TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rosie_Kitten]

WBD test is so fun and finally one that i don't feel distracted half way

It's nice to complete, but it also feels kinda BS as a test. I kind of worry with these sorts of tests that they miss many good qualities/objective ability.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Not 100% sure if I'm allowed to share - will say as soon as I know I can

Can you share some more details - e.g. International firm/national/regional, location (London or not), etc.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

V&E VI, does anyone know if this is selective?

Haven't gotten anything from them so probably

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

HL apparently started ACs last week, was catching up with a friend who has one!

for spring or summer ?

 

[T_03]

Not 100% sure if I'm allowed to share - will say as soon as I know I can

Oh congratulations regardless x

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

Can you share some more details - e.g. International firm/national/regional, location (London or not), etc.

Firm A - international Firm in London who have offered me a TC

Firm B - Freshfields

I have my Freshfields AC in 3 weeks time which massively clashes with the 7 day deadline given to me by Firm A, even if I were hear back from Freshfields immediately. Any thoughts would be massively appreciated!

 

[LH4]

WOOHOOO!! Congratulations!!
When did you submit your application?

I submitted like 20 minutes before the deadline lol, I think it was the 21st of Jan also i've never had a TI before if anyone has any tips it would be greatly appreciated

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can I use my last cycle's answer (verbatim) for the same question this year? It is about my interests outside of work/education/law. I made it to the next stage previously.
Any insights on this would be helpful. @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

There isn't necessarily one right answer to this, but I would personally avoid repeating your answers verbatim. However, it is completely acceptable to reuse the same motivations and general ideas within your answer, as these are unlikely to have changed over the past year. I would just have a re-read of your answer and try to find ways to tighten wording, or add any new examples from the past year that might be relevant

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Firm A - international Firm in London who have offered me a TC

Firm B - Freshfields

I have my Freshfields AC in 3 weeks time which massively clashes with the 7 day deadline given to me by Firm A, even if I were hear back from Freshfields immediately. Any thoughts would be massively appreciated!

This is so impressive you should be so proud of yourself!, I personally would ask for more time from firm A, committing to a firm is a big deal and the worst they can say is no! Well done again

 

[michelle ma]

Bakers VI post SJT!!! If you are willing to share some insights, please message me, THANK YOU!

 

[CamilaPG]

Does anyone have any insight for Vinson & Elkins video interview (Spark Hire)? And recruitment process in general for a VACS?

 

[Deleted member 43346]

for spring or summer ?

They only have winter and summer so summer

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , I was wondering if you had any advice on answering situational questions in interviews (e.g. "Imagine xyz happened, how would you react"). Is there a structure I could follow or any tips to keep in mind? Thanks so much

Hello!

For situational questions, I'd say that the graduate recruitment team (or the interviewers) are usually looking at how you think, rather than a "perfect" answer - this means that a light structure can really help keep you focused!

In the past, I have approached it through:

• Start by showing you understand the situation and any competing pressures (e.g. clients, deadlines, risk, etc.).
• Then talk the interviewers through how you would prioritise and respond in practice - this could involve gathering the relevant facts, checking any guidance, and communicating with people where needed. It also helps to explain why you're taking those steps, as this helps the interviewers understand your thought process.

Some more general tips:

• Try not to rush into a solution (and I have been guilty of this in the past!) - it's absolutely okay to pause and think out loud, and talk the interviewers through the steps that you might consider
• Acknowledge any uncertainty or where you would require additional information - you could show that you would ask questions or seek support from others where appropriate
• Link your response to the firm's values - this helps to tailor and personalise your answer to this specific firm

If you can, you could also reference a previous experience that you have had where you did something similar (e.g. "I've faced something similar in X, so I'd approach it by..."). This can help make your answer feel more authentic - however, it is not necessary, and I would avoid trying to force a link!

I hope that assists, and best of luck

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

This is so impressive you should be so proud of yourself!, I personally would ask for more time from firm A, committing to a firm is a big deal and the worst they can say is no! Well done again

Thank you, definitely going to speak to Firm A on this front and see what happens!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock Hi I haven't heard back from GD at ALL since my application + automatic test. Would you recommend emailing them? I applied 18 Dec.

Hey!

I'd say it's fine to send a polite email if you are worried, but they may be working their way through applications in batches - I'm sure you'll hear back soon!

 

[S0l1c1t0r]

I had my Skadden interview this morning, and I’m not sure I did well. I do have a few doubts/questions about the interview process, though, and I’d really appreciate the help of anyone who has already gone through it.

If you don't mind me asking, what was your interview like?

 

[sooae]

I had my Skadden interview this morning, and I’m not sure I did well. I do have a few doubts/questions about the interview process, though, and I’d really appreciate the help of anyone who has already gone through it.

I did it. Not sure I can help but you can pm me

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

So update - no V&E response, no Morgan Lewis, no PW...
I feel like firms are purposefully conspiring to stress me out the most lmao

 

[SamiyaJ]

The WBD SJT email says it takes 5 minutes to complete?? Does anyone have an insight on this?

I’m in a VS WhatsApp group and someone said this:

“If it’s like the neurosight I’ve done before it was like a sentence appears on screen like what’s most important to you/would you rather type quick Qs and there’s four answers to choose from, you hover on one of them and it submits straight away to next Q to try catch ur first instinct”

 

[S0l1c1t0r]

I had my Skadden interview this morning, and I’m not sure I did well. I do have a few doubts/questions about the interview process, though, and I’d really appreciate the help of anyone who has already gone through it.

Hi there, if you don't mind me asking what was your interview like?