TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

does anyone have any tips on how to prep for critical reasoning tests and group exercises? At the end of my VS I will have to do a critical reasoning test and a group exercise and I'm not sure what resources there are out there.

Hey!

So critical reasoning tests will usually be Watson Glaser or some variation of it. But it’s not just that. Firms sometimes include verbal reasoning or situational judgment tests (SJTs) as part of their critical thinking assessments too. All of them test how you process information, make judgments, and spot inconsistencies, so it’s worth being familiar with each type.

In terms of resources, there are loads online. I found the practice tools on Amberjack assessments, JobTestPrep, and AssessmentDay really helpful. They all offer mock tests that mirror the real thing quite well. That said, it's always best to go straight to the source when you can. For example, if you check Clifford Chance’s grad recruitment site, they’ve got a practice Watson Glaser that you can try out, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a go.

For group exercises, I don’t think there’s a ton you can actively prepare in advance. I’d say make the most of your group members opinions too - you’ll find working in a team is great as many people’s ideas help bolster the final outcome. 2 heads are better than 1. Also, what helps most is knowing what’s going on in the world. If you're familiar with pressing topics like ESG, US tariffs, AI developments, or anything similar, you’ll usually find a way to link them to whatever discussion you're given. Those aren’t the only topics, though, but the point is most of these exercises are testing how you think on your feet and apply commercial logic. M&A and private equity are also good areas to study, and there are loads of resources on TCLA for that — both on the forum and in the Premium or Gold content.

Let me know if you’ve got any other questions at all.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

I‘m really sorry about this. I know how discouraging a rejection can feel, especially when it's from a firm you were genuinely excited about like Faegre. It’s completely normal to feel deflated after putting in so much effort and getting a “no” at the end. But let me say this clearly: this is not a reflection of your worth, potential, or ability to become a brilliant lawyer. Use this as a stepping stone. Reflect on what you learned, note what you’d improve for next time, and then move forward with intention. You’re not starting from scratch… you’re starting from experience. Keep applying, keep refining, and most importantly, keep backing yourself. There are still so many opportunities ahead, and you only need one "yes" to change everything.

You've got this.

Thank you Amma

 

[sc13]

Hi there,

Congrats on getting to that stage! Such a wonderful achievement.

One of the most important things to understand about law firm assessment centres is that how you prepare mentally often matters more than what you produce on the day. That might sound counterintuitive, but solid preparation puts you in a position where you're no longer scrambling for structure or ideas — you already know how to break down the task, filter out what matters, and get your points across under pressure. For case study-type tasks especially, people tend to get overwhelmed because there’s a lot of information and very little time. That’s where your prep really kicks in. If you’ve trained yourself to quickly identify what’s relevant and ignore the noise, you’ll automatically be more efficient and more confident when it counts.

When you’re given a time-limited task — let’s say 20 or 30 minutes — your first instinct might be to dive into the documents and start reading everything. But the smarter move is to stop and read the actual question or task instruction first. That tells you what you’re supposed to be solving. Once you know what you’re looking for, the rest of the reading becomes purposeful. You’re no longer reading just to understand — you’re reading to extract. You begin to actively look for the risks, issues, commercial angles or client concerns that relate to the task you’ve been set. That saves time and stops you from becoming overwhelmed by irrelevant detail.

If the task ends up being a memo — and often these pre-AC exercises are framed as an internal note or advice to a supervisor — formatting will matter too. Pay attention to structure, clarity and tone. Use headings to break up the content, write in plain English, and get to the point quickly. One piece of feedback candidates often get is that their writing is dense or difficult to follow. Making things easy to read is not about dumbing it down — it’s about being clear and professional. A good memo anticipates what the reader wants to know and delivers it in an accessible format. Also, remember to check how you're addressing the recipient. "Dear Name" or "To: Supervising Associate" is usually safe, and you can sign off with your name or "Trainee Solicitor" depending on the context you're being asked to adopt.

The last thing I’ll say is don’t stress if you’re unsure of the exact format beforehand. You can’t control that. But you can control how familiar you are with common tasks (like internal memos or client emails/case studies too), how well you manage your time under pressure, and how confident you are in identifying key issues quickly.


