TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ACHat8r]

I feel you cos I lowkey thought I’d cooked with my cover letter for Travers Smith. Went to their insight evening in London, AS Aspire masterclass series, AS RG VDLF, legal cheek law fair booth, etc.

So that PFO hit but with this process, I’ve learned that it only ever takes one yes. The right firm for us will make us a VS/TC offer! Wishing the best for everyone with firms left to hear from this cycle! ​

litch attended all those events too. Only have 5 more firms to hear from. All I can ask for is both prayers and luck atp

 

[TCLAuser2002]

depends on the firm but i had this at a firm in my last cycle but it was a negotiation task between two groups of 3, my group had a girl who was talkiing a lot and the other group had a guy doing the exact same. i accc got super annoyed during the task and just spoke very little because i really felt the associates in the room should have said something but they never did ( i was told they would be observing and ask a few questions here and there but they will speak if they think someone is dominating). Because they didnt say anything i thought theyd think the two loud ones done well so was very put off.

In the end i got my feedback and i could acc see they picked up on those people being annoying (sorry not sorry they annoyed me hella lol), they actually age me great feedback on the task. said i spoke when needed and ensured i added useful contributions. That and a few other comments made me feel like they realised the other two people were doing the opposite. I also know those two did not get an offer so that should say enough!!!!

is this NRF?

 

[Cece176]

Bristows sent another holding email re. reviewing my VI...

 

[SamiyaJ]

Used the emoji a billion times today on here and I’m loving it! Happy Friday

 

[summersun]

So their process is app -> VI -> WG -> WE -> AC -> VS -> TC? I thought W&C was the only one to have 100 hoops to jump through lmao. Firms are asking for too much these days ngl. ​

I don't think the VS is part of the TC process but not fully sure.

 

[Cece176]

DAC B Critical Thinking test came through!

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Having such a depressing day I haven’t heard back from MH or DACB

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Also got the DACB test

 

[Pardisj]

So their process is app -> VI -> WG -> WE -> AC -> VS -> TC? I thought W&C was the only one to have 100 hoops to jump through lmao. Firms are asking for too much these days ngl. ​

Wait is the Critical thinking test the Watson Glaser? If so how do you know?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, might seem like a dumb question but I wanted to ask if it’s even worth applying for training contracts at city firms (even if you can’t land vacation schemes) as a final year law student. Like I have good grades, good range of experience, but I don’t know if it’s a waste of time since my competition will probably be harder during the TC process than VS?

Hi!

Not a dumb question at all!

I don't think it is a waste of time - whilst most city firms hire predominantly from VS, there is still plenty of spaces in the direct route for a lot of firms! For direct TCs, firms will often look for clear motivation and evidence that shows why you are interested in the firm you are applying for (and law generally), as well as strong performance in assessments throughout the process.

If you have got strong grades and good experience, you definitely have a chance, particularly if you refine your applications and are specific about why that firm. I was in my final year of uni when I applied for Reed Smith's DTC, and I know many in my cohort were too!

I'd definitely be strategic and only apply via the DTC route for firms that you are genuinely interested in, but it is worth it!

 

[Kenomy]

Hi people,
Wanted to advertise some opportunities that I unfortunately cannot access but you all might be interested in.

Sky Work Experience Placement and Training Contract | Aspiring Solicitors

Aspiring Solicitors is excited to be partnering again with Sky UK on a work experience placement. Sky is offering a fantastic opportunity for 12 candidates to attend a 5 day work experience programme with the potential for a training contract.

www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk

Sky Work Experience if you have an LPC or SQE 1 and can start a TC in September

And

A training contract commencing in September 2026 with Seddons GSC, a Top 200 UK law firm based in London’s West End.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

The right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship required)
At least one year of paralegal experience
Successfully completed the LPC or both SQE 1 and 2 by the application submission date
The deadline for applications is 5:30pm on Friday 6 March 2026. You must submit a CV and cover letter to [email protected] to be considered. Please use the subject: Application for training contract – Vantage.

Feel free to message me if you have additional questions

Thanks so much for this! wouldn't have seen it otherwise

 

[radssss]

Hey everyone,

Firstly, congrats to everyone who got offers/ made it to the next stage today, so happy for Yall

I just wanted to ask if anyone has done an m&a, pe case study and could send me a few sample case studies they have/ any case study they remember they might have done, what it was surrounding? Please please pm me! I am trying to prep for an ac (US law firm - very finance focused) so would be very grateful for any tips on how to approach it!

