TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[KH7192]

Has White and Case got rid of their Winter Vac Scheme for this year?

 

[TheHamlet4]

When did you hear from Sidley Austin after submitting your application?

 

[Legal12345]

is clyde & co test automatic?

 

[Arod]

Hi everyone,

I’m happy to share information on the Dechert Stage 2 assessment, including the written exercise and critical judgement/reasoning assessment, in exchange for any insight into the video interview questions recently asked for:

• Macfarlanes
• Freshfields
• Latham & Watkins

Ideally, I'm looking for the questions from the current 2026/27 application cycle. (However, last year works too)

Feel free to DM me if you’d prefer to exchange privately. Thanks!

 

[wooliewoo]

How do you guys balance writing apps, online assessments, vi's etc., with working full time? I am so exhausted and its only the beginning

 

[FutureLawyer_]

How do you guys balance writing apps, online assessments, vi's etc., with working full time? I am so exhausted and its only the beginning

Loool same

 

[Arod]

Do you know if pre-recorded video interview questions are typically the same in different cycles, let's say 2025/6 and 2026/7? Also, are they the same for a TC and a VS?

 

[WillKitchen]

I'll be at Mishcon de Reya's London office on October 15th for the Black History Month event: https://www.mishcon.com/news/events/current/black-history-month-2026.

If anyone else is going and wants to say hello, do feel free. It would be great to meet more TCLA folks in person!

 

[phoenix11_]

Are there video questions in the Hogan Lovells’ test?

 

[nextgenlawyer03]

Hi, just a quick question. The NRF application has a work experience section and has 'role description' as the place you input specific details. There is no word count nor preference whether to write in prose as to the role. Should I speak about tasked with x, did y and resulted in z. Or a simple role description (what the main day to day obligations are)...any advice much appreciated.

 

[jamsparkle]

Does Linklaters send a feedback report after their online assessment?

 

[tabashtabash]

Did anyone else just get an email with a link to a feedback report for Macfarlanes stimulate assessment - but when I click on the link there are no personalised strengths/weaknesses but rather just a list of questions

 

[Maria56]

Anyone who applied to DLA Piper, did you receive a separate email with CRS? All I have is a confirmation of my application.

 

[nepheli1]

I applied on the 1st and still haven't heard back at all, not sure it's a great sign TB

When did you hear from Sidley Austin after submitting your application?

I applied on the 6th and got the assessment on the 17th

 

[Raihaan]

Hi all - anyone done the Pinsent Masons application yet?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

does it look bad to email a law firm and ask for an extension for one of the online tests? I'm on holiday and it would be better to do it when i'm back. any advice appreciated ! @Jaysen @Antoni Trochimowicz @Abbie Whitlock

Hi! Like another user said, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Some law firms are very strict on these things and will simply refuse, but it won't change the outcome of your application. However, I'm sure many would be receptive. Wishing you luck !

 

[amitonalfo]

hi! can anyone tell me what a 'good' amberjack result looks like?

 

[Novaa]

Hellooo!! So I've just quit my new job after 3 months to go back to my old one (they offered me my old role back with continuous service). I'm applying for VS/TCs this cycle and mentioned the new job on one application so far. Do I HAVE to include it on applications from now on, or is it okay to leave it off? Worried a 3-month stint looks flaky, but it just wasn't the right fit!

 

[Amelia.05]

Did people recieve confirmation after submitting Macfarlanes stage two? I never got an email to confirm submission

 

[Amelia.05]

Can anyone provide insight into Freshfields or Hogan Lovells stage two, in exchange for Macfarlanes stage two or Mills and Reeve?