TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

have they even released any? i’ve not seen anyone talking about them

Check DTC thread.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

what commercial awareness/practice area questions can be asked in a VI?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello!

I have written a few previous posts on written exercises which might be a useful starting point - I have quoted them below! When approaching written exercises, my main focus is always to keep my answer structured and manage my time well. If you feel overwhelmed, I would try to start the exercise by making a quick plan that can then guide you throughout the rest of the exercise. Best of luck!!

Hi Abbie! Thank you so much! Sorry to ask too many questions but I was wondering if a client email would also require a executive summary at the top? or is that too awkward?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Mishcon AC anyone?

Did you hear back today? Why do they keep doing these things on a Friday?

 

[cooked2000]

Genuinely curious, do most people have work experience in law firms or not on here ?

 

[A2000L]

Hi! Congrats on securing an AC with them and good luck!! If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply?

Hi! Thank you! I applied around early December. If it helps, from my understanding they are halfway through their HFW ACs so there should be around 4 ACs to go - by my calculations. Good luck!!

 

[Jennifer2003]

Anyone with experience on topscore? Do they record you, or can I do my WE in my comfy pyjamas TT

I did my bird and bird AC with top score and they didn’t record the WE, we all had it at different times I think so we weren’t like all on a call, but with another firm it might be different

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Genuinely curious, do most people have work experience in law firms or not on here ?

I don’t .

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie! Thank you so much! Sorry to ask too many questions but I was wondering if a client email would also require a executive summary at the top? or is that too awkward?

Hey!

No worries at all - no need to apologise!

If the email is quite lengthy, I'd usually include a short opening paragraph that summarises the key points and the main recommendations - just to give the client a quick sense of the key elements of the email. However, for a shorter email (or if time is particularly tight), I wouldn't say it is necessary - especially if you have a clear conclusion at the end.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hey!

No worries at all - no need to apologise!

If the email is quite lengthy, I'd usually include a short opening paragraph that summarises the key points and the main recommendations - just to give the client a quick sense of the key elements of the email. However, for a shorter email (or if time is particularly tight), I wouldn't say it is necessary - especially if you have a clear conclusion at the end.

Thank you!!

 

[trainee4u]

what commercial awareness/practice area questions can be asked in a VI?

tell us about a commercial issue affecting our clients

discuss an issue that you've been following

discuss a legal/commercial development affecting one of our sectors

 

[JoiBoy]

HSF Kramer Summer AC invite, would appreciate any insights!

 

[174Tess9y3]

Anyone heard from Dechert post WE?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone have an AC with Dechert?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

what commercial awareness/practice area questions can be asked in a VI?

Is this for a pre-recorded VI, a live VI like GDC with grad rec, or a partner VI like Skadden?

It varies depending on this but tbf they could ask you anything to test your knowledge in a VI.

It’s a good idea to create a bank of VI questions and answers so you’re prepared for anything.

I’ve been referring to this list of questions and it has helped me to feel a bit more confident:

Training Contract Interview Questions | 175 Practice Questions (2018)

We've produced these training contract interview questions to help you practice for interviews and assessment centres at law firms. Why? Well, we've arranged many mock interviews over the years and we see a substantial difference in performance after students have practiced real interview questions.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Anyone heard from Dechert post WE?

Does anyone have an AC with Dechert?

Yeah I saw some people post about Dechert ACs on the forum under a week ago. Some of us have WEs to do in the next week or so too though so it might not be all ACs were sent out yet.​

 

[Novaa]

Have W&C VIs just dropped?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Is this for a pre-recorded VI, a live VI like GDC with grad rec, or a partner VI like Skadden?

It varies depending on this but tbf they could ask you anything to test your knowledge in a VI.

It’s a good idea to create a bank of VI questions and answers so you’re prepared for anything.

I’ve been referring to this list of questions and it has helped me to feel a bit more confident:

Training Contract Interview Questions | 175 Practice Questions (2018)

We've produced these training contract interview questions to help you practice for interviews and assessment centres at law firms. Why? Well, we've arranged many mock interviews over the years and we see a substantial difference in performance after students have practiced real interview questions.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

it's a pre-recorded VI!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

also, how long should a cover letter be for Proskauer Rose (with no other instructions given as to how many pages/word limit)?

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[BobThebIlly]

I haven’t heard back from Gowling post VI for their TC. Their second AC is on the 27th should I assume PFO or email them

I checked the portal and haven’t been rejected either…