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[summersun]

I got one too.

I'm sightly suspicious that it's automatic - did anyone who did the VI NOT get a WG?

Could not find any information for the DTC as they removed the description but on the VS it seems to be selective so might be the case for DTC.. (choosing to think it is as I want to be happy about my VI progress

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! similar to a recent post - does anyone have top tips for conversion? or some things they wish they knew when they did their first VS? would really appreciate it.

Hi!

My top tip (based on my feedback post-VS) would be to be as engaged as possible throughout the scheme.

Ask lots of questions - not just about the task that you have been set, but about the wider deal, the client, and why certain decisions are being made. That shows curiosity in the work and how it fits into the wider picture, and demonstrates that you are genuinely interested. On my vacation scheme, I think I was worried that asking too many questions would look like I didn't know how to do the work - this isn't the case at all, and I'd just try to learn as much as you can through the tasks!

Additionally, I'd make an effort to speak to people in departments that you are interested in, even if you are not sitting with them. This doesn't necessarily have to be a partner or senior associate either - I was particularly interested in the Rail department at Stephenson Harwood, and I had a really lovely chat with a solicitor apprentice in the team who gave me great insights that I could speak about in my interview!

Try to have lunch or grab a coffee with your supervisor(s) at some point during the scheme too, if you can! Take the time to ask about their career path, why they chose the firm, and what they enjoy or find challenging. This builds rapport and shows that: (a) you'd be a good person to work with, and (b) that you are genuinely interested in learning about the firm and why people were drawn to it.

I would also:

• Be proactive about asking for work (without being pushy). If you finish something early, just let people know that you have capacity. Sometimes you can get work from people in the wider team, rather than just from your supervisor!
• Actively ask for feedback on the tasks that you complete, and make sure that you actually implement it throughout the week.
• Before asking your supervisor a question, make sure to have a go at looking for the answer using all available resources first! This way, if you can't find the answer, you can briefly outline the steps you took to find the answer when you ask your supervisor, and it shows that you have been proactive.
• Stay positive and professional at all times - a vacation scheme can be very tiring, but remember that you have to make the best impression in a short amount of time (so try to power through!).
• Support the other vac schemers rather than seeing them as competition - the graduate recruitment team will notice these things, and it won't reflect well if you are being overly competitive at all times.

Ultimately, lots of different factors go into conversion so it can be difficult to plan every step in advance. However, it comes down to: would people be happy to work with you for two years, and do you have a genuine interest in the firm and its work? If you are engaged, reliable, curious, and easy to work with, that helps put yourself in the best position to convert.

Best of luck!!

 

[kim wexler]

Hi!

Not a dumb question at all!

I don't think it is a waste of time - whilst most city firms hire predominantly from VS, there is still plenty of spaces in the direct route for a lot of firms! For direct TCs, firms will often look for clear motivation and evidence that shows why you are interested in the firm you are applying for (and law generally), as well as strong performance in assessments throughout the process.

If you have got strong grades and good experience, you definitely have a chance, particularly if you refine your applications and are specific about why that firm. I was in my final year of uni when I applied for Reed Smith's DTC, and I know many in my cohort were too!

I'd definitely be strategic and only apply via the DTC route for firms that you are genuinely interested in, but it is worth it!

Understood, thank you for your insightful advice as always Abbie

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

HI @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're well! I have an upcoming Written exercise at Mcdermott, Will how can I prepare best!

Hello!

I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

Congratulations on being invited to the written exercise!! I have previously made a few posts on my top tips for preparing for written exercises - I have quoted them below. Just shout if you have any other questions, and best of luck!!

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!

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!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

LATHAM VACATION SCHEME OFFER! I can't believe it, it's my dream firm!!!

GUYS NVM I GOT THE CLEARY VAC SCHEME i thought i fumbled that so bad!!!!

Just got Pinsent Masons Vac Scheme!

