TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

is the Weil vi timed prep?

Yes - 2 mins

Any insight on Weil VI?

Hello, well done!!

When did you all apply to Weil? I’ve not heard since applying.

 

[Amgrad]

Hi,

For open Day application at law firm with strong private wealth practice.

Is it safe to mention Russia on my essay? I know when I worked 3 years ago at the UN the sanction just started to be lifted.

I recently read in 2025 sources that countries where wealth offshores are mostly happening and where self made millionaire (not inheritance) are born. Russia is on top of both list, followed by China and the UK.

But I also saw competitors like BCLP and HSF Kramer got fined and shuttered their offices because of serving Russian clients and managing related transactions within that country. Surprisingly I heard rumours that Unilever still operate in Russia this day?

I just wondering whether the ban has been loosened or getting tighter instead. If so, then I must remove and just mention the next on the list like Indonesia and Turkiye. These countries are also part of emerging markets, geopolitically neutral and where exactly this law firm has offices.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Hello, well done!!

When did you all apply to Weil? I’ve not heard since applying.

RT applied on Oct 12 and haven't heard back. Likely a PFO atp.

 

[Maddy]

Anyone who did W&C VI on Sunday, did you receive any AC invite?

 

[Suii]

FF stage 1 test invite dunno if this is automatic or a win🤔

 

[plshireme]

I am not sure on this given the 200 word count. I was also wondering whether you have to relate this to DLA?

Yeah I will try and link it back somehow.

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Dentons third round VI. It’s my first VI ever.
sitting. The interview consists of 5 questions, which you will need to record your own answers to in a two-minute time frame.

Does that mean we have 2 min for one question or 24 seconds for each q?

And does everyone have any tips? Much appreciated!!! 🥰🙏🏼

 

[chiichii]

Had to give up my place for a competitive open day due to work commitment..does anyone know how to deal with this kind of thing? It's also a firm that I'm genuinely interested in 😔

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Yes - 2 mins

is there just one question?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello,

I have asked a similar sort of question before but just wanted to make sure now. I have an AC coming up in a week, I got told about it 3 weeks ago and have been prepping since. I have got my answers for motivational and competency style interviews, and I am just now brushing up on commercial awareness (reading the FT etc.). My AC has a written exercise, group exercise, case study interview and motivational and competency interview. How can I maximise the utility of this week? I probably have not done as much for the written exercise: all I have done is learnt the structure of a memo, report, and letter. For the group exercise I am also unsure, just been learning the ins and outs of M&A deals and other types of stuff. Is this enough?

Would appreciate any help anyone could give me on how they have prepared.

Hello!

Congratulations on reaching the AC! Sounds like you've already put in a solid amount of preparation - great work so far! Since you've covered your motivational and competency answers and are keeping up with the FT for commercial awareness, you can use the final week to polish and practice application of everything rather than cramming new content. A few suggestions that might help:

1. Written Exercise
You've absolutely done the right thing by learning the formats of the different document types. I would now focus on practicing under timed conditions - find sample exercises online (there are quite a few generic ones if you search for "assessment centre written exercise examples", or we offer some paid options at TCLA) and practise analysing information quickly, identifying key points, and prioritising recommendations. It's important to make sure you can write your ideas in a clear and coherent way, detailing your thought process throughout - this is often how you score the biggest marks! I've also quoted below a previous post that may be helpful to have a think about, particularly if the written exercise involves writing a client email.

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!

2. Group Exercise

For the group task, it's less about technical knowledge and more about how you interact with others. The assessors will want to see teamwork, communication, and how you contribute to the discussion overall. I would:

• Try to focus on listening actively and building on others' points rather than dominating the discussion. This can be a really tricky balance - you want to aim to be neither the quietest nor the loudest!
• Be structured - help the group early on and keep everyone on track. If you feel the discussion is getting sidetracked, or you are stuck on one point and under timed conditions, try to encourage the group to move onto the next point so you can cover the most ground.
• Summarise key points at intervals and check for agreement - this was one of the main things I found really helpful! Every so often, make sure that everyone is on the same page. It shows that you are listening, and demonstrates leadership and organisation!
• Invite people into the discussion if they are quiet - this shows awareness of the others in your group, and highlights your collaborative qualities.

You don't need to be the loudest - being calm and focused on reaching a balanced conclusion is the way to make a good impression

3. Case Study Interview

If it is business or deal focused, I would try to practice breaking down problems logically into different components. It might help to structure your answers as: issue -> analysis -> recommendation. There are some case study examples online that you could have a look at to get a feel for how to talk through a problem clearly and commercially. Remember that you may be challenged on your viewpoints, and it's completely fine to change your mind if the assessors / interviewers bring up a point or insight you hadn't considered. However, it's also find to stick to your original answer and explain your reasoning if you are confident in it!

I hope that assists - you're in a great place already, the final stretch is about making sure everything sticks and you feel confident going into the AC!

Best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll smash it!

 

[johnsmith]

is there just one question?