Best wishes on the AC. I just know you’re gonna nail it

Thank you @Amma Usman !!☺️

 

[TCpleasex]

I have a virtual AC coming up. I’ve never done one virtually so does anyone have any advice on how to make sure I still come across well through the laptop?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks, Jessica! Really appreciate your response. I know it’s not rational, but I think after how intense and competitive the whole process has been, my brain’s still stuck in “what if it goes wrong?” mode.

It’s reassuring to hear that this kind of paranoia isn’t grounded in how firms actually operate, and your perspective definitely helps put things into context. 🫶

Don’t worry - I have this question asked of me all the time, it’s very common to feel like this and to feel very nervous about it all!

That’s why I am here though to try and dispel this worries, especially when there is very little (or nothing) to worry about!

 

[suhana]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman

Heya! Can you please suggest a way to draft an email to a firm to extend the date of acceptance for a TC offer? I have another vac scheme in the summer, and I just got a TC offer from my spring vac scheme, but the contract stipulates that the last date to accept it is next week. A bit stressed since I don't want them to revoke the offer just because I asked for an extension.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman

Heya! Can you please suggest a way to draft an email to a firm to extend the date of acceptance for a TC offer? I have another vac scheme in the summer, and I just got a TC offer from my spring vac scheme, but the contract stipulates that the last date to accept it is next week. A bit stressed since I don't want them to revoke the offer just because I asked for an extension.

I would recommend calling the firm rather than emailing for a matter like this. You'll be able to discuss the issue with them, emphasise your motivations for the firm much more clearly, and get a quicker answer than relying on email.

If you cannot get hold of the firm, then email and cover:

- Why you need the extension - be clear as to why, there is no point in trying to hide the other VS
- Ideally what date you would like the offer to be extended to
- Reiterate your motivations for the firm but explain why you are keen to explore your vacation scheme with the other firm.

They will not revoke the offer if you ask for an extension. The worst that will happen is they say no to the extension of the offer and only give you until next week to decide.

Unless there are any terms in your VS or TC offers that state otherwise, you could accept the TC offer anyway and continue with the VS offer. You also could always renege on the TC firm if you then secured a TC with the VS firm that you would prefer over the existing TC offer (assuming you haven't started any onboarding processes for the GDL/LPC/SQE or received any financial support (e.g. a maintenance grant payment) from the TC firm.

 

[suhana]

I would recommend calling the firm rather than emailing for a matter like this. You'll be able to discuss the issue with them, emphasise your motivations for the firm much more clearly, and get a quicker answer than relying on email.

If you cannot get hold of the firm, then email and cover:

- Why you need the extension - be clear as to why, there is no point in trying to hide the other VS
- Ideally what date you would like the offer to be extended to
- Reiterate your motivations for the firm but explain why you are keen to explore your vacation scheme with the other firm.

They will not revoke the offer if you ask for an extension. The worst that will happen is they say no to the extension of the offer and only give you until next week to decide.

Unless there are any terms in your VS or TC offers that state otherwise, you could accept the TC offer anyway and continue with the VS offer. You also could always renege on the TC firm if you then secured a TC with the VS firm that you would prefer over the existing TC offer (assuming you haven't started any onboarding processes for the GDL/LPC/SQE or received any financial support (e.g. a maintenance grant payment) from the TC firm.

Thanks so much jessica! The only thing is that my other scheme ends in mid july so I was a bit stressed to ask for an extension of over two months. Do you think that is viable to ask for?

 

[Chris Brown]

Thanks so much jessica! The only thing is that my other scheme ends in mid july so I was a bit stressed to ask for an extension of over two months. Do you think that is viable to ask for?

Huge congrats on getting a TC offer post Spring VS! That’s a major achievement!! 🥳

As for your question, I think it’s fine. I received a TC offer post Spring VS but have upcoming SVS’, so I reached out to the firm and negotiated an extension to accept the TC. 🥲

They gave me until around mid July (when the SVS’ are over). The main thing is to be honest about the reason you are seeking an extension of the deadline. Best of luck for the SVS! 😅​

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks so much jessica! The only thing is that my other scheme ends in mid july so I was a bit stressed to ask for an extension of over two months. Do you think that is viable to ask for?

