TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[alanshore]

Has anyone received anything from Skadden for their first-year open day?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Brabners holding email gave mini heartattack

Is this post app or test ?

 

[EfficientBag123]

How do firms use the Watson Glaser? Do they use a benchmark or a ranking system? It’s very confusing.

 

[Goodbyetc]

Has anyone had their mofo second stage interview yet?

 

[Bread]

for spb London what days is everyones ac?

I think there were three (might’ve been four a few hours ago) slots to chose from early next week

 

[tc00001]

Does anyone have tips on how to prepare for a written exercise you’re asked to complete during a vacation scheme? I would be grateful for any tips!! @Abbie Whitlock

 

[tinu08047]

Does anyone have tips/advice for the Travers Smith partner interview? Would be much appreciated!!

 

[user55998384]

Has anyone received anything from Skadden for their first-year open day?

got an email from them the other day saying they would be in touch so dont think they have sent anything substantial out yet

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice for negotiation and/or debate group exercises?
Been told for my AC tmrw to look after my own interests as well as contributing to the group but that's all I know so inferring from that it's either negotiation or debate but idk?!!
@Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I have previously written a few posts on negotiations, so I have quoted those below!

If it is a more debate-style exercise, I would say that the biggest thing to focus on is progressing the discussion, not just arguing your point.

Therefore, I'd try to frame your contributions around evaluating points (e.g. weighing pros and cons, discussing risk, and practicality) rather than just saying what you think. It helps to keep linking back to the objective (e.g. "which option best meets X?" as that shows that you are focused on the question, and have commercial awareness.

I'd also make sure that you engage direction with others. This could look like building on strong points, challenging ideas (respectfully!) and helping to move things forward if the conversation is getting stuck (e.g. suggesting that you narrow down to fewer options or summarise where you are).

Essentially, they'll be looking for someone who can think critically and help the group reach a sensible outcome, rather than someone who just debates for the sake of it.

Best of luck with the AC tomorrow!!

Hello!

Huge congratulations on getting an invite to the Macfarlanes AC - that's a fantastic achievement!!

It sounds like you've already got a good handle on the competency interview, which is great! For the group negotiation, I'd recommend practicing staying calm and structured under pressure - try to balance contributing your ideas confidently while also showing that you can listen, build on others' points, and bring the group towards a practical consensus. Sometimes they are mainly assessing how you work well with others in the team, so I would focus on remaining professional at all times and working with the rest of your group. One thing that always used to help me was to summarise what had already been agreed at points throughout the negotiation - this shows that you are ensuring everyone is on the same page, and that you have been listening!

For the written exercise, it's usually about clear and logical communication under time pressure. If you can, I'd have a go at practising summarising complex information into concise recommendations - think about structuring your writing and being clear on what your rationale is. Structure was always really vital for me - it might be beneficial for you to have a read on the formatting of various types of documents (e.g. report, memo, client email, client letter, etc) to have an idea of what they will be expecting. Additionally, reading a few business case summaries can help you get into that concise and professional writing style.

For the case study interview, I would try to practice analysing unfamiliar information quickly. It might be worth reading through all of the documents first, and then going back to look at the fine details and identify the issues / opportunities. I would try and use a set framework to help you structure your thinking out loud - for example, what's the problem, what information do you have, what do you need, and what's your recommendation? You may be challenged on your thoughts, and remember to try and stay calm - show your thought process, and be open to changing your mind if they introduce a point you hadn't thought of.

Finally, I would also give yourself some time to do some more research into the firm. I know that it can feel like no amount of research will be enough, but I would try and bring your own perspective to discussions and show how you are a great fit for the firm!

Good luck! You've got plenty of time to prepare, and it sounds like you're approaching it in exactly the right way. I'm sure you'll smash it

Hey!

Whilst I haven't completed a negotiation exercise at an AC before, I did complete one when I competed in BIUCAC and during my vacation scheme at Travers Smith, so I'm happy to share how I prepared for these!

I remember finding negotiation exercises really intimidating, but they feel slightly easier and less nerve-wracking once you are actually in it. The key thing to remember is that negotiations are much more about how you approach the discussion, rather than 'winning' or forcing the best deal. You should be looking to display traits such as collaboration, commercial awareness, and clear communication - definitely try to avoid things like aggression and stubbornness (which was slightly challenging for me as a naturally stubborn person haha ).

It is difficult to prepare for a negotiation exercise in advance of an AC, as it will depend a lot on the fact pattern itself. In terms of preparation on the day, make sure that you know your brief inside out. It is important to be really clear on your client's priorities, and break the factors down into:

1. What is essential for your client
2. What you are willing to negotiate (i.e. there is some leeway)
3. Areas that you are willing to compromise

It helps to have a think in advance about any potential trade-offs, so that you are not just saying yes or no but can suggest alternatives or offers to the other side that move the discussion forward.

During the exercise itself, focus on listening just as much as speaking. I would try to ask questions, acknowledge the other side's points, and explain your reasoning calmly. A good negotiation should feel constructive rather than adversarial, so make sure to keep the tone professional and solution-focused. If any new information comes up that wasn't included in your facts, show that you can adapt rather than sticking rigidly to what you prepared in advance - this is why it is important to have some areas you are willing to negotiate and compromise on.

