TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Wompycapy]

wait did Latham remove the VI this year for summer vac scheme app

No they are doing a 2 stage test now. Stage 2 include i believe 2 VIs and job sim.

 

[Wompycapy]

Can i ask how long after completing stage 1 did you get stage 2? Im a bit worried because I haven't even received my report from stage 1 yet?

Edit: 1 second after posting this question my report came in... lol - my question still stands though!

I didn't get a report (at all) but got stage 2 invite somehow

 

[Bbhu19]

Do you know how they assess you post stage 2? Do they just look at your stage 2 performance (WG + VI), or do they also review your application as well?

They definitely look at everything before processing you to the AC

 

[Bbhu19]

I did the open day and they said even though we don’t have to redo the test they will look at it and our VI + our written application

 

[Apple]

4/4/4/1 on Arctic Shores 😭

Am I cooked? I'm not sure if they total the points to screen candidates or have a set threshold for each category.

 

[Bree]

Has anyone made an error with A-Level grades before and emailed grad rec? Do they consider that negatively against you? I have emailed them just wanted to understand. @Abbie Whitlock would you have any inputs on this?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys! When an application form has no word limit for work experience entries, what would you say would be an appropriate amount to write? For example, I'm finding that briefer work experience entries (e.g. short-term volunteering) tend to take up less than 150 words, whereas more long-term work can often take up more than 200 words. Does this sound sensible?

Hey!

If there's no stated word limit, then what you are doing sounds perfectly reasonable (and would be how I would approach it!). Short-term experiences usually don't need as much detail - simply a brief overview of what you did, key responsibilities, and any skills gained. It's better to keep it short and concise rather than adding filler words for the sake of it.

For longer or more substantial roles, going beyond 200 words makes sense, especially if you are describing responsibilities, achievements, and what you learned from the experience. Just make sure that it is clear and relevant - quality over quantity is what matters most.

As a guideline, I would think about impact and relevance rather than word count. If you've clearly conveyed what you did and why it matters, you've probably written the right amount!

 

[johnsmith]

Do you know how they assess you post stage 2? Do they just look at your stage 2 performance (WG + VI), or do they also review your application as well?

My guess is they look at everything at that point assuming you’ve not bombed the critical thinking (WG) part.

 

[AS24]

@Andrei Radu , I trust you are well.

I am currently applying to Squire, and I am struggling to understand how to approach this question.

"Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media". Is it ok if, for example, I say:

I am in favour of/against stricter regulation for two reasons. Firstly [...]. Secondly [..]
The following sources support the above statements, and I can then conclude by providing feasible solutions.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Dear @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock . Could you please explain what a Written Exercise is/involves and how we prepare for them? I have never done one before and so would like to understand the basics...

Hey!

Of course - I can set out what a written task usually involves, and I'll quote some posts below as well on how you can prepare for them!

A written task is usually a task used by firms to assess how you think, structure arguments, and communicate effectively in writing. Most exercises will involve being given a brief scenario or a set of documents, and then you will be asked to produce something such as an email, memo, letter, or short advice note. The aim is generally to see how you analyse the information, identify the key issues, offer solutions / recommendations, and express your reasoning clearly.

You typically won't need any specific prior knowledge of the law (as it has to be accessible to non-law candidates) - they mainly want to test your logic and commercial awareness. I'd think of it as showing how you'd communicate with a client or supervisor in a real work situation. The main things that I would do to prepare would be to practice analysing large amounts of text (and summarising in a clear way), and having a look at the various structures that the written exercise could take to understand the formatting (e.g. letters, memos, emails, etc.).

I've quoted some previous posts on written exercises below - hopefully they are useful for preparing for a written exercise! Practice really does help, so I would try to find some free examples online to get more comfortable with the exercise (and TCLA offers various paid written exercise practice as well).

I hope that helps!

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! 🎉 Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• 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.
• 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!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

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!

