TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Burges Salmon Winter AC

Hi guys, my first post on this forum, but I have received an invite to their AC. I can say the countless hours of sacrifice researching the firm and online test practice during the summer were worth it. I have never done an assessment centre before, nor have I ever reached this stage in my life. Regardless of what happens, I'm just happy I made it to that stage.

Does anyone have any general tips and advice for a newbie?

I honestly don't want to go into the AC, and have the mindset that everyone is my competition. I want to enjoy this day. How can I truly just be my authentic self, without putting the assessors off?

This is my second cycle, and I feel really confident I can do well.

P.S. for those interested in the firm, I know they have the spring and summer vac schemes open, so make sure you apply!.

Please constantly practice the Watson-Glaser test and Situational Judgment Scenarios, use ChatGPT, to help with Watson Watson-Glaser / Situational Judgment Test. I sucked at these, now I look a them with indifference (being neurodivergent), without having to spend a fortune.

Hello!

Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset.

You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented.

I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!).

In terms of preparation:

1. Know your motivations: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align.
2. Refresh commercial awareness: Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm.
3. Practise your structure: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way.
4. Simulate the environment: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC.
5. Look after yourself: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there!

Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form!

Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟

 

[AspirationalDream]

Hello!

Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset.

You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented.

I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!).

In terms of preparation:

1. Know your motivations: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align.
2. Refresh commercial awareness: Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm.
3. Practise your structure: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way.
4. Simulate the environment: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC.
5. Look after yourself: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there!

Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form!

Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟

Thank you for this 🙏🏽

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the Eversheds Sutherland Vac Scheme not open to final year students? It reads: We welcome applications from penultimate year law under-graduates, final year non-law graduates as well as candidates who've already graduated or taken different career paths.

Is this them excluding final year law students but letting everyone else have at it?

Hey!

From my understanding, I would assume this means that any law student from their penultimate year or non-law student from their final year are eligible to apply for the vacation scheme (given that they need to hire in advance). I can’t imagine that they would be excluding final year law students exclusively

If you’re unsure, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check!

 

[chiichii]

Met the CC GR team today and they expressed they're pretty stringent with grades. When someone brought in the concept of mitigating circumstances, the GR member said, they would consider the mitigating circumstances the University would have considered while grading and not often beyond that.

They also said the internal threshold for WGT is super high and undisclosed (but the member asked me to meet a 90 percentile to be on a safer side).

Now I'm contemplating my decision to apply here, given my struggle with WGT, despite having good grades.

Hi! Sorry, are you referring to Clifford Chance? Just want to make sure I'm on the same page

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey!

It’s definitely still worth applying, even if they have started progressing people! Whilst it is advantageous to apply earlier in the application window for a rolling deadline, the majority of firms will receive the bulk of their applications right before the deadline and invites are usually sent out in batches.

Most firms will review anything that is submitted before the deadline - the most important thing is that you submit a strong and tailored application!

Thanks

 

[Jennifer2003]

Burges Salmon Winter AC

Hi guys, my first post on this forum, but I have received an invite to their AC. I can say the countless hours of sacrifice researching the firm and online test practice during the summer were worth it. I have never done an assessment centre before, nor have I ever reached this stage in my life. Regardless of what happens, I'm just happy I made it to that stage.

Does anyone have any general tips and advice for a newbie?

I honestly don't want to go into the AC, and have the mindset that everyone is my competition. I want to enjoy this day. How can I truly just be my authentic self, without putting the assessors off?

This is my second cycle, and I feel really confident I can do well.

P.S. for those interested in the firm, I know they have the spring and summer vac schemes open, so make sure you apply!.

Please constantly practice the Watson-Glaser test and Situational Judgment Scenarios, use ChatGPT, to help with Watson Watson-Glaser / Situational Judgment Test. I sucked at these, now I look a them with indifference (being neurodivergent), without having to spend a fortune.

Hi! Congratulations! What an achievement! I really admire that you want to enjoy the day and be yourself.
I was wondering how you use chatgpt to help with WG/SJT? I really struggle with these and was wondering if there any specific resources you get it to give you or advice etc - what kind of prompts do you give it?

 

[llblawstudent]

Met the CC GR team today and they expressed they're pretty stringent with grades. When someone brought in the concept of mitigating circumstances, the GR member said, they would consider the mitigating circumstances the University would have considered while grading and not often beyond that.

They also said the internal threshold for WGT is super high and undisclosed (but the member asked me to meet a 90 percentile to be on a safer side).

Now I'm contemplating my decision to apply here, given my struggle with WGT, despite having good grades.

