TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[abc124]

Seems like an AWS issue again as AllHires and Capp is down. I'm thinking of emailing Grad Rec about it but office hours are over too.

I just emailed, worst case they see it first thing in the morning

 

[Amgrad]

Seems like an AWS issue again as AllHires and Capp is down. I'm thinking of emailing Grad Rec about it but office hours are over too.

I just realised! I wanted to fill out my application on all-hires and it can't be loaded. Hopefully it will be back to normal ASAP as the deadline is Friday 31st October.

This AWS issues are frustrating, last week I couldn't attend AAL events as all-day were cancelled. Glad, I had no test coming up as I finished it all on Sunday and Monday.

 

[WeGotThis!]

I just emailed, worst case they see it first thing in the morning

Ya MS Azure and AWS are both down and Grad Rec for all firms is going to be out of office now. I think I'll have to the VI tomorrow morning.

 

[TCComingSoon]

I would say max 30

Hmm thanks. I took 40 minutes hope time is not taken into account when sending my pfo

 

[TCComingSoon]

Love your username

Thank you and hopefully there is a firm that offers me the chance to achieve my dream (Becoming the next best closer).

 

[abc124]

Ya MS Azure and AWS are both down and Grad Rec for all firms is going to be out of office now. I think I'll have to the VI tomorrow morning.

Grad recruitment just replied to me saying they're looking into it and will be in touch with an update

 

[stilltrying]

Anybody have any advice on what to do my W&C VI is due tomorrow was intending on doing it tonight but the portals obviously down

 

[e_turbo2]

Just received an email from W&C early careers team confirming that the platform is down and that they are aware of this. I believe that they would have to extend deadlines in light of this! Extra prep time guys!!! enjoyyy

 

[e_turbo2]

Anybody have any advice on what to do my W&C VI is due tomorrow was intending on doing it tonight but the portals obviously down

Definitely send them an email, preferably even tonight, to say that the system was down when attempting to do the test. This shows that you were affected by the technical glitch and that you should be considered for any extensions they hand out. IMO

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

any advice on Dechert written exercise would be greatly appreciated!

Hello!

I’ve included some previous posts below that I have written about approaching written exercises - unfortunately I don’t know too much about Dechert’s written exercise specifically, but hopefully the general tips help you to prepare!

Best of luck with the assessment

Hello!

Congratulations on receiving the written exercise invite! Whilst I am not too sure on the specifics of the Dechert exercise, I've outlined some advice below that I gave a little while ago in relation to preparing for written exercises.

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document. For example, you might be asked to write an email to a client, a letter, a memo, or a report. Have a look at what the structure of each of these should be, and have a go drafting a couple to get used to it in advance.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

I'd focus on condensing large chunks of information into clear, concise summaries, and then presenting these within a straightforward structure that flows logically and leads to a well-reasoned conclusion.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the written exercise - we'll all be rooting for you!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Just did Mishcon chat based interview. I feel like smashing my laptop!! Took me ages. A lot of the questions seemed repetitive, doesn’t seem to very well thought out

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, this is a question for @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu. How do you approach a cover letter for a firm that doesn't include a separate written answer to detail the "why law, why us, why you" answer? A page seems too limited to be able to exemplify every point i.e. if I say I'm interested in the firm's work on xyz, if I then go on to give an example of a case and why it's interesting, that's half a page already gone. Similar issue with talking about skills that I bring to the job if I use a fully developed STAR approach to my answers.

So any advice or suggestions would be a great help!

Hey!

That’s a really good question - I’ve found that when a firm doesn’t ask separate “why law, why us, why you” questions, the key is to make your cover letter flow naturally while still touching on those areas.

You don’t need to include a full example for every point - I would focus on depth over breadth. For instance, choose one or two aspects of the firm’s work (e.g. a specific deal, client sector, or initiative) and explain why they genuinely interest you and how they align with your experiences and goals. This shows thoughtful engagement without overwhelming the cover letter with too many points.

When it comes to discussing your skills, I would avoid using the full STAR structure since it can make the letter feel too long. I would instead weave your examples into short, integrated sentences that connect your points seamlessly - e.g. “Through my time at [X], I developed strong attention to detail, which I applied when…”. This is essentially a very short STAR example contained within one sentence!

I’d think of your cover letter as a concise narrative that ties together your motivations with how your skill set makes you a good fit. It will definitely be tricky to include it all within a page, but by making sure all of your points are concise and add value, you should cover everything!

I hope that helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For competency questions, is it expected that you bring it back to the firm? As the suggestive answer format is usually STAR.

Hey!

Not always - it depends on the type of competency question. If the question is purely testing a skill (e.g. teamwork, resilience, communication), the main focus should be on showing the competency clearly through the STAR structure. You don’t have to link it back to the firm unless it naturally fits.

