W&C Vis, how long was the wait for people that applied to get the VI, cause its been radio silence for me for a while now, wondering if they send them out in batches? thanks!

 

[llblawstudent]

They are deffo rolling, although haven't got a TI either

Same here, pfo methinks

 

[Lawlawland]

I just did the Mishcon Amberjack and got excelled in numerical + verbal, grit:6/9 creative force: 6/9, digital mindset 6/9 and 4/9 in applied intellect lol, i dont think this is good enough

Thanks for taking one for the team!
Is it tough, any different or the usual Simmons and Weil one?
Is the video on (translation: can I take it from my bed in my pyjamas???)

And I assume it's untimed?

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone have any tips for Mayer Brown's assessment? I believe it is amberjack and I haven't done one of those before but based on this forum everyone seems to hate amberjack any tips appreciated x

Personally really like Amberjack it's much more normal than Susie likes to book tickets to the cinema so must love smiling

 

[hawkins19]

Wondering if anyone has any insights on this - when firms score (selective) VIs, do they tend to look at that score alongside other elements of the application to decide to invite to AC? Or do they consider you from a completely blank slate at each 'new' stage? Wondering if anyone has any insights on this, or if it is completely dependent on the firm?

 

[BealMcAlly]

I just did the Mishcon Amberjack and got excelled in numerical + verbal, grit:6/9 creative force: 6/9, digital mindset 6/9 and 4/9 in applied intellect lol, i dont think this is good enough

You are FAST. I might do mine tomorrow.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

what does mishcon mean by activities and achievements? can I just list my extracurriculars here?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

What does this mean?

basically I think if you're subscribed to TCLA or Jaysen idk we got this email an hour ago haha

The email basically explains that feeling demotivated after repeated rejections is a normal stage in competitive application cycles. It emphasises that persistence through this “trough” is necessary to eventually succeed

 

[Lawlawland]

what does mishcon mean by activities and achievements? can I just list my extracurriculars here?

I added my volunteering experience, open days, position of responsibility, Awards received there...

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Jaysen's trough of sorrow email came just at the right time

it's like he can read our minds (oh wait, he lowkey can)

No like literally

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Just completed the VI for Eversheds Not sure how I feel about how it went - is it usual to not get more than 1 chance at recording for other VI's people have done? Dreading waiting 4 weeks to hear how I did. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that you can't rewatch your answers .

It was pretty brutal in terms of format! 2 minutes to speak is quite standard, but the 30 seconds to prepare and not being able to re-record definitely added to the nerves

 

[manifestingthetc]

You are FAST. I might do mine tomorrow.

I have a flight tomorrow so it had to be done tonight or at the airport..... HAHA

 

[asplawyer100]

Does anyone know what kinds of questions Dentons asks in their VI (motivational, competency etc)?

 

[yasmars]

I just did the Mishcon Amberjack and got excelled in numerical + verbal, grit:6/9 creative force: 6/9, digital mindset 6/9 and 4/9 in applied intellect lol, i dont think this is good enough

Is there a VI element to the test?

 

[radssss]

Personally really like Amberjack it's much more normal than Susie likes to book tickets to the cinema so must love smiling

I couldn’t agree more with you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

I need some clarity answering this question for Farrer&Co

"In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications, and work experience equipped you for a legal career?"

What exactly are they asking for here?

Hello!

In my view, they're asking you to explain how what you've studied and done so far has prepared you to be a solicitor. Therefore, I would aim to discuss:

• How your academic studies developed skills that are relevant to law / trainees (e.g. analysis, research, writing, problem-solving, etc.)
• How any qualifications show commitment to a legal career (for example, I know that you can get LexisNexis or WestLaw certifications, which would be relevant!). However, these don't have to be specifically law-related, as long as you can link them back!
• How your work experience (which can be legal or non-legal) gave you transferable skills such as client interaction, responsibility, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Essentially, rather than simply listing skills that are important for a career in law, it's about connecting these skills to your experiences and explaining why they are required.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!