TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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]

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.

 

[johnafleck6]

It doesn't lead to an interview - you still have to apply for the TC separately. It's essentially just a 1 week WEX placement

Hi I’m a future trainee at Paul Hastings. While you do still need to submit a separate written TC application, by completing the PHirst Steps Scheme last year I bypassed the initial stage of their recruitment process (first interview)

After the scheme, I was invited straight to a final assessment centre (written exercise and partner interview). So it’s more than just a one week work experience and can materially accelerate the TC process. Hope this helps anyone wishing to apply.

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Debevoise & Plimpton's application for the open day has 7 questions