TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[STEM Student]

Hi guys,

I have been invited for a video interview for NRF for the summer 2025 vac scheme. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for preparing for them. What kind of questions do they ask?

 

[Anonymous3444543]

How did others find the Willkie Written Ex?

Alright but hope I’m spared with the typos as I didn’t have much time left

 

[kelisi88]

you can't be serious, i got 7318 for the pw amberjack. seriously this test is an abomination whoever created it has probably never touched grass.
edit: nvm, thought they were out of 10. i got 6317, even better!! 😍

 

[johnnysins]

Is it worth it to apply for Direct Training Contracts as a penultimate year student? How successful would we be compared to graduates or finalists?

 

[Chris Brown]

you can't be serious, i got 7318 for the pw amberjack. seriously this test is an abomination whoever created it has probably never touched grass.

I agree whoever invented the amberjack SJT test needs to go outside and touch some grass because what was that it was so hard. 🥲

If Paul from Paul, Weiss is seeing this though I promise I am a nice, friendly and collaborative person in real life!

 

[rapunzel]

i didn't take that initiative unfortunately, i had too much trust in them! not sure how else to take this message in their email other than not taking the assessment, even if it was due...

'If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email us on ukearlycareers@freshfields.com to let us know what adjustments you require. We will consider your particular needs and implement any reasonable adjustments as far as possible. Please do not attempt to complete the test until you have heard back from us.'

Yeah a lot of law firms say that in their email I just ignore it because response rates for a lot of firms are very slow nowadays. I just do it to get free practice in anyways even if I do end up with an PFO 😭

 

[rapunzel]

With all this discourse on adjustments I must say that I was extremely impressed with PwC’s process where you just submit evidence on your portal and it automatically gives you adjustments on your tests and interviews.

 

[simplyfaith]

you can't be serious, i got 7318 for the pw amberjack. seriously this test is an abomination whoever created it has probably never touched grass.
edit: nvm, thought they were out of 10. i got 6317, even better!! 😍

Two billion dollar firm btw 👍

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys,

I have been invited for a video interview for NRF for the summer 2025 vac scheme. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for preparing for them. What kind of questions do they ask?

I have found some useful posts describing candidates' interview experiences which will give you an idea as to what to expect:

• An older post with a general interview experience
• A 2020 thread discussing telephone interview experiences
• A 2025 post on a telephone interview experience (available via the premium database)

 

[Whopsydopey567]

In a bit of a situation.
I had to complete a Watson Glaser test for an AC tomorrow, the deadline for it was meant to be before the AC. When the email for it was sent 2 days ago, I could see a "take test" button on all hires, however, when I logged in tonight to complete the test, it disappeared and was replaced with a refresh test button. Emailed GradRec and Allhires Support. It, however, is 1 am, and I do not know what to do. Does anyone on the forum who has had something similar happen have any advice/ideas on what I can do?

 

[Paul Jules Steullet]

In a bit of a situation.
I had to complete a Watson Glaser test for an AC tomorrow, the deadline for it was meant to be before the AC. When the email for it was sent 2 days ago, I could see a "take test" button on all hires, however, when I logged in tonight to complete the test, it disappeared and was replaced with a refresh test button. Emailed GradRec and Allhires Support. It, however, is 1 am, and I do not know what to do. Does anyone on the forum who has had something similar happen have any advice/ideas on what I can do?

Which firm?

 

[BobThebIlly]

Is it worth it to apply for Direct Training Contracts as a penultimate year student? How successful would we be compared to graduates or finalists?

I want to know this too. I’m not sure if I should wait until the next cycle to really understand the firm because I know that some firms won’t look at candidates who were already rejected from them

 

[LB24]

Are there still a lot of people who applied to Addleshaw Goddard but are now waiting to hear back about being invited to a VI? I see there’s people who have progressed to AC but I’m wondering if it’s just a few fast tracked people.

I emailed them to ask for an update since I haven’t heard back post-critical thinking test either!

They said they are still screening applicants and will be in touch within 10 weeks of the application closing date. I applied for Manchester if that’s any use.