TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

Does Shoosmiths assessment involve a VI? Also, is this automatic?

It is automatic. No vi, it’s sjt and wgt

 

[Lovelaw77]

Has anyone heard back from Goodwin post AC? or know when they'll get back to us?

 

[soph107048]

I haven’t even heard back for summer vs😍

Same lmaoo

 

[Donna Paulsen]

CRS VI - 90 seconds feels like 20 seconds omg x

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Simmons & Simmons Bristol PFO

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Anyone heard back from Mishcon for summer vs or emailed them/knows when they are likely to get back to us? (Getting annoying now😭🙏🏻)

@futuretraineeihope i saw u liked this post - have u heard back?

 

[HAHAHA]

Hi I’ve done a few written exercises at ACs/online now and I’m always confused whether or not it is good practice to refer directly to clauses when you’re given an agreement or instead condense the information in the agreement in a structured way without directly referencing the clauses (as a means of not throwing legal agreement language at clients). Would appreciate any advice on this as I’ve done a mix between the two across the written exercises I’ve done!

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Mishcon pls

 

[User093269823]

pleeeease Slaughters what did you mean when you said 'by the beginning of March' 🤨🤨🤨

 

[hopeful33]

any advice on approaching the question What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like (firm name) helping you achieve those goals?

 

[ellabella135]

pleeeease Slaughters what did you mean when you said 'by the beginning of March' 🤨🤨🤨

at what point is it acceptable to email and ask….🫣🫣🫣🫣

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

pleeeease Slaughters what did you mean when you said 'by the beginning of March' 🤨🤨🤨

They didn’t specify the year so it could just end up being by the beginning of March 2029… 🫠​

 

[Madison Pinewall]

They didn’t specify the year so it could just end up being by the beginning of March 2029… 🫠​

i'm thinking until the end of this week is still beginningyyyy. 🥲🥲🥲🥲

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Okay - I may be overthinking but what do you wear for a VI. Obviously no one is on the other end? Do I wear a plain top or do I go with a shirt/ blouse on top?

 

[AryanAgg]

Okay - I may be overthinking but what do you wear for a VI. Obviously no one is on the other end? Do I wear a plain top or do I go with a shirt/ blouse on top?

Wearing formal would still be the best policy in this situation I think.

 

[haribolover]

Whilst looking very professional is important I’ve worn sweaters to a few interviews and still ended up receiving an offer. If what you’re saying is strong details like what you’re wearing become small in the grand scheme of things. Just focus on presenting your best self through what you say and you’ll be fine!

Thank you - that is really helpful! ☺️

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

CMS PFO following AC. That’s me out for this application cycle, wishing everyone else luck and I will be back next time 🫡

 

[radssss]

Okay - I may be overthinking but what do you wear for a VI. Obviously no one is on the other end? Do I wear a plain top or do I go with a shirt/ blouse on top?

Don’t think it really matters but I still just wear a shirt.

Surely a plain T-shirt or a sweater is fine.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi I’ve done a few written exercises at ACs/online now and I’m always confused whether or not it is good practice to refer directly to clauses when you’re given an agreement or instead condense the information in the agreement in a structured way without directly referencing the clauses (as a means of not throwing legal agreement language at clients). Would appreciate any advice on this as I’ve done a mix between the two across the written exercises I’ve done!

Hey!

I would say that it really comes down to who you are writing to and what the exercise is testing. In most written exercises in an AC, if you are advising a client, it is usually better to prioritise writing in clear and plain English (i.e. what the clause does and why it matters commercially), rather than heavily referencing clause numbers. The assessors will often be looking at your ability to translate legal drafting into clear practical advice for clients.

However, I don't think there is anything wrong with briefly anchoring your point to the agreement were helpful (e.g. referring to the "termination clause") or being more precise if you are writing for someone internally.

I'd say a good balance is to explain the effect (+ any risks) in straightforward terms first, and then refer to the clause if it adds any clarity or helps identify it

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Don’t think it really matters but I still just wear a shirt.

Surely a plain T-shirt or a sweater is fine.

General advice: neutral background behind you. If Im wearing a white t-shirt, I’ll chuck a blazer on. I think for me personally, if I make an effort to get ready, I’ll get a bit of a natural confidence boost.