TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Prudentia]

Sadly post stage 1, didn't get an invite for stage 2 as I was among the first to take the test, so didn't prepare for the jumpscare question.

Lesson to learn: Don't fall into a trap if firms remove app questions in the written app, usually it'll come up as a jumpscare. I have a feeling many law firms will follow Milbank next cycle, I'm praying this is our last cycle to secure TCs haha.

Still waiting for Weil, though I'm surprised as I applied early October too, but haven't heard back.

I don’t think they read the application questions until after stage 2. So it’s more likely you didn’t meet the benchmark for the SJT.

 

[Prudentia]

Still haven't heard back from Milbank post Stage-1. Should I assume PFo

When did you take it?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Still haven't heard back from Milbank post Stage-1. Should I assume PFo

Me neither..

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

wondering if anyone would have some advice as I am freaking out a bit - but I recently applied to a firm where I fully thought that I hadn't appplied before and so when that question came up on the application form, I stated that I hadnt. However, when I was searching for my previous application from a different firm, I saw that I did apply to this firm quite a few years ago but just totally forgot. Would anyone have any advice on what to do? I do not want to seem untruthful at all and maybe the firm has already realised it, but I am worried about seeming careless if I let them know now!

Hi @lawyer48205 I don't think this is much of a problem. Usually the ATS gets rid of historic applications after a certain while, which may be the case here. Even then, I think they ask if you've applied before more to see how recent it was, or whether you progressed to a certain stage - and yours was a few years and simple application form (so there is no risk there). Just nerves that don't need to be felt so don't worry.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I don’t think they read the application questions until after stage 2. So it’s more likely you didn’t meet the benchmark for the SJT.

I am wondering too, but why it takes so long to receive PFO. Just FYI I didn't finish the second app Qs and failed to click submit so that might explain the reasoning of my PFO. I thought you submitted close to deadline and clicked submit before the timer ends right?

Maybe they not assessed it based on the quality and accuracy, but about working quick, adaptive, and under pressure

 

[user123987]

I'd start by identifying any unique skills or strengths you have, and then linking it to what a law firm does and how that can benefit them - either on a micro or macro scale.

It's basically asking you "what skills would you bring to the firm as a trainee" or something along those lines - but I would also be wary of the word "future" - it may require you to be a bit forward-looking :3

Thank you!

 

[James Wakefield]

Did people receive a confirmation email after the second Milbank test?

Thanks!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

When did you take it?

14 Dec!

 

[Prudentia]

Did people receive a confirmation email after the second Milbank test?

Thanks!

I didn’t, but I emailed the support team and they said they had received it.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

can you submit an application with the same personal details but different email address? I've heard ppl do this before but question the legitimacy and success rate

You can, but what good will it achieve? Either they find out and both applications get withdrawn OR they don't find out and one day whilst you're enjoying the lavish life that an NQ salary got you, you're listening to "Sweet Fantasy by Mariah Carey" as you're walking your way through the busy streets of Farringdon and BOOM you notice an email from the the graduate recruitment partner, they want to talk about your application from years ago and the SRA have been notified. You panic, thinking what could it have been.... did you mess up a client file, did you misplace funds, did you lie on an email? No, all you did was send in two applications but for the SRA this was it! The next thing you know, your face is plastered all over Legal Cheek, and you're dealing with a penalty/bar from service. Goodbye career, goodbye mortgage, goodbye all that wasted effort to draft amazing applications. People will be scouring LinkedIn to see if they can put a face to that name...

But.... it probably won't get that far, although it is tempting ATS's have duplication systems that compare applicants for plagiarism, and personal details are flagged within this check.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Has anyone been seeing the amount of junior lawyers leaving to either go in-house or leaving big law altogether these past few days? Or maybe my LinkedIn algorithm is just biased lol. But it makes me wonder why... especially when I see people leaving the firms I'm currently fighting tooth and nail to get into lol.

Granted, it could just be their preference, a growing generational phenomenon, or wanting more of a work life balance etc., but it does make me worry that there might be something deeper...

Edit: and yes I know we tend to see more of these at this time of year since bonuses have been paid etc. but still makes me wonder haha

 

[Maria56]

I didn’t, but I emailed the support team and they said they had received it.

