TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BT0901]

Just did the Dechert WE. Does anyone have any idea how long they take to get back to us?

 

[fayfayk]

What should we expect, look out for during written exercises on M&A? What are key issues to flag and more minor details? Any tips on answering these questions?

Hey! For M&A written exercises I've found the following to work, I'll answer your questions in order:

1. Usually written exercises come in the form of a short case study where you're acting like a junior on an M&A deal. Most of the time, you'll be asked to read some kind of bundle (usually includes emails, heads of terms, extracts from contracts) and flag issues. Here, they are usually testing whether you can spot risks and explain things in an easy and sensible way, rather than if you know every law in detail. Expect a mix of: commercial context (why this deal is happening), legal red flags AND time pressure (they usually want to see how you work under pressure so will give you large amount of info, don't let this stress you out).

2. I'd say the key issues to flag usually include a mix of:
- why the buyer is acquiring the business (is it growth, is it strategy, etc.)
- what could come in the way of the deal (regulatory approval, competition issues, financing)
- major risks that are found in due diligence (litigation, key contracts, risk of insolvency)
- anything that can affect the completion
more minor issues usually include smaller contractual gaps, issues that are easily fixable but still worth noting (like if certain consent is needed, etc.)

3. tips on answering: I've found that no matter how good you are at answering the question itself, its your structure and clarity that will ensure you do well. I'd also say tie everything back to the facts given don't try to make up any info. If you're unsure about something in the case study, flag it as something you'd ask the client to investigate further. ALSO, brush on your commercial awareness and read the news beforehand, this really helps with bringing everything together.

All in all, I'd say show your thinking logically and commercially. Good luck!

 

[Jennifer2003]

One of Covington's questions is: What aspects of Covington’s work, culture or approach stood out to you in your research, and why do they appeal to you personally? How do you see these aligning with the kind of solicitor you hope to become? (300). I'm not sure what sort of things to look for, or even how to discuss, their approach. What typical things would define a firm's approach, or what sort of thing are you expected to recognise?

 

[elle woods]

Hey there!
As someone who has converted a vac scheme I hope I can provide some insights that could help you.

First of all, one thing to be mindful of is emotional intelligence around the office. Broken down, that means being proactive around the office, but knowing when not to interrupt. You'd be surprised how many vac schemers fail to do this and go into people's offices when they have a meeting, are busy doing a task, etc. Also, remain positive throughout the scheme! I've found that it becomes a culture when vac schemers are sitting together to complain about certain people in the office or tasks, but, its important what you say remains positive and that you refrain from taking part in these conversations.

As for written work, honestly, do not stress. The fact that you made it into a vac scheme after several rounds of interviews/assessments means you have what it takes to complete the tasks. I've found that doing practice case studies a few days before the vac scheme starts really does help in terms of refreshing my memory. However, you should always remember they are not expecting you to know everything to do with law! They are more so looking at your ability to write in a clear way, see how you articulate your thoughts and observe if you do so in a commercially attune way. Also, don't be scared to ask questions!!! If you feel like you might be approaching something wrong, speak to your supervisor and clarify before you keep going so you avoid a situation where your work is not what the task asked for.

Good luck and hope it all goes well for you.

Thank you so much! This is also super helpful!

 

[LawAspirer]

Eversheds PFO 🤣😂😅

 

[RJ Ruban]

Has anyone heard back for a CMS AC offer London

 

[nbjani]

Eversheds PFO. After that disaster of a test I’m not surprised 🫠

 

[applicant3000]

hey congrats on making AC, was this for the london office?

Yeah, a bunch of people had ACs in late November

 

[nbjani]

hi, when did you apply and hear back for the TI? also is it for the ldn office. I haven’t heard anything for a while so assuming a PFO lol

Hey! Yep for London

Did my WG on 24/11 and receive TI invite on 12/12. Fingers crossed and good luck!!

 

[johnsmith]

The Mayer Brown test has a VI??

Yes as they don't have application questions!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Yeah, a bunch of people had ACs in late November

Was this for Spring or Summer?

 

[Trophy]

Yeah, a bunch of people had ACs in late November

ohh wow i applied on the deadline! there goes my chances aha. good luck!

 

[applicant3000]

Was this for Spring or Summer?

As far as I know they onle have a summer scheme

 

[applicant3000]

ohh wow i applied on the deadline! there goes my chances aha. good luck!

They will probably have more ACs, so don't lose hope!

 

[BealMcAlly]

As far as I know they onle have a summer scheme

Yes, you're totally right. So many schemes, getting them mixed up.

This tells me they've filled their spots lol

 

[DavidJC]

Sigh Mayer Brown Automatic Test invite 😭 would anyone have any insights into the VI please? Same with Weil tbh

Just got the invite myself! Mayer Brown Grad Rec said it would be four questions, of which two have unlimited prep time and two have limited prep time, they all have two mins recording time. I think there was something about the order of these too but I can't quite remember. I was also told to expect the standard motivational questions, and the top tip was to not rush through the answer while the clock ticks down. They find it's almost never the content of the answer that trips people up at this stage, but the overall presentation instead

 

[Trophy]

quick question how are people's links WG scores looking? I have got the best score I have ever got with them but i got fairly mid in the evaluating arguments section whereas i normally perform the highest in that section. for context the first time i ever took WG i got 1 percentile LMAO and i got 80 on my most recent.

Currently on hold at 70% which means nothing tbh just patiently waiting

 

[charlieefinch]

quick question how are people's links WG scores looking? I have got the best score I have ever got with them but i got fairly mid in the evaluating arguments section whereas i normally perform the highest in that section. for context the first time i ever took WG i got 1 percentile LMAO and i got 80 on my most recent.

Currently on hold at 70% which means nothing tbh just patiently waiting

Hey, how do you see your links wg score? Was this for their vac scheme ?

 

[BM99]

quick question how are people's links WG scores looking? I have got the best score I have ever got with them but i got fairly mid in the evaluating arguments section whereas i normally perform the highest in that section. for context the first time i ever took WG i got 1 percentile LMAO and i got 80 on my most recent.

Currently on hold at 70% which means nothing tbh just patiently waiting

Assuming it's Linklaters, I only got 92 percentile, which I'm not sure if it's enough to progress.

 

[Trophy]

Hey, how do you see your links wg score? Was this for their vac scheme ?

Hi, I emailed their early careers, I got my results back 12 days after my initial email. it was for their DTC but everyone takes the same test and this thread is more active so thought posting here would be better