 

[SemperParatus]

For those that were notified by DLA that they passed the WG, how long did it take from when you completed the test?

i found out the next day i passed

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

Hi!

I would definitely echo what other forum users have stated! It's completely normal to come across a question you don't know the answer to - interviewers won't expect you to know everything, and what matters is how you handle it. A good approach is to stay calm, acknowledge it honestly, and try to engage with the question logically. For example, you could say something such as:

"I'm not completely sure, but my initial thought would be..." or "I don't know the exact answer, but I would approach it by..."

Interviewers often look for communication and problem-solving skills, rather than the perfect answer every time. If it's something you genuinely can't work out on the spot, it's completely fine to say you're unsure and then pivot to how you'd go about finding the answer - particularly if you show your thought process and reasoning.

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone made an error with A-Level grades before and emailed grad rec? Do they consider that negatively against you? I have emailed them just wanted to understand. @Abbie Whitlock would you have any inputs on this?

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - mistakes in applications happen more often than you think! The important part is that you noticed the error and contacted the graduate recruitment team as soon as possible. They will appreciate the transparency and communication, so correcting it should not reflect negatively on you, especially if it was a small oversight.

Since you have clearly explained the mistake and provided the correct information, it's likely to be a quick fix and won't cause an issue. You've done the right thing by reaching out, so try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!)

 

[Bree]

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - mistakes in applications happen more often than you think! The important part is that you noticed the error and contacted the graduate recruitment team as soon as possible. They will appreciate the transparency and communication, so correcting it should not reflect negatively on you, especially if it was a small oversight.

Since you have clearly explained the mistake and provided the correct information, it's likely to be a quick fix and won't cause an issue. You've done the right thing by reaching out, so try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!)

Thank you Abbie!

 

[legal18]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

 

[wooliewoo]

I feel like the Eversheds test went horribly lol idk why I was so confused.

 

[zonnonomo]

@Andrei Radu , I trust you are well.

I am currently applying to Squire, and I am struggling to understand how to approach this question.

"Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media". Is it ok if, for example, I say:

I am in favour of/against stricter regulation for two reasons. Firstly [...]. Secondly [..]
The following sources support the above statements, and I can then conclude by providing feasible solutions.

they asked this question in the video interview last year! i progressed to ac and my answer was

1. current regulation of social media as intermediaries
2. clarifying the difference between regulating the social media companies themselves vs scrutinising individuals' posts
3. importance of privacy and freedom of speech rights of individual, but recognised security or hate speech concerns
4. alternative to regulation: incentivise social media to develop beneficial community guidelines/ self correcting policies
5. problem with proposed solution: private companies acting as arbiters of justice, potentially impinging on public rights

which is to say there really was no structure at all but i think VI format allowed that flexibility 🤔

 

[Harvey Specter]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

I think there are a handful of firms that are solely application and interviews (no test stages):

Covington & Burling
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dechert
Goodwin
Jones Day
Kirkland & Ellis
Morrison Foerster
Paul Hastings
Sidley Austin
Skadden
Slaughter and May
Travers Smith
Vinson & Elkins
Willkie Farr & Gallagher

There might be others but these are the ones in mind that I believe don’t use tests.

Think most of these firms place emphasis on academics though (AAA/AAB and strong 2:1).​

 

[Suii]

Shakespeare M test invite

 

[shadowboxer909]

Is there a list of firms that don't use psychometric tests? It's so draining to put all that effort into an application to fall at this stage

Normally, they say on their site if they do/don't.

Except when they surprise you with it after making you answer written questions before hand. Cough. Eversheds. Cough. Cough.

I've been using the list below.

Firms Without The Watson Glaser / SJTs In Their Application Process

Hi TCLA Community! Due to popular demand, a thread has been created which outlines the firms that do not require situational judgment tests (SJTs) and the Watson Glaser test in their application process. As always, do let us know if there are any suggestions for improvement, or anything we...

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