TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

How long does it usually take to submit a good application?

It took me 3 whole days to complete one application and IDK if I'm doing it right. It's exhausting.

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - three days for a single application isn't unusual at all! A good-quality application can take quite a bit of time, especially if you're tailoring your answers and revising them to ensure their clear and consistent.

It's actually a really great sign that you're putting in the effort - most strong applications aren't done in one sitting. Over time, you'll probably get faster as you reuse parts of past applications and refine your approach / writing technique.

If you're feeling exhausted (and it definitely is a tiring process!), try breaking the process into smaller stages (research, drafting, proofreading) and spread them over a few days. This helps make the application process feel more manageable.

You're definitely not doing it "wrong" - it just takes practice to find your own rhythm

 

[cheeseontoast]

Please feel free to reach out to me post 28th October, I shall share you the significant things I learnt from Insight Day!

Omg that's so nice of you! Thank you, and i will reach out to you after 28th October! Really appreciate the help x

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

AS CAC Semi Finals invite. Anyone else pick Reed Smith?

Congrats!! I'm also going to complete the semi-finals at Reed Smith

 

[themilleniumemperor]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

Are the video responses based on the materials they give you or is it just a regular interview with motivation/ behavior questions?

 

[emily3827]

the simmons test was sooo exhausting was fighting for my life by the vi’s lol

 

[DavidJC]

See you there!! Huge well done to you both and best of luck @johnsmith

Grats and well done to everyone who's made it! I'll be there at Mayer Brown too!

 

[watson_glazer]

88th percentile for linklaters WG but nothing back

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Are the video responses based on the materials they give you or is it just a regular interview with motivation/ behavior questions?

Based on materials given

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello!

There are many different formats a written exercise can take, which can make it challenging to prepare for them all. In the past, I've had to produce reports, legal notes, and memos, among others. However, client emails (and internal emails to supervisors) tend to be some of the most common formats - I've encountered more of those than any other type of document. Developing a good understanding of the appropriate tone and structure for a client email is especially valuable, as it's very likely to feature in a written exercise.

If you'd like, I can go into more detail on how to prepare effectively for that format - just give me a shout! Best of luck!

That would be great @Abbie Whitlock. Thank you so muchhh!!!!!!

 

[lawyersum]

the simmons test was sooo exhausting was fighting for my life by the vi’s lol

is the Simmons test timed/ do they take time into consideration? In the email it says 30 mins but it sounds longer than that…

 

[emily3827]

is the Simmons test timed/ do they take time into consideration? In the email it says 30 mins but it sounds longer than that…

not sure !! none of it had timed elements but not sure if they take time into consideration! pretty sure it took me longer than half an hour and i’m usually quite quick on tests - it’s just bc there’s a mix of sjt and numerical questions which took me a while and then the untimed vi

 

[lawyersum]

not sure !! none of it had timed elements but not sure if they take time into consideration! pretty sure it took me longer than half an hour and i’m usually quite quick on tests - it’s just bc there’s a mix of sjt and numerical questions which took me a while and then the untimed vi

that's good to know! thank you! also, first the email says we have 10 calendar days then if you scroll down it says 5 day deadline. think i should just complete it today to avoid confusion as today is the fifth day since the invitation. firms harking on about attention to detail but don't practice what they preach ahh

 

[johnsmith]

that's good to know! thank you! also, first the email says we have 10 calendar days then if you scroll down it says 5 day deadline. think i should just complete it today to avoid confusion as today is the fifth day since the invitation. firms harking on about attention to detail but don't practice what they preach ahh

Maybe it's a test

 

[lawyersum]

Maybe it's a test

new level unlocked

 

[BealMcAlly]

not sure !! none of it had timed elements but not sure if they take time into consideration! pretty sure it took me longer than half an hour and i’m usually quite quick on tests - it’s just bc there’s a mix of sjt and numerical questions which took me a while and then the untimed vi

Untimed VI sounds like a double edged sword. How did you find the VI? Predictable?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

 

[johnsmith]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

Up there with the toughest due to the way the time limit is structured - definitely check out their hub!

Untimed VI sounds like a double edged sword. How did you find the VI? Predictable?

The unlimited prep was good - I employed @Abbie Whitlock's method of recording before, and I definitely felt I gave stronger answers as a result.

 

[c.t.tc]

that's good to know! thank you! also, first the email says we have 10 calendar days then if you scroll down it says 5 day deadline. think i should just complete it today to avoid confusion as today is the fifth day since the invitation. firms harking on about attention to detail but don't practice what they preach ahh

I emailed them to ask and they confirmed we have the 10 days

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

I would say it feels like quite a hard test to take but you end up doing better than you thought - I would say personally I found it harder than your classic WG but it's a very similar style!

 

[lawyersum]

I emailed them to ask and they confirmed we have the 10 days

omg you're a life saver thank you for sharing!! i can now officially postpone it until tomorrow for no other reason than my chronic procrastination