TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

I’ve come to the conclusion that no one has done Bakers VI because so many questions from everyone and not one answer 😭

 

[WillKitchen]

Thank you!
Just out of curiosity, if you would like to share... How did you approach the application question? It's unfortunately so broad to answer within 250 words...

I made it very personal, of course. I emphasised that sense of "authenticity" / being "real" which is highlighted as part of the firm's working culture. My summary included evidence drawn from my previous career to show that I was a risk-taker, ambitious, drawn to complex global litigation and regulatory work, and had exposure to the firm through LawCareersNet. My background as a media and communications lecturer meant that I could also bring relevant sector expertise.

I don't think they'd expect much more than that, given the word limit. But it did the job!

 

[BealMcAlly]

I’ve come to the conclusion that no one has done Bakers VI because so many questions from everyone and not one answer 😭

Probably trying to be fair and not give too much away or they haven't done it yet. How long is the window they give to complete the VIs ?

 

[CuriousLawStudent]

Hi everyone, I have been frantically looking through the Mishcon de Reya job board for the online assessment, but when I clicked the link, Bright Apply said it's closed? I thought the email instructions were to complete the interview within seven days?

 

[Lawlawland]

I made it very personal, of course. I emphasised that sense of "authenticity" / being "real" which is highlighted as part of the firm's working culture. My summary included evidence drawn from my previous career to show that I was a risk-taker, ambitious, drawn to complex global litigation and regulatory work, and had exposure to the firm through LawCareersNet. My background as a media and communications lecturer meant that I could also bring relevant sector expertise.

I don't think they'd expect much more than that, given the word limit. But it did the job!

This is really helpful to ideate and frame a suitable answer for the question. Thank you.

Best luck with the application. I attended their Insights day, so feel free to reach out to me if you progress to the next stage, happy to help✨

 

[WillKitchen]

feel free to reach out to me if you progress to the next stage, happy to help✨

Thank you very much - I'll definitely be in touch if they ask me back for the next step.

Best of luck!

 

[jamieclarke]

I just completed it this afternoon. No VI involved.

What does the new assessment entail?

 

[dreamer]

Anybody heard from PwC for the legal vac schemes yet?

Hi mate, have you heard back? Could you kindly share your experience? Thanks. I have an invitation for the online assessment.

 

[WillKitchen]

What does the new assessment entail?

Quite a lot of workplace situational judgement questions: sliders, arranging responses in order of preference, and a brief logical thinking test. There are also 5 non-assessed questions at the end asking for either-or responses about what kind for work you would like to find at RPC, e.g. litigation or regulatory. They say to allow 45 mins to complete the whole thing, which is probably quite accurate.

No video element, and no maths questions!

 

[anon78365222111]

Probably trying to be fair and not give too much away or they haven't done it yet. How long is the window they give to complete the VIs ?

I mean I don’t think asking if the questions are 2 mins or 3 mins is against the fairness of the process

 

[BealMcAlly]

I mean I don’t think asking if the questions are 2 mins or 3 mins is against the fairness of the process

Yeah I get you, just playing devil's advocate on why some people may be reserved.

 

[anon78365222111]

Yeah I get you, just playing devil's advocate on why some people may be reserved.

Yeah for sure and also the deadline is 23rd so it’s coming up soon will probably do it tomorrow or Monday

 

[Trophy]

Cleary – "To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability. We normally expect candidates to be on course to attain a high 2.1 degree or better from a leading university and to have achieved at least AAA at A-Level or the equivalent."​

Surely it is not right to only be successful if you go to a leading university! So it is a guarantee that anyone that falls outside of this but meets the grade requirement will be rejected?​

 

[Lawlawland]

"If your life had a mascot, what would it look like and what would it cheer for?"

I am curious to know what mascots people would come up with for this question 😂

 

[Lawlife5]

Cleary – "To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability. We normally expect candidates to be on course to attain a high 2.1 degree or better from a leading university and to have achieved at least AAA at A-Level or the equivalent."​

Surely it is not right to only be successful if you go to a leading university! So it is a guarantee that anyone that falls outside of this but meets the grade requirement will be rejected?​

That is so off-putting...

 

[jamieclarke]

Cleary – "To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability. We normally expect candidates to be on course to attain a high 2.1 degree or better from a leading university and to have achieved at least AAA at A-Level or the equivalent."​

Surely it is not right to only be successful if you go to a leading university! So it is a guarantee that anyone that falls outside of this but meets the grade requirement will be rejected?​

Respect them for being honest about it.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Respect them for being honest about it.

They use rare recruitment so whilst they do have pretty high expectations it’s not strictly AAA and a high 2:1. I know of someone who had neither who went to Royal Holloway and did the Cleary VS.​

 

[anon78365222111]

Ashurst direct TC being open from jan to march and not being rolling is so annoying, I just want a reply 😭

 

[CuriousLawStudent]

Does someone have any info on Mishcon VI please? I had zero idea that you had to complete the VI before the deadline, given in the email it says seven days, and that the invitation would expire a month later

 

[Trophy]

Respect them for being honest about it.

many non RG students get vacation schemes from US firm the difference is the conversion… will the firm take them for the TC. 9/10 they do not. I’m happy for @Abbie Whitlock and @Amma Usman who have both surpassed this barrier.

My friend went to Kent university had a 1st and never succeeded with them 3 times they’ve applied for tcla to read their application and our friend who has a Tc there. Great application. Rare is good but sometimes I find it’s for show.