I was so certain it was a PFO😭, like it didn't go 'bad' but they seemed quite unconvinced by some of my answers and also they cut the interview super early.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Sometimes looking unconvinced is to try and throw you off, maybe they were super convinced after all.
Anyone get a confirmation email after doing the Winston & Strawn WG? I didn’t get one, but completed it earlier today.
I didn't as well, I think it would radio silence till either invite to interview or pfo.
Finished the WG test. I am more than just cooked. I am likely deep fat fried.
Oh no why!?Finished the WG test. I am more than just cooked. I am likely deep fat fried.
good luck to anyone doing AC's while fasting..
Hey!
I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
I have done a couple previous posts on written exercises - I have quoted them below! I hope that they are a useful starting point, but please do let me know if you have any other questions
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!
Hello!
A few resources below that I used / might be useful:
- Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
- TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
- Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!
Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!
Much love to anyone doing Lent or Ramadan!! We got this xxx
Hi!
I don't think you would be disadvantaged at all!
For most firms, it isn't a requirement to have legal experience or previous VS experience to apply for via the direct TC route - often, what matters most is your written application and your performance in their assessments, as they aren't able to assess you over a week or so (like in a VS).
In your case, a placement year plus ongoing paralegal experience is really strong evidence that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to law and gives you plenty of substantive examples to draw on in your application and interviews. Although I had completed vacation schemes when I applied to Reed Smith's DTC route, I actually found that my placement year was the most valuable experience to draw from, and I spoke about that far more than my previous schemes.
I would just make sure to clearly articulate what you have learned, how you have developed commercially, and why you are particularly motivated to work at BCLP specifically.
Best of luck with the application!
Collab of the century me thinks #OneLove 😍
Ooh if I hear a “Tell us about a time you had to be resilient” at an AC in the next month
Us: “Today”
Hello! I actually do not have any vacation scheme experience nor did I do a placement year. I have a bunch of commercial mini pupillages and paralegalled at a public law firm (literally just needed a job). I graduated a few years ago and now work in a quasi-legal public sector field which includes managing tribunal appeals etc and I’m in management. I have been applying to DTCs slightly delusionally but I can’t take time off work for obvious reasons! Do you have any words of wisdom for me?Hi!
I don't think you would be disadvantaged at all!
For most firms, it isn't a requirement to have legal experience or previous VS experience to apply for via the direct TC route - often, what matters most is your written application and your performance in their assessments, as they aren't able to assess you over a week or so (like in a VS).
In your case, a placement year plus ongoing paralegal experience is really strong evidence that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to law and gives you plenty of substantive examples to draw on in your application and interviews. Although I had completed vacation schemes when I applied to Reed Smith's DTC route, I actually found that my placement year was the most valuable experience to draw from, and I spoke about that far more than my previous schemes.
I would just make sure to clearly articulate what you have learned, how you have developed commercially, and why you are particularly motivated to work at BCLP specifically.
Best of luck with the application!
I haven't heard back as well. I am not sure if the people on the spring schemes hear back first.
does anyone have any advice for linklaters interview 🙏 i have a links 20min telephone interview and im so lost - idk what questions to prep for
It’s giving interfaith dialogue😍 period!!Collab of the century me thinks #OneLove 😍
Ooh if I hear a “Tell us about a time you had to be resilient” at an AC in the next month
Us: “Today”
Hey, is this for pathfinder? May I ask when did you get an invite/around what time you applied? - someone who’s still waiting to hear back after the test haha
theres a VI aspect at the end however the prep time for it is untimed !!
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