TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[jamsparkle]

If anyone applied for the Latham (october) open day last year, how long did it take to get sent the stage 2 assessment after completing stage 1?

 

[user55998384]

If anyone applied for the Latham (october) open day last year, how long did it take to get sent the stage 2 assessment after completing stage 1?

i dont think they have sent any stage 2s yet

 

[jamsparkle]

i dont think they have sent any stage 2s yet

Yeah I was just wondering because last year I got the stage 2 almost instantly after doing the first test

 

[jamsparkle]

Is the Milbank stage 1 timed?

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Is it still worth applying to Ashurst Perkins Coie this far in?

 

[tldrba]

Is it still worth applying to Ashurst Perkins Coie this far in?

Ashurst is not open for applications right now, and they are non-rolling. They send out online assessments to everyone at once after the deadline. The discussions re online assessments you see on the forum relate to Winter VS applications, which closed on 11 September. Summer VS applications open on 28 September.

 

[Amelia.05]

Any advice for Macfarlanes stage 2? Happy to share for Hogan Lovells, Ashurst and Freshfields

 

[user55998384]

hi guys, cna someone pls direct me on the NRF app process for the OD. so they ask you to upload a cv and cover letter (is this to be the same word count as for the vs) and then they also have a work experience section so do you j list out CV experiences in prose? would be greatful for any guidance

 

[qur1]

Hi, has anyone completed the Mills & Reeve online assessment? How did you find it, especially the video questions?

 

[rose06]

does anyone know how strict firms like ff are now with changing tabs and using ai during the cappfinity assessments

I always wondered regarding the tabs. Last year, I did cappfinity with another similar firm, and a friend called me on WhatsApp during - this essentially resulted in me exiting the browser.
Later, I received genuinely a really good report - like top 10% or better across each criteria. Didn’t get to next stage. Might be that my application form was just bad, but also could be that browser thing! I’d def not do any of that

 

[Amelia.05]

anyone have insights into mills and Reeves video questions -especially the timed one - is it motivational, sj or competency? And also Mayer brown - any insight would be helpful. I am happy to share about Hogan Lovells, Macfarlanes stage 2, Freshfields, HSFK, Latham and Watkins test.

Hi, did you do it? Do you habe any insight on Mills and Reeve or Macfarlanes stage two please?

 

[rose06]

If anyone applied for the Latham (october) open day last year, how long did it take to get sent the stage 2 assessment after completing stage 1?

I applied last year for their October one. Just tried checking emails, and while I can’t find the specific date when I got stage 2, it was definitely a gap of at least a week. I wouldn’t worry

 

[s4ndy]

Anyone heard about Hogan Lovells Cadwalader winter vac stage 2 assessment?

 

[supernovna]

How long should Gibson Dunn's cover letter be? It seems difficult to stick to the one-page rule whilst covering everything. This is what it asks:

"Please write a cover letter addressing the following areas:

• What attracts you to Gibson Dunn and the office to which you are applying.
• Why you want to become a solicitor.
• An outstanding personal achievement through which you added value to either your academic or working environment.
• Details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility, or other noteworthy achievements that support your application.

Please note that the letter does not need to be addressed to any individual."

@Antoni Trochimowicz @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner @nicole1907 @AvocadoAtLaw @Angel1093

 

[sagekensuke]

How long should Gibson Dunn's cover letter be? It seems difficult to stick to the one-page rule whilst covering everything. This is what it asks:

"Please write a cover letter addressing the following areas:

• What attracts you to Gibson Dunn and the office to which you are applying.
• Why you want to become a solicitor.
• An outstanding personal achievement through which you added value to either your academic or working environment.
• Details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility, or other noteworthy achievements that support your application.

Please note that the letter does not need to be addressed to any individual."

@Antoni Trochimowicz @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner @nicole1907 @AvocadoAtLaw @Angel1093

There’s a 650 word limit on allhires

 

[Saul_specter]

Anyone heard from an and o for winter vac scheme?

 

[tcla02]

anyone else who didn’t get the mb test yet? i applied on 15 sep

 

[alanshore]

How does HSFK's feedback report work? Seems like I somehow scored badly in all the competencies.

 

[alanshore]

anyone else who didn’t get the mb test yet? i applied on 15 sep

MB as in Milbank?

 

[anon78365222111]

MB as in Milbank?

Maybe Mayer Brown but yeah I got both tests they’re both automated