TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[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?

 

[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

 

[Indigo71]

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!

 

[Prudentia]

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

If they’re still accepting applications, it’s always worth applying. No law firm will pass over a candidate they really want because they submitted their application later.

 

[Novaa]

Just scrolled through legal cheek deadlines and I really need some good news ASAP!! 😭😭

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Is Cooley non-rolling? Online it says it’s US track is rolling but I thought their vac scheme was non-rolling?

 

[asplawyer100]

Hi everyone, hoping to get some advice on video interview rules.

I am preparing to complete a VI which has unlimited prep time. The email states that whilst the prep time is unlimited, I will be monitored throughout to ensure that I complete the prep by myself. I am curious as to exactly what I am allowed / not allowed to do during this prep time? Obviously completing it myself means no help from other people or AI, but am I allowed to research my own existing notes on the firm during this prep time? Would I be allowed to search things up during the prep time (for example on the firm's website), or would this count as "receiving help from someone other than myself"? I feel like other than the obvious no speaking to people or AI, it is quite hard to understand the rules of conduct for an unlimited prep time VI.

 

[applicant3000]

Hi everyone, hoping to get some advice on video interview rules.

I am preparing to complete a VI which has unlimited prep time. The email states that whilst the prep time is unlimited, I will be monitored throughout to ensure that I complete the prep by myself. I am curious as to exactly what I am allowed / not allowed to do during this prep time? Obviously completing it myself means no help from other people or AI, but am I allowed to research my own existing notes on the firm during this prep time? Would I be allowed to search things up during the prep time (for example on the firm's website), or would this count as "receiving help from someone other than myself"? I feel like other than the obvious no speaking to people or AI, it is quite hard to understand the rules of conduct for an unlimited prep time VI.

You are probably allowed to use your own notes/web search. They mainly film you to ensure it's not someone else coming up with your answer. Otherwise grad teams really don't have enough time to be watching you prep (unless it genuinely looks like you've been cheating).

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone know how long prep/answer time is for Goodwin VI?

 

[username10341034]

Are there any VI questions in the Mishcon SJT?

 

[itsfearless15]

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

From what i've gathered from online, I think it should be automatic and to my knowledge as well at this stage it's a general SJT – however, I myself have submitted my initial app on Dec 22nd and haven't received anything yet so not sure tbh about it being automatic (though this also could just have been grad rec being on annual leave this past week)

 

[BealMcAlly]

You are probably allowed to use your own notes/web search. They mainly film you to ensure it's not someone else coming up with your answer. Otherwise grad teams really don't have enough time to be watching you prep (unless it genuinely looks like you've been cheating).

You mean to say grad rec actually watch the prep time? Many a time I've reacted very loudly to a number of questions, also some unlimited prep VIs I've taken a very long time to prep my answers.

Am I cooked? Lmao

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Night watchers, any leads on applications that skip the long‑form essay interrogation? I’m on the lookout for some low‑hanging fruit to pick off before I lose steam.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

You mean to say grad rec actually watch the prep time? Many a time I've reacted very loudly to a number of questions, also some unlimited prep VIs I've taken a very long time to prep my answers.

Am I cooked? Lmao

This is grad rec after watching live recordings of us taking the tests and seeing our reactions to some of the ridiculous questions they set:​

 

[James Wakefield]

Night watchers, any leads on applications that skip the long‑form essay interrogation? I’m on the lookout for some low‑hanging fruit to pick off before I lose steam.

Millbank if you haven’t done it!

Also Addleshaw Goddard has just one short question.

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Millbank if you haven’t done it!

Also Addleshaw Goddard has just one short question.

Thanks a bunch. Will do AG. Did Milbank before Christmas.

 

[BealMcAlly]

This is grad rec after watching live recordings of us taking the tests and seeing our reactions to some of the ridiculous questions they set:​

Right? I honestly cannot imagine them sitting through hours of recordings when they have such a high volume of applications to sift through. surely it's just automated to flag weird behaviour like eyes darting away from the screen, flicking through tabs and windows or people taking photos, etc.