TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

How to answer the question which asks for why you have chosen a specific office location?

Hello!

I would focus on being specific about why that particular office, rather than giving generic reasons that could apply to any location. For example, you could mention the types of clients or sectors that office is known for (e.g. tech, finance, private client, etc.) and link that to your own interests or any relevant experience.

It could also be worth showing that you understand how that office fits within the firm as a whole - for instance, whether it has a distinct specialism or a different client base compared to other offices. Additionally (particularly if you can't find any information on the above), if you have any personal ties to the area, you can include those too. However, I'd try to go beyond just stating them and explain why that connection makes you want to build your career there long-term.

Overall, I'd ensure that your answer clearly links the location to your motivations, experience, and future career goals to the office location, rather than just listing reasons why the city or firm itself is appealing

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

anyone who has completed the macfarlanes job sim in this rec cycle please dm! greatly appreciate any insights x

 

[trainee4u]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I received a call from a firm with an offer for their SVS on Friday. They said if they aren't able to send the contract on that day they'll do it on Monday. But I haven't heard from them yet and I understand they might be busy. When would you say is the right time to send a follow-up email?

An SVS or an SVS? If it's the latter you have lots of time, the former more urgent

 

[Jaysen]

hi jaysen! could i just clarify: the application details say that decisions will be released week of 22 july and that the first placement runs week of 27 july. is that correct? that's a really short notice period and i can imagine might pose issues on the firm's side especially with visa verification

That's a great point. If you're coming on Thursday, please ask this as a question and we can see what the firm thinks

 

[Lawlilly]

Does anyone have any examples of group tasks they’ve come across in assessment centres? They can be from previous years and do not need to be recent. I’m just not entirely sure what to expect and whether they tend to be more legal-focused or something broader.

 

[lawcool]

@futuretraineesolicitor @Abbie Whitlock @msclm @Bah Bah Pink Sheep Thank you for your advice on VS accommodation as I’m not too sure what the norm is! Thankfully I’m getting some financial support from the firm so I’m going to book somewhere I really appreciate your responses

 

[axelrod901]

If I have not heard back from Browne Jacobson yet post online assessment, should I assume its a PFO?

 

[trainee4u]

If I have not heard back from Browne Jacobson yet post online assessment, should I assume its a PFO?

which office?

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Hi, congrats on the interview, which stream did you apply to?

I have mine tomorrow too. I am confused as to what it is - I've had one email saying it is an interview and one telling me it isn't and is not scored?!

 

[XH]

If anyone could also help with the structure of a group task and any examples would be much appreciated. Pretty nervous for mine

 

[Donna Paulsen]

if anyone has done the BB video interview yet xx

Just wanting to know how much time we get to prepare answers, kind of traumatised by the CRS VI lol

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Has anyone heard anything from SH post app for DTC, or know when we will hear back. I submitted my app on 11/03/2026. I saw someone say they’re rolling basis on the threads previously but idk how rolling they are for DTC…​

 

[trainee4u]

lol.

From Winckworth @ 22:08

Dear Trainee4u

I have now completed the marking for this years application cycle.

I will now be double checking my scores with the view of notifying you of your application status by the end of business on Wednesday.

Thanks for your patience.

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

If anyone could also help with the structure of a group task and any examples would be much appreciated. Pretty nervous for mine

Does anyone have any examples of group tasks they’ve come across in assessment centres? They can be from previous years and do not need to be recent. I’m just not entirely sure what to expect and whether they tend to be more legal-focused or something broader.

Heyy guys, I've done a few and have heard of some other group tasks which I'm happy to share briefly:

They really vary depending on the firm, but the ones I've done haven't been legal at all - frankly they are quite simple and fun (very straightforward tasks)! They generally all have the same basic formula: (1) you will (generally, but firm dependent) have an individual presentation for a minute or two (or some sort of small individual element), (2) you will have to work as a group to solve an issue/the prompt given.

An example structure may look like:

• Each person gets a few prompts and then grad rec briefs you on the task at hand. Everyone is given a few minutes to think about their own thoughts and must present their prompts and ideas for 1 minute after the thinking time. Then the timer for the group element commences where you will be expected to engage with one another to come up with the group's answer to the task at hand. This may involve asking and clarifying with one another, building upon other's ideas, introducing new ideas and asking for thoughts, and working out what the best answer is together.
• Another common formulation is a negotiation group exercise where you could either have to work with a small team and negotiate with the other team, or you negotiate for your own individual terms within a small group. This can be quite similar to the previous example, but may involve more commercial knowledge (nothing ground breaking, very much common sense) and persuasive techniques. But the overall thing the firm is looking for is what type of collaborator you are and whether you're a fit for the firm.
• The common theme running through all group exercises is that you are given a common goal that you all should work towards - they are assessing how you as a team and as an individual do so, and whether you do it effectively.

