TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Oh don’t worry I know what people mean by insights.

Each of the tests has an integrity statement at the beginning that we accept each time we complete them to keep the process fair and any form of trading just breaks that so it’s sad to see people constantly asking.

The short prep times are tough but equally there will plenty of instances where you need to think quickly on your feet so being put under pressure, even at this early stage, feels like something firms needs to assess.

Equally, the questions will come up during interviews, and at that point there’s definitely no insights coming anyones way!

 

[johnsmith]

Dear [insert name],

“Thank you for your application for a place on the Gibson Dunn Vacation Scheme and for completing our online Capptivate Law Assessment. Following the completion of your assessment you will be sent a feedback report. Please note, this will not be sent instantly and may take a few days to arrive in your inbox. Please be assured that we have received your assessment results unless we get in touch to state otherwise.

We just wanted to let you know that we will be reviewing your application and assessment results and will be in touch as soon as we have further updates. As you are aware our programmes are highly competitive so please do bear with us.”

Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

International Graduate Recruitment & Development Team at Gibson Dunn.​

Yep got the same back in October but nothing since apart from an OD rejection.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

elle woods is clocking out! Just decided that I am retiring from applying to firms this cycle now Best of luck everyone! I mean we might see each other again next cycle, but hopefully not (since I hope we all no longer need to apply)!

I'll still pop online once in a while (knowing me that will be quite often) but I wish all of you the very very best! Wishing you all insane stamina to get through the rest of your apps and manifesting ACs, VS', and TCs for everyone!

Happy early new years! May 2026 be our year!

Well done @elle woods!!
You were such a ray of sunshine during the trenches of the application season
I wish you all the best and hope you become a smashing trainee

 

[johnsmith]

elle woods is clocking out! Just decided that I am retiring from applying to firms this cycle now Best of luck everyone! I mean we might see each other again next cycle, but hopefully not (since I hope we all no longer need to apply)!

I'll still pop online once in a while (knowing me that will be quite often) but I wish all of you the very very best! Wishing you all insane stamina to get through the rest of your apps and manifesting ACs, VS', and TCs for everyone!

Happy early new years! May 2026 be our year!

Such a good feeling, submitted my last one on Saturday! Good luck with everything.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Yeah that’ll do. Fair play.

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Am I cooked... For Weil:
good verbal intellect, average numerical intellect
6/9 Grit
6/9 Applied intellect
4/9 creative force
4/9 digital mindset

My scores but for Reed Smith

 

[xMontmorency]

I dont think A&O VS is a guaranteed TC. Word of mouth says they're adopting the FF approach of reducing the conversion rate.

Edit: not to put anyone off lmao just a rumour

 

[Novaa]

I dont think A&O VS is a guaranteed TC. Word of mouth says they're adopting the FF approach of reducing the conversion rate.

Unless Grad Rec announce it, hopefully the chances of converting are still good!!

All the best Elle, you’ve got that TC in the bag!! ‍

 

[EfficientBag123]

Thank you for everything, Elle. Go get your TC.

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

My bad boss. I hope you receive your insights and go on to secure the Reed Smith TC.​

A Goofy-Tyrion crossbreed won’t make this better, nobody helps a tactical genius who 'Hyucks' through a wine-fueled trial by combat.

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

I am going to assume it’s too late to apply to Akin

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi everyone,

Quick update:

Hill Dickinson amberjack- 4,6,6,9!!!!! Not happy about the 4 but I’m super happy about the rest! Think this is the first time I’ve done relatively well in this stupid test, hope it’s enough? scored mid for numerical/verbal. Think the VI went well too? Fingers crossed

Got Goodwin and NRF (round 2 haha) VIs to do. Barely any time to revise for my exams next week

 

[tc2026]

hi does anyone know if dla will be releasing more London AC offers?

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone,

Quick update:

Hill Dickinson amberjack- 4,6,6,9!!!!! Not happy about the 4 but I’m super happy about the rest! Think this is the first time I’ve done relatively well in this stupid test, hope it’s enough? scored mid for numerical/verbal. Think the VI went well too? Fingers crossed

Got Goodwin and NRF (round 2 haha) VIs to do. Barely any time to revise for my exams next week

Amazing!!! do u have any tips for amberjacks (generally)?

 

[tc2026]

Does Mishcon SJT have video questions?

hi, did you find out please?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Does anyone have amberjack

Amazing!!! do u have any tips for amberjacks (generally)?

Hey,

I’m honestly the worst person to ask lmao- my score always fluctuates.

One thing I can say is to make sure you remember the firm’s values, and answer according to that. I know they say to answer honestly but I realised that this method doesn’t work (for me at least). HD are big on creativity so I kept that in mind, and scored 9/9.

I did Mishcon amberjack not so long ago and got 3/9 in creative force lmao. Think I focused too much on being a collaborative person and didn’t display my own initiative etc!

Hope that helps x

 

[AGB2060]

Slaughter and May interview

 

[tc2026]

does anyone have a list of firms that dont use amberjack? or the Taylor wessing/eversheds type test? im getting tired of these... I almost miss the Watson Glaser.

 

[Saul_specter]

Slaughter and May interview

may i ask when did you apply and when did you hear back? and for vs or tc? Congrats!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Anyone have advice on how to answer a question like this?

If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why? (300)

Does it need to be related to the firm's core practice areas eg life sciences, or can it be anything at all?

Hi!

This kind of question is usually much broader than it looks, so I'd try not to overthink it! It doesn't have to be directly tied to the firm's core practice areas (e.g. life sciences). Firms use questions like this in order to get a sense of how you think, what you're curious about, and how you reflect - they're not necessarily testing any commercial awareness or technical knowledge.

I would make sure that, whatever event you choose, it allows you to:

• Explain why it genuinely interests you
• Show how you analyse or reflect on significance and impact
• Subtly reveal qualities and traits relevant to being a trainee (e.g. curiosity, judgement, perspective, learning mindset)

The way that I would potentially structure it is as follows:

1. Pick an event that you genuinely find interesting (this can be historical, current, or future-facing!)
2. Explain why witnessing it firsthand would matter to you - it might be helpful to frame this in terms of what you'd be looking to learn or understand
3. Link that insight back to how you approach learning, decision-making, working with people, etc.

If you can naturally connect it to the firm's work or values, that can be a bonus - however, I would avoid forcing a link as it could read as inauthentic.

Overall, anything at all should be fine - just as long as your reasoning is strong and reflective! In these types of questions, the "why" matters far more than the event itself.

I hope that helps!