Amazing news, congratulations guys!!! So happy to see all of your hard work paying off, and I hope you all take the time to celebrate!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey everyone,

Firstly, congrats to everyone who got offers/ made it to the next stage today, so happy for Yall

I just wanted to ask if anyone has done an m&a, pe case study and could send me a few sample case studies they have/ any case study they remember they might have done, what it was surrounding? Please please pm me! I am trying to prep for an ac (US law firm - very finance focused) so would be very grateful for any tips on how to approach it!

@Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite!!

The main resource that I used when preparing for a case study interview was this guide by Jacob Miller - I would definitely take a look! There is also a guide to Private Equity that is useful for understanding how a PE transaction is structured -you can find that here.

I have also quoted some more general posts I have made in relation to approaching case study exercises, so hopefully they are helpful too.

Best of luck!!

Hello!

Huge congratulations on getting an invite - that's a great achievement, especially in your first cycle!

Case studies are usually designed to test your commercial awareness, logical reasoning, and ability to interpret financial information. Whilst I haven't completed the case study interview at A&O Shearman, here are a few general tips:

• Get comfortable with basic financial concepts: as you mentioned, I would have a look at thinks such as revenue vs. profit, market share, valuation, interest rates, and how macroeconomic factors can impact businesses. I would recommend sites such as Investopedia, as this is what I used when trying to digest all of the basic financial concepts for commercial awareness.
• Practice breaking down information / data logically: you might be given a short brief and asked to make recommendations or discuss implications. Focus on structuring your thoughts clearly - identify the key issue, explain the relevant factors, and conclude with a reasoned judgment. There won't necessarily be one 'right' answer, however, you should make sure to show your thought process and be able to defend your stance if questioned (although make sure you are also flexible if it is an aspect that you hadn't thought of!).
• Stay calm under time pressure: it can feel very overwhelming to be handed a bundle of documents and know that you have to go through it all under the time limit. I would start by reading through all of the documents, and then go back over and start highlighting the important parts and areas that you would want more information. They're more interested in how you think and communicate than whether your answer is 'right'.
• Brush up on A&O Shearman's key practice areas: if this is a finance-based case study, make sure to have a look at their finance, M&A, and restructuring teams. Have a look at recent deals, and see if you can link these to your reasoning in the case study.
• Practice: if you have time before your AC, I would try a few practice case studies online just to get used to analysing data quickly.
• Structure: I would go into the case study interview with a clear structure of how you have analysed the brief and what your conclusions are. How you want to structure this is completely personal to you, but I would make sure that you have a rough idea so that you can go into the interview and discuss all the most important points without missing something out. Some case study interviews have set questions, whilst others will be a conversation on the brief, but going in with a rough idea is a great way to prepare yourself and manage nerves.

There are also some amazing resources on TCLA that I used when I was preparing for the AC that resulted in my TC, so I would absolutely check these out as they were a lifesaver:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies
• Private Equity: A Basic Guide

Overall, I would treat it as a conversation where they're assessing how you approach problems. If you show curiosity, commercial reasoning, and an open-mind - you'll do great!

Wishing you the best of luck, and I'm sure you'll smash it

Hi!

Huge congratulations on receiving the AC invite for Reed Smith!!

Whilst I can't share any specifics, I'm happy to share some general tips for case studies, motivational interviews, and proof reading exercises! Across all of the exercises, I would say that structure and clarity are really key. The assessors are usually less focused on you having the "perfect" answer and more on how you approach the task, prioritise issues, and explain your reasoning as you go along.

For the case study, I would absolutely make good use of the preparation time. What helped me was to read through all of the documents first to get a sense of the overall scenario, and then go back over it to familiarise myself with the finer details. If there is anything that is unclear or confusing, I would try to work it out during the prep time so that, if it comes up in the interview discussion, you are able to explain your understanding confidently (or at least explain your thought process in working it out if you are still not 100% sure!). One piece of advice that my mentor gave me that I found really helpful was to become comfortable with what contracts actually look like in practice - i.e. understanding common clauses, what they mean, and the effect they can have (and whether they are favourable / less favourable to your client). I would also try not to overcomplicate it - this is something I really struggled with at first, but if the answer feels like it is relatively straightforward, I would go with your gut! If the interviewers / assessors require more information, they might be able to ask follow-up questions that you can then address.

