TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[vacschemes]

does anyone know if you have to complete a&o's online assessment before the deadline?

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

If helpful, the online-tests guide has a firm-by-firm table with Cappfinity and Arctic Shores entries. Some rows only identify the test type, so it isn't a complete list by provider.

OMG this is so helpful thanks a lot.

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

does anyone know if you have to complete a&o's online assessment before the deadline?

Yes, both the application and test need to be completed before the deadline.

 

[trainee1012]

When answering VIs, is it OK to look at the notes I write during prep time? Or is it preferred I just speak to the camera the whole time (obvs not reading them, but occasional glances when referring to a deal the firm worked on, for example).

 

[rose06]

When answering VIs, is it OK to look at the notes I write during prep time? Or is it preferred I just speak to the camera the whole time (obvs not reading them, but occasional glances when referring to a deal the firm worked on, for example).

In my experience, occasional glances are okay! you probably won’t do it too much anyways if the prep time is limited - there’s only so much you can note down in under 2 mins

 

[Novaa]

Also, for VIs with unlimited prep time, has anyone actually used it to the max (e.g. switching tabs to check research notes, looking down to make notes) and still progressed?

I had one with unlimited prep time last cycle and was too scared to switch tabs, so I just stayed on the screen looking like this:

 

[jamsparkle]

Also, for VIs with unlimited prep time, has anyone actually used it to the max (e.g. switching tabs to check research notes, looking down to make notes) and still progressed?

I had one with unlimited prep time last cycle and was too scared to switch tabs, so I just stayed on the screen looking like this:

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared

 

[stylishlawgirl]

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared

are a&o shearman questions unlimited prep time?

 

[Novaa]

A&O Shearman told us the questions in a webinar this year after the VS apps opened - I think they are expecting you to use the opportunity to research to the fullest because when you're actively choosing to press record you're saying that this is the best answer you can give/you are fully prepared

Thank you so much!! That makes a lot of sense when it's broken down like that.

Did they give any tips on how to structure answers, or what they're looking for in a strong response?

 

[Novaa]

are a&o shearman questions unlimited prep time?

Oui!!

 

[Mayah123]

Freshfields stage 2, though. Hopefully goes smoothly

Will this be a mix of SJTs or WG?

 

[abc124]

Does anyone have insight into whether A&O uses a cutoff for their amberjack and eg if you don’t clear it they don’t review the vi?

I’m happy with my app and the VI but as always, defeated by the amberjack, based on my research I got mostly 5s/6s and could be worse ofc since they don’t give the scores…

 

[rose06]

Will this be a mix of SJTs or WG?

stage 2 is a mix of SJT and video interview questions

 

[trainee1012]

In my experience, occasional glances are okay! you probably won’t do it too much anyways if the prep time is limited - there’s only so much you can note down in under 2 mins

Thank you !!

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

guys does anyone know if sullcrom as a word count for its cl , its not mentioned anywhere @Antoni Trochimowicz

 

[LawInTheNorth]

I'm assuming that no written exercise invite from Ashurst means PFO?

 

[Novaa]

I'm assuming that no written exercise invite from Ashurst means PFO?

Part of me thinks no, because you never know how firms are running things. But another part of me is giving them till Wednesday, maybe Friday. If nothing, I'm protecting my peace.

 

[eajones]

Hi! could anyone share some insight about all about law commercial awareness competition? How much work does it require/how good does it look for firms? I have signed up but unsure if I should go ahead with it

 

[vacschemes]

is ashurst rolling?

 

[tosin4774]

Has anyone made it pass the app stage for Sullcrom with ok Alevels?