Additionally, if it is a team negotiation, I found it really helpful to summarise the points that had been agreed as we went along. This helped for time management, as you want to ensure that you aren't staying stuck on one point for too long. If the negotiation has been stuck for a while, it might make sense to suggest that you move on to the next issue, and come back to the earlier point towards at the end.

One thing that I picked up on after speaking to the assessors at the negotiations I have taken part in is the importance of being realistic with your demands. For example, if your client is aiming for £100,000 for a company, it makes sense to open slightly higher to leave room for negotiate, but you should avoid going wildly overboard (e.g. suggesting £1,000,000). An unrealistic opening position can undermine your credibility and make it harder to build a constructive dialogue. A sensible and well-reasoned starting point shows commercial awareness and helps keep the negotiation collaborative overall.

If you have time to practise, you could have a go at doing a mock negotiation with a friend - even just getting comfortable structuring your points and responding under a bit of pressure can be really helpful. I'd also recommend that you familiarise yourself with concepts such as warranties, indemnities, etc. before the AC (if you haven't already), as these are things that are likely to be negotiated.

Overall, as long as you stay calm and continually aim to work towards a solution with the other side, you will be doing exactly what the graduate recruitment team want to see - even if you don't end up with the 'best' deal.

Best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey everyone, i've got an upcoming AC and was wondering if anyone had any tips on framing a previous vacation scheme that i didnt convert. bit anxious about this as this AC is for my dream firm so would be super grateful for any help !!

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite!

As someone who failed to convert a few vacation schemes last cycle, this is definitely something I worried about - however, I wasn't asked about my previous vacation schemes, so try not to stress too much about it!

The key is to frame the vacation scheme positively and reflectively. You don't need to go into details about not converting, as firms understand that there are many factors that go into those decisions. Instead, I would focus on what you gained from the scheme - e.g. the skills you developed, the exposure you had, and any moments that strengthened your motivations for commercial law.

It is also good to show self-awareness by reflecting on what you learned about yourself and what you have done since to improve (based on any feedback you received post-VS). I would focus on tangible steps that you have taken - for example, sharpening commercial awareness, building confidence in group settings, etc. This shows resilience and a willingness to learn, which are essential traits for a trainee!

If you are asked directly about not converting (which I never was!), I'd just keep it honest and avoid sounding defensive. You should focus on discussing how the experience has made you a stronger candidate now, and what you learned from it.

Good luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have tips on how to prepare for a written exercise you’re asked to complete during a vacation scheme? I would be grateful for any tips!! @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I have quoted a few different posts on written exercises below, which I hope you find useful! In my past experience with written exercises on vacation schemes, they have usually involved being given a small booklet of information which you use to write a report or email to a client. Therefore, I'd definitely make sure that you have a good understanding of the structure of these and what you need to include (e.g. formalities, headings, etc.).

Don't underestimate time management as well - give yourself some time to read the materials and plan what you want to write, but don't put off the actual writing for too long as otherwise you might have to rush! I am someone that usually has additional time left at the end of assessments, but I have nearly ran out of time in a few written exercises as there is quite a lot to get through.

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!

 

[iklawapps]

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on a case study + presentation for an AC. From what I know, we'll prob have like 30 mins to prepare and then give a presentation to a partner before they ask questions. I've never done one before and have no clue how best to format it (ie to just organise by questions they ask in the handout or like your own format) and how to dedicate time to reviewing the materials and prepping the presentation during only like 30 mins

I would love to hear what's worked for people : ) thank you very much!

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back from Stephenson Harwood after the VI?

 

[meredithgrey]

Hey!

I have previously written a few posts on negotiations, so I have quoted those below!

If it is a more debate-style exercise, I would say that the biggest thing to focus on is progressing the discussion, not just arguing your point.

Therefore, I'd try to frame your contributions around evaluating points (e.g. weighing pros and cons, discussing risk, and practicality) rather than just saying what you think. It helps to keep linking back to the objective (e.g. "which option best meets X?" as that shows that you are focused on the question, and have commercial awareness.

I'd also make sure that you engage direction with others. This could look like building on strong points, challenging ideas (respectfully!) and helping to move things forward if the conversation is getting stuck (e.g. suggesting that you narrow down to fewer options or summarise where you are).

Essentially, they'll be looking for someone who can think critically and help the group reach a sensible outcome, rather than someone who just debates for the sake of it.

Best of luck with the AC tomorrow!!

This is really helpful, thank you so much!

 

[sadlawyer01]

has anyone here gotten a feedback call from freshfields? was rejected from their VS after AC and they said they would do a feedback call but never got back to me...

 

[ktg_]

Has anyone got any insight into VWV AC they can provide me with please? There’s very little info online :/

 

[summersun]

Michelmores HR interview !!

 

[thepfocollector]

Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back from Stephenson Harwood after the VI?

I think we are going to hear this week

 

[Glee914]

Has anyone got a further update from Mischon de reya for the summer vacation scheme?

 

[elizabethkate]

feel like i ought to do more DTC apps but i just havent got it in me im drained from this round