No, think it was 3/4

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For DLA Piper's first question - Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions? - does this need to be one specific event? I've never had a lightbulb moment where I thought this makes me want to be a lawyer but it's more something that's come over time. I travelled for a long time after uni and a lot of my ambitions have come from these experiences but I worry this doesn't answer the question but I can't really see how else I would go about it.

Grateful for any insight/inspiration 😊

Hello!

I completely get where you're coming from - a lot of people don't have a single "lightbulb moment" that pushed them toward law, and that's honestly very normal! However, I'd say it's best to focus your answer around one specific personal experience, even if your motivation developed gradually. The question specifically asks for "a specific personal experience", so I would say they're looking for you to anchor your answer around a moment or situation that you can describe clearly.

That doesn't mean you need a big "lightbulb moment" - it could just be one experience that represents or crystallised what motivated you to pursue a career in law. For example, something that made you appreciate problem-solving, negotiation, advocacy, or international collaboration - this can be any experience that ties into your wider motivations towards law.

I think it's a great idea to bring in your travels or other broader experiences, I would just try and pick one defining example. For instance, you might choose a moment that stood out in particular - such as an interaction, observation, or situation that sparked your curiosity about how law shapes society, business, or people's lives. You can then explain how that particular experience made you start thinking about law in a more concrete way and influenced what kind of work or environment you see yourself in.

In other words, I would use one experience as the lens through which you show how your motivation developed. That way, your answer stays focused and personal while still reflecting the wider journey that's led you towards a legal career.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Been offered a winter vacation scheme 🎉

That's amazing news - huge congratulations!!! You should be super proud, and I hope you take some time to celebrate the achievement! 🎊

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Had to give up my place for a competitive open day due to work commitment..does anyone know how to deal with this kind of thing? It's also a firm that I'm genuinely interested in 😔

Hello!

It's totally understandable to feel disappointment in this situation - it's always frustrating to miss out on something you were really looking forward to, especially with a firm you're genuinely interested in.

I would try not to see it as a setback. The fact that you were offered a place on a competitive open day already shows you're doing all the right things with your applications - it's a sign that the firm recognises your potential! I'd take this as an encouraging sign as you continue to write applications for open days and vacation schemes, as they really are a competitive process!

If you haven't already, you could drop the graduate recruitment team a quick email to thank them for the opportunity and explain that you can no longer attend this event but remain really interested in the firm. A proactive and polite follow-up might leave a really good impression!

I know it feels super disappointing in the short-term, but try to see the positives for your long-term growth and celebrate your successes so far

 

[AngelB]

Would be curious to know if anyone has heard from freshfields post second stage test?

 

[chiichii]

Hello!

It's totally understandable to feel disappointment in this situation - it's always frustrating to miss out on something you were really looking forward to, especially with a firm you're genuinely interested in.

I would try not to see it as a setback. The fact that you were offered a place on a competitive open day already shows you're doing all the right things with your applications - it's a sign that the firm recognises your potential! I'd take this as an encouraging sign as you continue to write applications for open days and vacation schemes, as they really are a competitive process!

If you haven't already, you could drop the graduate recruitment team a quick email to thank them for the opportunity and explain that you can no longer attend this event but remain really interested in the firm. A proactive and polite follow-up might leave a really good impression!

I know it feels super disappointing in the short-term, but try to see the positives for your long-term growth and celebrate your successes so far

Thanks Abbie, that's really nice to hear

If you don't mind, could you share some tips or advice on how can I demonstrate my genuine interest to the firm when writing my application? The reason i wanted to attend their open day is because i find them the easiest way to show my interest to the firm. Now that I can't attend it, do you have any recommendations on how can I leverage this in my application answer? I also attended some of their virtual events like practice area masterclass and ask trainee event, not to say they're not useful, but i feel like attending an open day would be better and make it easy to link everything together, hence a stronger answer. Would really appreciate your two cents and maybe some ideas or guidance.

 

[NickH]

Hi all. Needed some help. I just discovered my deadline for Hogan Lovells test is today and it says it is a 40 min job simulation test. Does anybody know what kind of video interview questions they'll ask? I don't think it would be in real time given that it is 7.30pm already and the deadline it says is 11.59. Feeling so anxious and don't know how i can prepare in 4 hrs

 

[lolololol]

does anyone have any insight or how to prepare for the mishcon test?

 

[Mara]

I wonder with the scores whether it’s possible to score high in every category?

For Amberjack it is possible I've realised. I did one around a week ago and got 9/9 grit, 9/9 applied intellect, 8/9 creative force, 8/9 digital mindset but maybe this one was just easier than others I've done

 

[johnsmith]

For Amberjack it is possible I've realised. I did one around a week ago and got 9/9 grit, 9/9 applied intellect, 8/9 creative force, 8/9 digital mindset but maybe this one was just easier than others I've done

It definitely can be gamed, having watched some content on it, but some of the phrasing is very similar to contend with it, I think! Kind of shame it can be gamed though, as I think the answers people give end up being inauthentic.

Amazing result though - well done!