When did y do stage 1 and receive 2 if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hey @Wagamamas it depends on what you need exactly. Usually for this sort of test, people ask for extra time. If it's more of a visual need, then a different format for the assessment or an adjustment with regards the font/size of the question. It's pretty much a holistic conversation between you and graduate recruitment so that they can see if there are any changes they can make to the test to suit your needs and not vice versa.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

You can, but what good will it achieve? Either they find out and both applications get withdrawn OR they don't find out and one day whilst you're enjoying the lavish life that an NQ salary got you, you're listening to "Sweet Fantasy by Mariah Carey" as you're walking your way through the busy streets of Farringdon and BOOM you notice an email from the the graduate recruitment partner, they want to talk about your application from years ago and the SRA have been notified. You panic, thinking what could it have been.... did you mess up a client file, did you misplace funds, did you lie on an email? No, all you did was send in two applications but for the SRA this was it! The next thing you know, your face is plastered all over Legal Cheek, and you're dealing with a penalty/bar from service. Goodbye career, goodbye mortgage, goodbye all that wasted effort to draft amazing applications. People will be scouring LinkedIn to see if they can put a face to that name...

But.... it probably won't get that far, although it is tempting ATS's have duplication systems that compare applicants for plagiarism, and personal details are flagged within this check.

Me, knowing I have never done this, now panicking about the mere possibility that I somehow accidentally sent two applications and the SRA wants to end me:

 

[Winter]

What skills

You can, but what good will it achieve? Either they find out and both applications get withdrawn OR they don't find out and one day whilst you're enjoying the lavish life that an NQ salary got you, you're listening to "Sweet Fantasy by Mariah Carey" as you're walking your way through the busy streets of Farringdon and BOOM you notice an email from the the graduate recruitment partner, they want to talk about your application from years ago and the SRA have been notified. You panic, thinking what could it have been.... did you mess up a client file, did you misplace funds, did you lie on an email? No, all you did was send in two applications but for the SRA this was it! The next thing you know, your face is plastered all over Legal Cheek, and you're dealing with a penalty/bar from service. Goodbye career, goodbye mortgage, goodbye all that wasted effort to draft amazing applications. People will be scouring LinkedIn to see if they can put a face to that name...

But.... it probably won't get that far, although it is tempting ATS's have duplication systems that compare applicants for plagiarism, and personal details are flagged within this check.

I love this because this is the exact scenario that goes through my head everytime, like gosh, the stakes are so high in this field !

 

[Maria56]

Has anyone been seeing the amount of junior lawyers leaving to either go in-house or leaving big law altogether these past few days? Or maybe my LinkedIn algorithm is just biased lol. But it makes me wonder why... especially when I see people leaving the firms I'm currently fighting tooth and nail to get into lol.

Granted, it could just be their preference, a growing generational phenomenon, or wanting more of a work life balance etc., but it does make me worry that there might be something deeper...

Edit: and yes I know we tend to see more of these at this time of year since bonuses have been paid etc. but still makes me wonder haha

even liberty miles has quit her Big Law job; she was my favourite law tiktok influencer

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Very random but i was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for good commercial law podcasts that are accessible to juniors.

I already listen to the basic ones like the FT and economist news briefing, i want something that breaks down the issues in a more commercial way to help me understand the importance of certain things, learn key terms, how it fits into the wider picture....etc.

I listened to two of the legal cheek ones today (LOVE legal cheek) and icl it was SO bad lol. There was one on the mergers of firms and one on some recent news stories they suggest we know, but the actual podcast wasnt helpful (again LOVE legal cheek and all the writers no hate to them).

So just wondering if anyone has any suggestions instead of these.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

even liberty miles has quit her Big Law job; she was my favourite law tiktok influencer

Real ones remember where they were when Eve Cornwell announced she's leaving law

 

[Novaa]

You can, but what good will it achieve? Either they find out and both applications get withdrawn OR they don't find out and one day whilst you're enjoying the lavish life that an NQ salary got you, you're listening to "Sweet Fantasy by Mariah Carey" as you're walking your way through the busy streets of Farringdon and BOOM you notice an email from the the graduate recruitment partner, they want to talk about your application from years ago and the SRA have been notified. You panic, thinking what could it have been.... did you mess up a client file, did you misplace funds, did you lie on an email? No, all you did was send in two applications but for the SRA this was it! The next thing you know, your face is plastered all over Legal Cheek, and you're dealing with a penalty/bar from service. Goodbye career, goodbye mortgage, goodbye all that wasted effort to draft amazing applications. People will be scouring LinkedIn to see if they can put a face to that name...

But.... it probably won't get that far, although it is tempting ATS's have duplication systems that compare applicants for plagiarism, and personal details are flagged within this check.

WAIT THIS STORYTELLING!! Okaaaay Author Afraz

 

[sunnysan]

Anyone know if Watson Farley Williams mind WFW in applications just to save word count? If so, is it 'WFWs' or 'WFW'?

Hi do you have any insight on the WFW video interview