TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

please please please can someone link the post made by either @Andrei Radu , @Ram Sabaratnam or @Amma Usman on how to approach certain sjt questions — it was very helpful and gave examples of certain scenarios, but now I cannot find it for the life of me

Hi @theonecompetant I will list bellow some of the psychometric test resources I have found.

For free WG practice tests, see:

• Clifford Chance Free Practice Test
• The Lawyer Portal Free Practice Test
• Pearson Free Practice Test
• Practice Aptitude Tests Free Practice Test
• Assessment Day Free Practice Test

For free SJT practice tests, see:

• A list with multiple links to free SJT tests
• Lawtests free SJT test
• Assessment Day free SJT test
• A useful Lawyer Poral article breaking down SJTs

For WG/SJT/other tests resources available on a subscription/fee basis, look at:

• TCLA's excellent course on the WG test
• Practice Aptitude Tests full subscription packages

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) can definitely feel a bit tricky at first. I remember finding them quite challenging when I was applying. It took me a little while to figure out how to approach them effectively, but there were a couple of things that really helped me, and I hope they’ll help you too.

One thing I’d recommend is going onto the firm’s website and making a note of the values, behaviours, and qualities they emphasise in their recruitment materials. Keep these in front of you when you’re doing the test, as they’ll give you a strong sense of what the firm is looking for in a candidate. You'll want to have a think about how to connect those values to the answers you choose. For example, if a firm like Latham (just as an example) highlights an entrepreneurial spirit, then answers that focus on independent thinking and creative problem-solving might rank higher. On the other hand, responses that suggest relying heavily on others for direction might rank lower. Thinking in this way really helped me make sense of what firms were looking for, especially when I was feeling confused.

I also found this video by Idin Sabahipour incredibly useful. I hope these tips help, and good luck with everything you’re working on!

Good luck with the SJTs!

Honestly, there’s no exact formula for smashing SJTs, and I think it’s so important to remember that! A lot of people fall into the trap of trying to pick the answers they think the firm wants to hear, but, in reality, it’s more about how you instinctively respond to business scenarios and your approach to problem-solving. Trust your intuition, it’s more reliable than you think because you already have a general sense of what’s right in a workplace context.

I know people often say to keep the firm’s values in mind while doing SJTs, which is good. However, sometimes it can backfire. If you spend too much time overthinking how to align your answers to their values, you risk running out of time. Most firms value things like proactivity, intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness, and teamwork - you don’t need to stress trying to memorise or focus solely on those. Trust that your instincts already factor these in because they’re a given in professional settings.

One trend I’ve noticed in SJTs is the “demanding deadlines” scenario, like when you’re already swamped, and someone asks you to take on another task. It’s tempting to say “yes” to show you’re proactive, but in reality, a professional workplace values honesty and prioritisation. It’s often better to acknowledge your capacity and explain why you can’t take on extra work without risking the quality of your other tasks. Being upfront shows self-awareness and professionalism.

At the end of the day, SJTs test how you’d navigate realistic situations, so trust your gut.

Best wishes and I know you’ll do amazing!

I don’t know what the specific post is that you are trying to find, but I did find these posts which I think could be potentially useful! 🙂🙂

SJT’s are actually so difficult because there is never a single right answer! 🥲🥲

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Winston & Strawn's application system makes me deeply unsure whether I actually submitted it... No confirmation emails or anything

 

[AlegalA]

so sorry about this guys - which office was this for?

London

 

[simplyfaith]

Just submitted ropes and gray and speedran a shoosmiths application 🤣

Nothing beats the rush of slapping in whatever cookie cutter responses you have lying around, for an application closing in 8 minutes

 

[toad92]

nrf pfo because i couldn't press p and q quick enough... maybe for the best lmaoo

 

[toad92]

Nothing beats the rush of slapping in whatever cookie cutter responses you have lying around, for an application closing in 8 minutes

nothing beats the rush of realising at 11:30pm there are in fact 7 questions to complete for k&l gates work placement and not 4

 

[anonymous2002]

Any insights on Mishcon AC? It's my first assessment centre, so kind of anxious

 

[SSR27]

Does anyone have any tips regarding NRF video interview? Please PM honestly, super nerve-wrecking its my first application response back that's positive so I am quite new to this!