If there is a chance to briefly connect the skill to what the firm values or how it would make you a good trainee there, it could make your answer stronger. For example, after your reflection, you could add a short line such as: “This experience taught me how to manage competing deadlines effectively, which is a crucial skill for trainees at [X Firm]”. I wouldn’t try to force this link into every answer - only where it feels like it naturally fits!

I’d focus on answering the competency first, and only link it back to the firm if it adds genuine value rather than including it for the sake of it.

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone else had their PW interview? I felt mine went terribly

Hello!

It’s totally normal to feel that way, but you should be proud of yourself for getting through it! It’s really hard to tell how it’s gone in the moment, especially since interviewers often stay quite neutral.

Try not to overthink it too much - it probably went better than you think! Wishing you the best of luck

 

[abc124]

Wish I hadn’t done mine today now lol

Dw I doubt they'll extend the deadline for us, there's plenty of time until tomorrow 5pmish haha

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, how would you approach this question:
1. What impact do you want to make at CMS?
Word Count (Max 200 words):
Thanks.

Hello!

I’ve quoted a post below for this question - I hope it assists! Just shout if you have any specific questions

Hey!

That's a great question, and it can definitely feel open-ended! If I was approaching this question, I would think about it in two ways:

1. Personal Contribution - what unique strengths, experiences, or insights would you bring to the firm? For example, would you help foster collaboration, or do you bring in a global outlook?

2. Overall Impact - how does your contribution tie into CMS's wider goals and values? If the firm has a focus on innovation, you might discuss wanting to support the firm in delivering innovative solutions to clients.

It doesn't have to be something 'grand' - you could even focus on how you'd like to make a positive difference in your team or with clients, which shows self-awareness and motivation. I would make sure to link your answer back to both your personal qualities and CMS's culture.

Your answer could follow a structure such as:

1. Start with your motivation - why CMS? What about the firm has motivated you to apply there?

2. Discuss your strengths - highlight the qualities and skills that you gained from previous experiences that would allow you to make an impact.

3. Link this to the impact - show how these strengths translate into a positive contribution at CMS. This could be on a team level (e.g. supporting colleagues), on a client level (e.g. innovative thinking), or on a firm-wide level (e.g. championing diversity or sustainability).

4. Conclude - tie it back to the kind of professional you hope to become at CMS and the difference you'd like to make in the long run.

I hope that helps

 

[boots pharmacy]

Re website outages: issue seems to be resolved. Assessments are working normally again.

Best of luck everyone!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I attended a DLA Piper talk and grad rec mentioned that for the CV there's no need to include an education section because the online form will ask for grades anyway. She also mentioned having a brief introduction (but I might have misheard this). Is it alright to still stick to the standard format for CVs (i.e. with an education section and without including an introduction)?

Hello!

If the graduate recruitment team mentioned that there is a specific format that they recommend, I would follow that - it is likely what they are looking for!

I can’t imagine you would be rejected because you used a standard CV format, but since they mentioned specifically that there is no need to include an education section, I would use that space to expand on other areas of your CV instead.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Do forage courses help? I want to apply to Clifford Chance I attended an open day with them and was unsuccessful for their TC after application review. Trying to standout as I have all the required information for my application.

Hello!

Forage courses can definitely help, but more as a way to demonstrate engagement and motivation towards the firm rather than as a guarantee to success. They show the graduate recruitment team that you’ve taken the initiative to understand the work they do and develop relevant skills, which can help your application stand out if you tie it back to what Clifford Chance values in trainees.

Since you have attended an Open Day with them, combining that experience with insights from the Forage course could strengthen your examples when highlighting your skills and motivations. The key thing is to reflect on what you’ve learned and show how it makes you a stronger candidate, rather than just listing that you’ve completed the course.

I would always recommend the Forage courses - they’re a great way to learn more about practice areas and show interest in various firms!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

A generic question:

What's the ideal number of law firm applications to make in a cycle if you intend to submit a solid, well researched one?

So many opportunities around the same time, and I'm facing a decision fatique. I wonder if this is limiting my depth of research about each firm. I also feel kinda stressed about not maximizing the count, to maximize the opportunity. But, I also feel a burn out to do the same thing on loop. Struggling to figure out what's enough!

A guidance from people who've already figured this out would help a lot (this is my first cycle, and I'm just figuring out and navigating).

Thanks in advance!

Hello!

Not a generic question at all! The best resource that I would recommend is this post by @Andrei Radu on building an Application Strategy - he goes into detail on the number of law firms that you could aim for in a cycle (among other things!).

You can find it here - it is absolutely worth the read

I hope that assists!