TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Did anyone apply to Dechert in the past couple of weeks and receive the written exercise?

 

[Wagamamas]

Did anyone apply to Dechert in the past couple of weeks and receive the written exercise?

I applied in October and did not get an invite.

It would be courteous if they rejected earlier applicants if they’re unsuccessful rather than handing out next stage invites to later applicants it’s annoying.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Did anyone apply to Dechert in the past couple of weeks and receive the written exercise?

I saw someone got theirs last week and they’d only applied two weeks prior. Others waited 6-8 weeks so it’s all over the place lmao. I sent my app early Dec and haven’t heard since.​

 

[kukubird]

Does anyone know whether the Milbank OA is automatic?

The wording in the email is: "Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process as you've demonstrated the potential that we are looking for.

This is a formal invitation for you to complete an Online Assessment."

So I would assume its not automatic, but from reading their online material and TCLA I'm getting the feeling it is?

I do not think it is automatic but rather they do a basic screening of your application and then decide to send you a test.

 

[kukubird]

I saw people asking questions about applying to Perkins LBA, if anyone needs any advice feel free to DM me I have done their SVS.

 

[flower1]

Hello @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock @Afraz Akhtar
I was wondering with regard to intellectual property practice - what's the pure substantive things we should know about for ACs? I don't mean like connecting to broader trends, but rather like actual concepts / content?

Thank you

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I thought there was an interview stage before assessments or is it all rolled into one?

nope, their AC includes a competency interview, case-study interview and written exercise.

 

[zara elles]

I do not think it is automatic but rather they do a basic screening of your application and then decide to send you a test.

Thank you!

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard from Dentons post VI?

 

[abc124]

I think this is regarding their regional offices which don't meet the salary threshold for the skilled worker visa. However, I think their London office meets the requirements so I would apply there. But I think it's best to email them to confirm this!

Ohh right, that makes sense, thanks a lot!!

 

[M85672]

Lol it's been so long since I applied to Dentons that I only just remembered that I did. I applied for ME on the 5th October, didn't even receive a test haha

 

[jamsparkle]

A stats perspectice: correlation not causation
The majority of applications (in general) are probably not high enough to meet their standards.
People who spend time doing those things, are less likely to be people who would rush applications / make applications that didn't meet the thresholds.
Therefore the % of people who complete these things who progress is likely significantly higher than the % of the overall application cohort, not because an equally strong candidate who did the GVI is a more credible candidate, but rather that people who rush/ spend little time on applications won't be completing those.

I guess that makes sense - i think i was thinking of it more from an ib etc recruiting perspective (since that's what a lot of my friends have been going through) where i got the impression that these virtual internship type things don't really mean anything and are more likely to be seen as an attempt by a weaker candidate to fluff up their cv

 

[nordicnomad]

Hey friends, anyone has a full list of firms that use Amberjack pls?🥺

 

[Jack Falahee]

Hey friends, anyone has a full list of firms that use Amberjack pls?🥺

Simmons & Simmons
A&O Shearman
Weil
Reed Smith
Mishcon De Reya
Mayer Brown
Stephenson Harwood
Hill Dickinson
Browne Jacobson

CMIIW, please add more if you know the others

 

[nordicnomad]

Simmons & Simmons
A&O Shearman
Weil
Reed Smith
Mishcon De Reya
Mayer Brown
Stephenson Harwood

Thank you so much!!

 

[Rads]

Has there been any update from HL since Christmas?

 

[RJ Ruban]

insight to WFW VI?
I’m happy to give help on ReedSmith VI, W&C VI and CMS VI

 

[oliviabeijing]

Has anyone received a PFO from Dentons?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

insight to WFW VI?
I’m happy to give help on ReedSmith VI, W&C VI and CMS VI

Hey when did you apply to W&C and when did you receive the VI, I think they don't want me at this point....

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hello @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock @Afraz Akhtar
I was wondering with regard to intellectual property practice - what's the pure substantive things we should know about for ACs? I don't mean like connecting to broader trends, but rather like actual concepts / content?

Thank you

@flower1 it’s been about two years since I studied this, so @Abbie Whitlock may be of more help but I’d say for Intellectual Property Practice the key thing to know is that there are various IP rights available in the UK (trademarks, copyright, patents, trade secrets/confidential information) all of which are governed by their own statutory provision e.g. CDPA 1988.

Some rights are automatic such as copyright and others are given upon application e.g. patents. However, for each there are certain criteria’s to fill - and this is where you’ll approach things through a step by step process based on the facts of the client. Once you have the right, each exists for a different amount of time.

The most interesting thing about IP is the disputes, so when a client claims their right is being infringed by another, however again it’s decided based on the facts and strengths of your right to begin with.

The subject alone is very content heavy, so I wouldn’t bother studying it for an AC - as they are not meant to be legal in nature (to give an equal chance to those from a non law background). However, the above should give you a general understanding of the work you’re likely to do in that department.