TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[abc124]

I got 32/36 on the pillars for Mayer Brown's amberjack test but medium for Applied Verbal Intellect. Is that likely a PFO because surely that is really important.

Teach me your ways, you should be given the vac scheme simply for getting that score I’ve changed my amberjack strategy multiple times and at least one pillar ALWAYS goes wrong lol

Anyway you’re definitely more than fine, my friend got mid both verbal and numerical and managed to get AC with a different law firm. I’ve also kinda researched it and reached the conclusion that the verbal/numerical intellect part doesn’t help or hurt you in a meaningful way (unless you get low in both)

 

[floral.tcla]

View attachment 7510

you're so funny please don't go bald

 

[EL2003]

Teach me your ways, you should be given the vac scheme simply for getting that score I’ve changed my amberjack strategy multiple times and at least one pillar ALWAYS goes wrong lol

Anyway you’re definitely more than fine, my friend got mid both verbal and numerical and managed to get AC with a different law firm. I’ve also kinda researched it and reached the conclusion that the verbal/numerical intellect part doesn’t help or hurt you in a meaningful way (unless you get low in both)

I wish hahaha

I was getting extremely poor scores on SJTs so I spent hours researching how to be better. I started noticing patterns and after hours and hours of research I developed a better understanding of what to prioritise and when its appropriate to go to a supervisor etc. My score also improved because I stopped worry too much about the pillars. Before I would focus on one and get a high score in that but it would reduce my score in the others because I was too focused on that instead of just thinking about what is the most appropriate thing to do in each situation.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Any updates from Akin recently?

When did you apply to Akin Gump? I sent my app around a week ago but haven’t heard anything. I did receive a request from an arbitration partner at Akin Gump on LinkedIn though so at least there’s that small W. Maybe we will hear back now after the Xmas and NY period has passed?​

 

[itsjoever123]

Any tips on what 4 pillars Weil assesses for their Amberjack?

Thanks!

 

[londonlawyer]

When did you apply to Akin Gump? I sent my app around a week ago but haven’t heard anything. I did receive a request from an arbitration partner at Akin Gump on LinkedIn though so at least there’s that small W. Maybe we will hear back now after the Xmas and NY period has passed?​

I applied three weeks ago and haven't even received the test

But Akin does have a really small GR team (only 2 people) so guess it's taking them a long time to get through the apps.

 

[dreamer]

Hi, I was rejected a couple weeks back following the hirevue

So sorry to hear that. They missed out on a legend. Thanks

 

[dreamer]

Any tips on what 4 pillars Weil assesses for their Amberjack?

Thanks!

+1

 

[dreamer]

When did you apply to Akin Gump? I sent my app around a week ago but haven’t heard anything. I did receive a request from an arbitration partner at Akin Gump on LinkedIn though so at least there’s that small W. Maybe we will hear back now after the Xmas and NY period has passed?​

Teach us how to do it, chief

 

[Sophia L]

Any tips on what 4 pillars Weil assesses for their Amberjack?

Thanks!

Grit
Digital mindset
Creative force
Applied intellect

 

[Sophia L]

Any tips on what 4 pillars Weil assesses for their Amberjack?

Thanks!

It is just the standard amberjack pillars

 

[nicoledm]

How many people do you think are invited to a VI stage or first interview stage.
I know it’ll vary firm by firm but would 10% of applicants be a reasonable ballpark ?

 

[tcla02]

got 26/36 for Mayer Brown amberjack with high verbal and numerical . am I cooked?

 

[Sophia L]

got 26/36 for Mayer Brown amberjack with high verbal and numerical . am I cooked?

No you are not cooked thats a decent score but it depends on the VIs as well good luck. I have made it to an ac before for a diff firm with 22/36

 

[tcla02]

No you are not cooked thats a decent score but it depends on the VIs as well good luck. I have made it to an ac before for a diff firm with 22/36

the thing is grad rec made it clear they do not see the VI unless you pass the test :/

 

[QuillandCounsel]

I have just taken my WG for them now

For the london office???

 

[Sophia L]

the thing is grad rec made it clear they do not see the VI unless you pass the test :/

Im not sure what their benchmark is but by amberjack standards 26 is quite good I think

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

For the london office???

Leeds

 

[cookedlawstudent]

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?

I think I'm experiencing a similar problem, but it has manifested itself in a way that I did not receive an invite to their online assessment and I applied 1 hour before the deadline. Ik that the first test is automatic

 

[James Wakefield]

the thing is grad rec made it clear they do not see the VI unless you pass the test :/

Interesting! Anyone know if this is the case for Weil too?