TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[llblawstudent]

I've been a bit gone last week and a half so haven't checked out here, has anyone heard back from:
Jones Day (Summer)
Slaughter and May
Sidley Austin (Summer)
Freshfields (Post Stage 2) --> Ik some people got vac scheme offers but not sure about here

Ngl for ff think everyone that was gonna get an ac has been notified already and they’re just being lazy w rejecting everyone else :/

 

[BealMcAlly]

Just completed reed smith blended assessment, got 9, 4, 4, 7 with high/'excelled' verbal and numeral intellect. Any ops on if the two 4s would bring me down?

I think it depends on how good your VI is and how high their benchmark is out of 36.

I think 24/36 is a decent score, personally.

 

[marisachr]

Anyone who has done the Kennedys VI - any insights would be amazing, I can share insights about WFW VI, Weil VI, DLA TI interview, HFW Ac etc!

 

[TCLA0322]

Is there any point applying HFW now, have they released all ACs?

 

[User2640]

I am due to do the Vi as well tomorrow or sometime in the week but maybe I can provide some clarity.

I did it last year for the direct training contract and it was one motivational question, and 3 scenario based questions.

I suspect it will be the same this year with a slight variation on content.

Can I ask when completing the test and the VI separately, are we able to close the tab and log back in later? Thank you!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Can I ask when completing the test and the VI separately, are we able to close the tab and log back in later? Thank you!

I closed the tab and when I go back to the invite email and click the link it automatically takes me to the page just before the VI.

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi guys! Does anyone have any experience of Mishcon de Reya's Situational Judgment Test?
If anyone has any tips (no matter how small), I'd be so grateful!

 

[safari3]

Hi guys! Does anyone have any experience of Mishcon de Reya's Situational Judgment Test?
If anyone has any tips (no matter how small), I'd be so grateful!

Hi, it's Amberjack and so will be the exact same style as Simmons, Pinsent Masons, Weil, Mayer Brown, Reed Smith etc. It comprises a balance of situational judgement questions alongside tasks to test your verbal and numerical intellect. I think the firm factors how long you take but I'd honestly recommend that you just take your time and enjoy it!

 

[CupOfTea17]

Can anyone tell me what the initial application for Baker McKenzie is? Written answers or a test?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Can anyone tell me what the initial application for Baker McKenzie is? Written answers or a test?

2 x 300 word questions
1 X 400 word question (I think)

 

[lelezb1]

Can anyone tell me what the initial application for Baker McKenzie is? Written answers or a test?

The app only has questions (written answers)

 

[TS.Law]

Are there no application questions for the Milbank - VS Spring (LevFin track)?

 

[helenaskelton]

MDR scored 4764. Am I cooked? Did everyone find this hard?

 

[TS.Law]

MDR scored 4764. Am I cooked? Did everyone find this hard?

Last week, I reached the highest band on the numerical and verbal bars, but scored 4758. I still have a hope

 

[elle woods]

Are there no application questions for the Milbank - VS Spring (LevFin track)?

yep the next stage is an Online Test - very much like Freshfields etc.

 

[Prudentia]

yep the next stage is an Online Test - very much like Freshfields etc.

Do you get the test automatically? And is it a Watson Glaser test?

 

[elle woods]

@Jaysen

Do you get the test automatically? And is it a Watson Glaser test?

uhh

I haven't submitted my app (still deciding whether I want to or not), so I'm not sure whether it's automatic, but I would assume so (or else they check whether you're eligible first before you get sent the test). And no, it's a SJT test from my knowledge. WG is the next stage after that.

 

[Novaa]

omg teach me your ways?? My MB score was absolutely awful ahhaha

well done!! atta girl!

GIVE ME UR TIPS

So I’m back after a procrastination hiatus!

BASICAAALLYY after researching, I came to understand the pillars as follows:

• Applied Intellect: Emotional intelligence
• Digital Mindset: Problem solving using technology
• Creative Force: Innovative leadership / Taking ownership
• Grit: Resilience

I think the Amberjack system is odd… but I think as long as you breakdown each option against each pillar. It can guide your approach, so like one question was about a team meeting which regularly ran over and the options were:

A) Create a new centralised location for information and share with the team and see their thoughts

B) Review your notes so you’re ready for tomorrow’s meeting

C) Tell your supervisor you have an idea, and see their thoughts

D) Just understand the meeting will have to run over, and keep attending them.

So looking at each option and my understanding of pillar, I know that option A meets Digital Mindset and Creative Force!

Another thing is, in these scenarios (unless it’s a client) meet everyone at the same level. So if it references a Partner and you have an idea, or you’re at networking event. Never choose the option where you shy away, or save your idea for the future if you have the chance to say it then and there.

Then with the verbal sections. I realised these two things while doing it:

1. Sometimes there isn’t an answer and that’s okay
2. Kind of similar to the above: they’re testing you as a Solicitor. So check if you have all the information you need to advise the person. I would validate every option against the info in the scenario

Now for numerical… revise the following and pray <3

• Percentages - Change, Increase, Decrease, Reverse
• Reading pie charts, tables & comparing data sets between the two

Hope these help but I just knowww these firms are customising the criteria on their end LOOOL

 

[Rosor871]

Is it too late to apply to Milbank spring as they seem to be rolling this year ?

 

[Prudentia]

uhh

I haven't submitted my app (still deciding whether I want to or not), so I'm not sure whether it's automatic, but I would assume so (or else they check whether you're eligible first before you get sent the test). And no, it's a SJT test from my knowledge. WG is the next stage after that.

Thank you!