For the motivational interview, I would make sure that you have researched the firm (which I'm sure you have!) and can clearly articulate why Reed Smith specifically. Think about how your experiences and interests align with the firm's distinctive features (e.g. its sector focus or initiatives like the Professional SQE Placement Year). For example, I linked my previous vacation scheme experience at a firm with shipping expertise to Reed Smith's expertise in the area, as I could explain how my interest in the area had developed and why Reed Smith's practice stood out to me (compared to the other firm). As with any interview, it also helps to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end - although if any questions naturally arise due to things discussed in the interview, I'd always encourage you to ask those! Importantly (and I know this is the most annoying advice ever), be yourself! They're assessing your fit to the firm as much as motivation and experience, so I'd try to be friendly and match the atmosphere in the room as this really does go a long way.

For the proofreading exercise, I would encourage you to work slowly and methodically. One practical tip that I found helpful was to use your finger to guide yourself through the text and make note of anything that stands out. While I didn't personally do a proofreading exercise at my Reed Smith AC, I have done similar ones elsewhere and always looked for things such as defined terms (and whether they're capitalised consistently), spelling / grammar, and whether dates and deadlines match throughout the document. These are things that you might not necessarily think to check in a proofreading exercise, but are always important in the legal context!

Above all - stay calm, be structured, and try to explain your thinking clearly wherever you can. It sounds silly to say, but I did really enjoy my Reed Smith AC and I felt that the partners and graduate recruitment team wanted me to do well, rather than trying to catch me out.

I'm sure that you will smash it, and best of luck!

Hey!

I'm not too knowledgeable on these areas myself, so my advice would be quite general! However, when I was starting to learn more about specific areas my starting point is usually Investopedia. For example, I've had a look for posts on Funds and Private Credit and have found:

• Private Credit vs Private Equity: What's the Difference?
• Fund: Definition, How It Works, Types and Ways to Invest
• What Investors Should Know About Investing in Private Debt

If videos are what work best for you, I would definitely have a look at YouTube and search things such as "How private equity works", "What is private credit", "How a fund is structured", etc. When I was preparing for an interview at a PE-focused firm last cycle, I found this video from TCLA really helpful as an introduction: "What Private Equity Lawyers Actually Do? - with Bernie Rivard"

In a case study, they are usually testing:

• Can you spot key risks?
• Do you understand the client's overall commercial objective?
• Can you think commercially and offer practical solutions?

For example, in an M&A case study, you need to think about what the buyer is actually trying to achieve and what are the main risks to highlight in due diligence. For PE, this might be how the fund will exit and what could impact returns from the investment. Lastly, for private credit, you would want to consider what the lender would be worried about (e.g. repayment, security, etc.).

A simple structure that might help you as you approach these exercises is:

1. What is the client's goal?
2. What are the main commercial risks?
3. What would you prioritise as their lawyer?

Try to focus on keeping it logical and commercial - they won't be expecting you to address the technical complexities of an LBO model, but rather to show that you understand the client's objective, can identify the key commercial risks, and can think practically about how a lawyer would help protect the client's position.

I hope that helps!

Hey!

This is completely normal - they are definitely harder to predict, so it can be difficult to prepare for them! The key is remembering that they are not testing whether you "get it right", but whether you can analyse the case study in a structured and commercial way.

I wouldn't explicitly use the SWOT/PESTLE framework when answering, but instead use them as mental checklists to ensure that you cover everything.

WIth SWOT, it might help to quickly think:

• What are the client's key strengths and weaknesses?
• Where is the main opportunity in the scenario?
• What is the biggest threat (e.g. regulatory, financial, reputational)?

Then, I would focus on 2-3 of the most material points and prioritise - sometimes it doesn't make sense to list absolutely everything.

With PESTLE, I would use it to ensure that you haven't missed a big external factor (e.g. economic pressure, regulatory change, tech disruption). You won't necessarily need every category if it is not relevant. I'd say that the partners are looking to see the following:

• Can you identify the core commercial issue(s)?
• Can you prioritise risks?
• Can you give balanced advice?
• Do you understand how a lawyer adds value in a transaction?

You might not be able to give a definitive answer if there are areas that you would need further information, but it always helps to make a decisive answer where you can - even if you added a caveat of "...but this would depend on further information on X".

I hope that assists!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Anybody hearing from lewis silkin for regional firms?