TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[qwerty!]

Thank you!! They said and I quote: “We will review your assessment once it is received, however all outcomes will be communicated in February”

Hopefully you’ll get some good news then!!

We will review your assessment once it is received, however all outcomes will be communicated in February. Thank you for your patience whilst we do this.

Assuming so acs have been given out for summer vs?

ooo I see thanks so much! and @radssss I applied for spring vs so not sure

 

[radssss]

I AM SOOOOO HAPPY BCOS OMGGG I HATE VIs

Pinch me because are u sure they review the apps as well as the vi + chatbot??

 

[YYmasterTC]

Mischon sjt finally!!

Does anyone know if they review apps before sending this or they just review the ai chat and the app is checked at a later stage?

I think they check both before sending SJT

 

[M_m]

Is the Mishcon SJT automatic? I remember reading somewhere on the forum that the firm said it was selective at an OD, but didn’t everyone receive the SJT for spring?

 

[summersun]

Does anyone know whether the SJT for Mishcon is timed? Thanks

 

[Chak]

Has anyone heard from MdR post SJT for Spring?

 

[YYmasterTC]

Does anyone know whether the SJT for Mishcon is timed? Thanks

Its not timed but it says to complete it in like an hour or something - so best to complete it in the time mentioned

 

[Bbhu19]

anyone heard from Perkins Coie?

Perkins becoming the new baker mckenzie

 

[qwerty!]

Is the Mishcon SJT automatic? I remember reading somewhere on the forum that the firm said it was selective at an OD, but didn’t everyone receive the SJT for spring?

did everyone receive it for spring? i thought it was selective too

 

[J1234]

Does anyone know if Mishcon SJT involves as VI as well?

 

[summersun]

did everyone receive it for spring? i thought it was selective too

I received it for Summer. I don't know if it is automatic but it does seem to depend on when people sent their applications (did the AI test in mid november).

 

[yasmars]

did everyone receive it for spring? i thought it was selective too

Not everyone received it for spring.

 

[fTS3002]

Guys, for those who progressed to the VI stage at Baker McKenzie, could you please let me know what scores you got?
I ended up getting 4,7,9,9. I'm not really sure how I feel about the 4 lol

 

[RJ Ruban]

Any insight to Mishcon SJT? Is it just a generic one?

 

[RJ Ruban]

I received it for Summer. I don't know if it is automatic but it does seem to depend on when people sent their applications (did the AI test in mid november).

Same here

 

[tjeya26]

When I was rejected from the placement last year they automatically considered me for the TC

Thank you so much. That makes a lot of sense.

 

[agx]

Does anyone have any tips for amberjack situational judgement? Its these I keep doing really poorly on and really would like to not fail on SJTs.

 

[a1289]

Any insight to Mishcon SJT? Is it just a generic one?

Just generic amberjack I think

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

what is the difference between a skill, a characteristic, a trait, a culture etc etc.. Trying to write my answer to the Ropes&Gray question but I am not sure how broad to go in defining a characteristic. Should I mention more basic things like collaboration, communication or excellent client service or be more precise with things like expertise and value of AI or analytical precision?

Hello!

This is a great question - the way that I would split them up is:

1. A skill is something that you can actively do (e.g. legal analysis or drafting)
2. A trait or characteristics is more about how you tend to behave or think when using those skills (e.g. collaborative, analytical, or commercially minded)
3. Culture describes the shared values and expectations of the organisation as a whole (e.g. how people at this specific organisation typically work together and what the firm rewards in practice).

For the Ropes & Gray question, I would say it's best to strike a balance - you don't need to list very generic qualities alone (such as "good communication"), but you also shouldn't go so narrow that you sound overly technical. I'd aim to discuss some broader qualities that show you would be a strong trainee generally, while also highlighting a few more specific characteristics that Ropes & Gray particularly values.

Best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I applied to Gibson Dunn's TC. I think I'm cooked, but hey.. I see Travers Smith on the list too but they're still considering 2027 TC this cycle, hopefully it's not accurate. A&P too

I wouldn't assume you're cooked just because they hire predominantly from VS! Whilst vacation schemes do tend to be the main route for firms offering TCs, plenty of candidates secure a TC through the direct route when the odds are statistically low! I secured my TC at Reed Smith last cycle in their first cycle of taking DTC applicants, and I'm by no means the perfect candidate on paper

Ultimately, you miss every opportunity you don't take - it's always worth applying to the firm if you are genuinely motivated to work there, despite the odds!