Some advice I've been given:

1. Just speak. Don't overpower others, but please don't be afraid to speak. The more you speak the better they can assess you. But remember, being a good collaborator also involves active listening and ensuring everyone in the group is given a voice, so if you see someone who isn't speaking as much, try and involve them.
2. Understand what type of person the firm is looking for - this is especially relevant for certain US firms, who may prefer slightly more 'elbows-out' approaches where feasible. Generally most UK firms like you to be a full collaborator, friendly, encouraging etc.
3. If someone is being too dominant, try and find a way to speak up and bring others into the conversation - dominance is detrimental for everyone in the group as on one hand firms don't like people who just lead and leave no space for their peers, and on the other hand, firms can't assess the candidates who don't speak up.
4. Make sure you as a team are moving at a good pace, that you are keeping within the time constraints, and getting to a final answer - don't be afraid to remind your team if so.

Hope that helps and best of luck!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Heyy guys, I've done a few and have heard of some other group tasks which I'm happy to share briefly:

They really vary depending on the firm, but the one I've done haven't been legal at all - frankly they are quite simple and fun! They generally all have the same basic formula: (1) you will (generally, but firm dependent) have an individual presentation for a minute or two (or some sort of small individual element), (2) you will have to work as a group to solve an issue/the prompt given.

An example structure may look like:

• Each person gets a few prompts and then grad rec briefs you on the task at hand. Everyone is given a few minutes to think about their own thoughts and must present their prompts and ideas for 1 minute after the thinking time. Then the timer for the group element commences where you will be expected to engage with one another to come up with the group's answer to the task at hand. This may involve asking and clarifying with one another, building upon other's ideas, introducing new ideas and asking for thoughts, and working out what the best answer is together.
• Another common formulation is a negotiation group exercise where you could either have to work with a small team and negotiate with the other team, or you negotiate for your own individual terms within a small group. This can be quite similar to the previous example, but may involve more commercial knowledge (nothing ground breaking, very much common sense) and persuasive techniques. But the overall thing the firm is looking for is what type of collaborator you are and whether you're a fit for the firm.
• The common theme running through all group exercises is that you are given a common goal that you all should work towards - they are assessing how you as a team and as an individual do so, and whether you do it effectively.

Some advice I've been given:

1. Just speak. Don't overpower others, but please don't be afraid to speak. The more you speak the better they can assess you. But remember, being a good collaborator also involves active listening and ensuring everyone in the group is given a voice, so if you see someone who isn't speaking as much, try and involve them.
2. Understand what type of person the firm is looking for - this is especially relevant for certain US firms, who may prefer slightly more 'elbows-out' approaches where feasible. Generally most UK firms like you to be a full collaborator, friendly, encouraging etc.
3. If someone is being too dominant, try and find a way to speak up and bring others into the conversation - dominance is detrimental for everyone in the group as on one hand firms don't like people who just lead and leave no space for their peers, and on the other hand, firms can't assess the candidates who don't speak up.
4. Make sure you as a team are moving at a good pace, that you are keeping within the time constraints, and getting to a final answer - don't be afraid to remind your team if so.

Hope that helps and best of luck!

 

[Isabel709]

If I have not heard back from Browne Jacobson yet post online assessment, should I assume its a PFO?

i only got offered a TI (manchester) an hour ago

 

[axelrod901]

i only got offered a TI (manchester) an hour ago

Yeah just got an email as well would be grateful if anyone could give any insights on how to prepare, what questions were they asked (if you have already had your TI). Thank you!!

 

[8law]

has anyone done Bevan Brittan VI

 

[fTS3002]

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme offer!!

I would definitely agree with other forum users and say that I'd email them if you haven't heard by tomorrow evening - I've been in a similar situation before, and there's no harm in politely following up. However, it might just be that they haven't managed to get round to it today, so try not to worry

This is helpful, thank you so much Abbie!

 

[GKT]

Just wondering if anyone here has experience with this...I have a vacation scheme coming up in a Birmingham office and the firm has confirmed I'll need to arrange my own accommodation. Would you go for a hotel or an Airbnb/serviced apartment?