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.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
@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
I really appreciate your responses
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?!
Just wanting to know how much time we get to prepare answers, kind of traumatised by the CRS VI lol
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…
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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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!!This is helpful, thank you so much Abbie!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 such an amazing outcome - huge congratulations!! Converting all 3 ACs is super impressive and clearly shows how much work you've put in this cycle.
I can also completely understand why you'd feel gutted about the clash, and it is definitely unfortunate that most firms run their schemes at a similar time! However, having that choice in itself is a strong position to be in (even if slightly frustrating!), and given your success rate with the ACs, I'm sure you'll see similar results with the schemes themselves!
It is also a good reminder that the process is tough, but persistence genuinely does pay off in the end! Massive well done again, and I hope you get the chance to properly celebrate!!
Guys during my VS offer call the HR lady told me that they "over-offered" places on the scheme - am I cooked?
I'm wondering how many more places a firm can in theory offer than they planned for, does anybody have any thoughts on this and/or similar experiences?
HR did take a reassuring tone immediately though, saying that they "hope to place some participants on a 2027 TC" (which seemingly wasn't an option during the cycle). The conversion rate was 50-53% originally, I hope it won't dip much because of this. This is a US firm.
@Abbie Whitlock would really appreciate your thoughts on this!
I'm wondering how many more places a firm can in theory offer than they planned for, does anybody have any thoughts on this and/or similar experiences?
HR did take a reassuring tone immediately though, saying that they "hope to place some participants on a 2027 TC" (which seemingly wasn't an option during the cycle). The conversion rate was 50-53% originally, I hope it won't dip much because of this. This is a US firm.
@Abbie Whitlock would really appreciate your thoughts on this!
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Any advice on a question that asks during the Vacation Scheme please indicate if there are any specific areas you would like to experience during the vacation scheme. But there is another question in the application about which practice areas would you like to specialise in during your training contract and beyond and why? I don't want to sound repetitive in the both questions. Any advice would be insightful.
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