Hey, I would say thats a good amount of time if they help you progress of course! I take approx 2/2 and a half days for one (they are exhausting though I do agree)
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Of course, no problem at all!!
Since client emails are such a common format in written exercises, it's definitely worth getting comfortable with how to approach them! A few things that I kept in mind when preparing:
Understand the Purpose and Audience
Before you start writing, clarify who you are writing to (e.g. a client, supervisor, or a colleague) and what information they need from you. The tone, level of formality, and structure will vary depending on whether it's an internal email or an email to an external client.
For example, if you are emailing a client, you want to ensure that they are able to understand any legal principles that you are outlining in your email. As such, it's important to make sure you write it in layman's terms and don't just recite the information given in the materials. However, if you are emailing a supervisor, I would focus on highlighting the most important pieces of information as you are effectively trying to save them time in going through the materials themselves. I would always aim to write in a professional way, and frame it like you would an actual email - such as a subject line and a closing sentence.
Use a Clear and Logical Structure
The main thing that I changed when approaching written exercises was making sure that I had a clear and logical structure. A good client email should be easy to follow. A simple structure could look like:
- Opening: A brief, polite greeting and context for why you're writing (and what you'll be discussing in the email). If you're emailing a supervisor, it might be useful to include a short summary of your findings at the top (i.e. an early conclusion), and then go into more detail below.
- Main Body: Summarise the key points or advice clearly and concisely, using short paragraphs. It might be appropriate to use headings and subtitles, especially if there is a lot of information. The goal is to make sure that the client can follow along, and that it isn't just a massive wall of text that is difficult to read.
- Closing: End with next steps, an offer of assistance, or a polite sign-off (e.g. "Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further"). These elements distinguish an email exercise from a general report or memo, and shows that you are following the brief exactly! If you are emailing a supervisor, I would try to show some proactivity in the closing parts - such as offering to write a first draft of a document or client email.
Keep your tone professional and approachable
I would aim for clear, confident language without being overly formal (but still professional). This can be tricky, but phrases such as "I'd recommend..." or "It may be helpful..." strike a nice balance. Avoid overly technical language or long-winded phrasing - simplicity often conveys professionalism! As stated above, I would definitely avoid legal jargon if you are writing to a client, unless you are certain that a client would understand it.
Also remember that tone can shift slightly depending on the client's relationship with the firm. If you are told this information, a longstanding client might suit a warmer tone, whilst a first-time contact may call for a more formal approach. However, if in doubt, I would always go for a more formal approach - especially in a professional context!
Be precise and client-focused
Remember the purpose for why you are actually writing to the client, and tailor your response to the client's actual issue. I would avoid copying large chunks of background information from the brief (as the client will already have this information!) - instead, demonstrate understanding of their issue by reframing the key points in your own words and applying them directly to the client's situation. Make sure to keep your advice practical - clients care more about what they should do next than about the legal theory behind it. You might find it useful to use signposting phrases such as "In summary..." or "Based on the information provided..." to make your reasoning easy to follow. If there are uncertainties, I would make sure to address them but be reassuring - e.g. "Further details would be needed to confirm this position, but at this stage...".
Check for clarity and tone at the end
Before your time runs out, take a moment to review your email. I always found it helpful to read it aloud (if possible) or follow along with my finger - this helps you catch sentences that are too long, unclear, or sound abrupt. Look for opportunities to simplify, and if a sentence takes more than one breath to read, it's probably too long! Make sure your sign-off fits the context (things such as "Kind regards" or "Best wishes" usually work best). The graduate recruitment team / assessors will be looking for professionalism in formatting and presentation - consistent spacing, clear paragraphing, and correct spelling and grammar will all make a strong impression.
As a practical tip to practice: You could start by taking short case studies and draft sample emails that summarise your advice in 200-300 words. This helps you get used to organising your thoughts quickly and writing in a professional, accessible way.
I hope that helps!
Thanks a lot for the insights Abbie 🙂♥️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
Hi!!
I just practiced with AI Video Interview Coach at TCLA, but never got 5/5 in any aspects, mostly got 2 or 3, and their feedback is too general and wondering if there is an example of videos when someone got 5/5.
I am so struggling due to fillers and articulation which always reduce my points.
I am wondering about the human assessment by the grad rec, do they care about them as well or prefer innate speech and authenticity than scripted and memorised answers?
I just practiced with AI Video Interview Coach at TCLA, but never got 5/5 in any aspects, mostly got 2 or 3, and their feedback is too general and wondering if there is an example of videos when someone got 5/5.
I am so struggling due to fillers and articulation which always reduce my points.
I am wondering about the human assessment by the grad rec, do they care about them as well or prefer innate speech and authenticity than scripted and memorised answers?
Does everybody include extra-curriculars in their work experience? - this firm doesn't have a separate extracurriculars section or questions that ask for it.
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That’s crazy! I’m convinced I’m toast but there doesn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason. When did you apply? Huge congrats!🙌
Can anyone who have done CC WGT tell me if it has a video interview?
And how similar it's percentile is to their test percentile.
And how similar it's percentile is to their test percentile.
Depends on the law firm.
Some firms (especially the ones using Vantage) explicitly asks you to mention them in the Work Experience Section, while other firms have separate sections for it (Links etc), so I avoid adding them under work experience.
When there is no separate space or clear instructions provided, I add them to work experience.
I just did the Simmons & Simmons test and got 5/10 in two of the areas they 'look for' but scored highly in their third one, did well in their verbal and numerical expertise and feel like my video interview was solid - Should I expect those two lower areas to mess up my chances completely?
I'm no expert, but that definitely sounds like more pros than cons to me! Especially in the VI which is arguably more difficult to have a solid performance in compared to multiple choice questions. Fingers crossed for you!, it seems like a balanced performance!
Thank you my levels of despair have now evened out slightly!
Glad I could help slightly! I will probably have a very similar post on the forum tomorrow after doing mine so I might need your reassurance too lol
Hello @Abbie Whitlock
For this question, Briefly summarise a recent commercial news article - can I mention about an AI-powered TV show or is this not commercial? I have some things I could say about this, or is it better to mention something like trade, M&A etc?
Thank you
For this question, Briefly summarise a recent commercial news article - can I mention about an AI-powered TV show or is this not commercial? I have some things I could say about this, or is it better to mention something like trade, M&A etc?
Thank you
Perhaps they have, like, initial applicants who are primary and a group in reserve if the primary don't do a good job of the written exercise? Time-limited production of materials always feels like a good way to work out who is good under the time pressure, more in line with the job, versus those who can craft something well researched, but might take a long time to produce that i.e. application form questions
Hey!
I'd definitely agree with other forum users - if there isn't a separate extracurriculars section or questions that ask for it, it's perfectly fine to include them in the work experience section.
However, I would limit this to extra-curriculars that are 'structured' (i.e. not hobbies) such as university societies, sports clubs, or volunteering. This is because you will expected to outline the role, responsibilities and skills that you gained within the work experience entry, and this may be more difficult for some hobbies
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