 

[jta227]

Any insights on Mishcon AC? It's my first assessment centre, so kind of anxious

Congrats! Is this for Spring or Summer?
(I don't have Mishcon-specific insights as I'm still waiting for VI 😭)

 

[jta227]

Does anyone have any tips regarding NRF video interview? Please PM honestly, super nerve-wrecking its my first application response back that's positive so I am quite new to this!

Congrats! Just curious, was this for the summer scheme? How close to the deadline did you apply, if so?

 

[Amma Usman]

I don’t know what the specific post is that you are trying to find, but I did find these posts which I think could be potentially useful! 🙂🙂

SJT’s are actually so difficult because there is never a single right answer! 🥲🥲

Another tip for SJTs is to factor out the wrong answers first in your head. It’s sort of like how you do in a multiple choice. It’s like you’re playing a game. By choosing the answers that are obviously wrong first, you place yourself in a position where whatever you pick, is likely to be correct (or at least more correct than the rest of the bulk)!

@Bread @Chris Brown

 

[BreadandButter]

This is so impressive! Would you mind sharing a tidbit of your application strategy?

Apply to firms you have an interest in
Use a case to strengthen your answer
I did not attend open days as I was busy
Use your experiences to show you have the skills of a trainee
I do not say um when speaking in video interviews I breathe/pause or say and
Smile in video interviews show you are enjoying answering the question asked

 

[BreadandButter]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 3 rejections

HSF VS

Dechert WE, Macfarlanes AC and W&C VI rejection

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters and Goodwin.

I have done Akin AC, HSF AC and Macfarlanes AC.

Any advice for AG AC?

 

[elena11]

Haven’t heard back post VI for Mishcon - should I assume PFO?

 

[emma.d]

Hi, I hope everyone is well. I had a few questions about written exercises related to performing due diligence on a target company during an acquisition and would be grateful for any insight.

1) Is the typical structure focused on identifying risks and then providing solutions?

2) Is it wise to include news stories that could impact risks and solutions? For example, if there’s an employment-related issue, would it be useful to consider any recent employment legislation that might affect it?

3) Is it just legal and commercial considerations that need to be taken into account? Could anyone provide some factors that are important to consider?

I've never done something like this so just feeling super confused as to what I'll actually have to do and the structure. Thank you!

 

[Legalstalker]

Hi, I hope everyone is well. I had a few questions about written exercises related to performing due diligence on a target company during an acquisition and would be grateful for any insight.

1) Is the typical structure focused on identifying risks and then providing solutions?

2) Is it wise to include news stories that could impact risks and solutions? For example, if there’s an employment-related issue, would it be useful to consider any recent employment legislation that might affect it?

3) Is it just legal and commercial considerations that need to be taken into account? Could anyone provide some factors that are important to consider?

I've never done something like this so just feeling super confused as to what I'll actually have to do and the structure. Thank you!

Ngl a lot of people are taking the WIllkie written exercise; no one can dissect the brief overview Gemma has given for you. It is up to you how you approach this. It is important to remember this exercise will replicate the work trainees will do! Just try your best; you made it this far, so you are more than capable! Good luck!!!!

 

[lawgirlintheworld]

anyone make it past HSF assessment centre for the spring scheme 2025?

 

[rain2801]

Does Milbank even give PFOs? I didn't even get a test and people are done with ACs here as well 😭

 

[Zaraa.x]

Anyone else not received NRF VI or do you think they send out invites in batches?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Did anyone who did the Gateley Cappfinity assessment not get a confirmation email? Cappfinity or the firm usually confirm submission but I haven’t get a confirmation email.