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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
SJT seems to be auto, the next VI stage looks like it's selective based on the SJT results
Thank you Abbie, that's very helpfulHello!
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.
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!
Has anyone been invited to the Weil test or the Freshfields one?? I applied to Weil over 10 days ago now and Freshfields just last week. I also emailed Weil grad recruitment but have not heard back...
Also anyone heard back from Covington?
Also anyone heard back from Covington?
Also, should I still apply for the W&C spring or summer vac scheme, or there is no point as people have already started hearing back?
The reason for the delay could be because they’re assessing your eligibility requirements. The test is not completely automatic.
I think it took me over 2 hours! It's a cool format and nice to do something a little different. I didn't find the voice dictation worked though so I ended up typing everything out!
For Eversheds it asks when you have worked towards an ambitious goal. The example I have is when I developed my commercial awareness through a WhatsApp group chat discussing news stories everyday. After this I did monthly sessions over zoom calls on commercial topics like presentations. Would this be a good example.
My
My question would be what was your goal from trying to develop your commercial awareness? What did you achieve from it?
Hogan Lovells ask about insight days and events in the legal sector. On December 3rd I have Bristows STEM IP workshop and feel like it could be worth writing about this in my answer, but they are rolling and the deadline is December 12th. Is it worth waiting, or should I apply asap with them rolling?
I spoke to them at a law fair, and they said we likely won't hear back until Jan/Feb
I applied to Weil on Oct 10 and got the test on Nov 3. I applied to Freshfields on Oct 1 and got the 1st stage test on Oct 8. So it might just take a bit of time
I applied to Freshfields Oct 17 and got the first test Oct 27. They had some issues with the reasonable adjustments and sent reminders out to candidates about their tests and adjustments, even though they didn’t request any. They have just re-sent me the test with the adjustments, so there might be some delays in sending tests whilst they resolve the problems with Candid/Vantage.
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