I think it is perfectly fine to ask this. It is just down to the firm as to whether they will agree to it or not, but its not going to be an issue by asking.

Some firms will easily agree on an extension while others won't - its hard to know what the response is going to be in your particular situation, but I wouldn't stress about the asking part. It is a very reasonable question and one the firm has had many times before.

 

[suhana]

I think it is perfectly fine to ask this. It is just down to the firm as to whether they will agree to it or not, but its not going to be an issue by asking.

Some firms will easily agree on an extension while others won't - its hard to know what the response is going to be in your particular situation, but I wouldn't stress about the asking part. It is a very reasonable question and one the firm has had many times before.

I just got off a call with the firm, and they confirmed that they won't be able to extend the signing deadline. I'm now a bit unsure about how to proceed. There's nothing in my contract—either for the vacation scheme or the training contract—that states I can't undertake the vacation scheme if I already have a TC offer. However, should I inform the vacation scheme firm about my TC offer? Situation is a bit tricky

 

[S7321]

How quickly do you usually hear back after a VS on whether you've got a TC? I've got 2 VS back to back this summer so wondering when I'll need to make any decisions or weigh them up if I'm successful!

 

[suhana]

Huge congrats on getting a TC offer post Spring VS! That’s a major achievement!! 🥳

As for your question, I think it’s fine. I received a TC offer post Spring VS but have upcoming SVS’, so I reached out to the firm and negotiated an extension to accept the TC. 🥲

They gave me until around mid July (when the SVS’ are over). The main thing is to be honest about the reason you are seeking an extension of the deadline. Best of luck for the SVS! 😅​

Unfortunately the firm said no to extending the date!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Unfortunately the firm said no to extending the date!

I'd take the TC. Don't risk it!

 

[Chris Brown]

I just got off a call with the firm, and they confirmed that they won't be able to extend the signing deadline. I'm now a bit unsure about how to proceed. There's nothing in my contract—either for the vacation scheme or the training contract—that states I can't undertake the vacation scheme if I already have a TC offer. However, should I inform the vacation scheme firm about my TC offer? Situation is a bit tricky

It might be better to accept the TC offer from the firm you did the Spring VS with. As there are no clauses prohibiting you from doing the Summer VS (from either firm), I would say do the Summer VS and if you convert it, potentially consider reneging on the Spring VS TC (if you feel you prefer the Summer VS firm). That is your safest option, instead of losing the Spring VS TC offer due to not accepting in time! 🙂​

 

[Jessica Booker]

I just got off a call with the firm, and they confirmed that they won't be able to extend the signing deadline. I'm now a bit unsure about how to proceed. There's nothing in my contract—either for the vacation scheme or the training contract—that states I can't undertake the vacation scheme if I already have a TC offer. However, should I inform the vacation scheme firm about my TC offer? Situation is a bit tricky

At this stage I don’t see the value in telling your VS firm that you have accepted a TC offer. At some point they may ask you to provide this detail anyway, and you can explain the situation at that time.

The only reason to speak to the VS firm about it is if you feel you could ask them to consider you for a direct TC process and for you to get a decision on that in the coming weeks rather than waiting post VS.

 

[StickyToffeePud]

Has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings post interview yet?

 

[AS24]

Has anyone received a PFO from Mishcon after completing the AC for the summer VS? I am desperate!

 

[Amma Usman]

I have a virtual AC coming up. I’ve never done one virtually so does anyone have any advice on how to make sure I still come across well through the laptop?

Congratulations on getting the virtual interview! I’d say treat is as you would any normal interview - same level of preparation, confidence, and clarity you will adopt as if it were in-person. This may include building a good rapport from the start, just as you would at a face-to-face interview, relatively formal dressing, asking good questions along the way/at the end, etc.

 

[Amehta1]

Hi @Jessica Booker I was wondering if you could assist with this. Thanks in advance for your help!

My friend has an offer for a tc He's given reasons for wanting an earlier start and they've put him on a waiting list. What's the probability he gets to start earlier considering they said they're very backlogged.

Also, can you still apply to other firms even though you've accepted a tc offer.