Stringent how? 2:1 in every module?

 

[firmfirm]

Stringent how? 2:1 in every module?

When I emailed grad rec to confirm they said:

"When looking at prospective applications, we do require a 2:1 minimum at university, a strong academic background and would be looking at consistent results across all modules. If for any reason you've had issues with certain grades, you can disclose this in the extenuating circumstances section on your application, and this will be taken into consideration."

So they’re quite strict, but I think there’s still some room for flexibility if you have a good explanation or strong overall profile.

 

[llblawstudent]

Anyone heard back from Milbank after second assessment? I’m assuming next stage is AC so I’m guessing we’ll have to wait a while for it….

 

[LawAspirer]

Any news from Dechert after WE? I feel like we should be hearing soon given WVC is soonish

 

[JasmineM9]

Any further VI invites from W&C?

 

[user55998384]

applying for the vac scheme at simmons & simmons for their bristol office, they have a rolling deadline but i have applied for their open day too. Should i wait to hear back re this to then send the vac scheme app as the bristol one is open until feb but also hesitant to wait too long...

 

[an03]

Should I apply for Jones Day spring vac scheme as ppl have already progressed to next stages or go for summer?

 

[Jennifer2003]

I have the Bird and Bird STEM open day tomorrow. I really struggle with networking, striking up conversation with trainees and lawyers and figuring out good questions to ask, but I want to make the most of the day so that I have some unique insight for my vac scheme application. Any advice at all on how I can get the most out of it? I feel like with insight events I'm always sat listening to other people and when it comes to the opportunity to network, I struggle to get away from the walls haha

 

[Dannie]

Has anyone heard from W&C for spring/summer vac post Cappfinity?

 

[johnsmith]

applying for the vac scheme at simmons & simmons for their bristol office, they have a rolling deadline but i have applied for their open day too. Should i wait to hear back re this to then send the vac scheme app as the bristol one is open until feb but also hesitant to wait too long...

I think you’re safe to wait - the OD is next week and applications close this week so you'll hear quickly - OD will help enhance your VS application, particularly as they are VI heavy.

 

[Ronaldo04]

Does anyone know if the Latham stage 2 assessment for the VS is automatic or not? Sent the application yesterday so I am assuming its automatic, but the email says we are pleased to invite you...

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know if the Latham stage 2 assessment for the VS is automatic or not? Sent the application yesterday so I am assuming its automatic, but the email says we are pleased to invite you...

SJT seems to be auto, the next VI stage looks like it's selective based on the SJT results

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Question to anyone who has completed the W&C final interview for WVS - did they indicate when you would receive a decision by?

 

[ali-k]

Hello!

Congratulations on reaching the AC! Sounds like you've already put in a solid amount of preparation - great work so far! Since you've covered your motivational and competency answers and are keeping up with the FT for commercial awareness, you can use the final week to polish and practice application of everything rather than cramming new content. A few suggestions that might help:

1. Written Exercise
You've absolutely done the right thing by learning the formats of the different document types. I would now focus on practicing under timed conditions - find sample exercises online (there are quite a few generic ones if you search for "assessment centre written exercise examples", or we offer some paid options at TCLA) and practise analysing information quickly, identifying key points, and prioritising recommendations. It's important to make sure you can write your ideas in a clear and coherent way, detailing your thought process throughout - this is often how you score the biggest marks! I've also quoted below a previous post that may be helpful to have a think about, particularly if the written exercise involves writing a client email.




2. Group Exercise

For the group task, it's less about technical knowledge and more about how you interact with others. The assessors will want to see teamwork, communication, and how you contribute to the discussion overall. I would:

• Try to focus on listening actively and building on others' points rather than dominating the discussion. This can be a really tricky balance - you want to aim to be neither the quietest nor the loudest!
• Be structured - help the group early on and keep everyone on track. If you feel the discussion is getting sidetracked, or you are stuck on one point and under timed conditions, try to encourage the group to move onto the next point so you can cover the most ground.
• Summarise key points at intervals and check for agreement - this was one of the main things I found really helpful! Every so often, make sure that everyone is on the same page. It shows that you are listening, and demonstrates leadership and organisation!
• Invite people into the discussion if they are quiet - this shows awareness of the others in your group, and highlights your collaborative qualities.

You don't need to be the loudest - being calm and focused on reaching a balanced conclusion is the way to make a good impression

3. Case Study Interview

If it is business or deal focused, I would try to practice breaking down problems logically into different components. It might help to structure your answers as: issue -> analysis -> recommendation. There are some case study examples online that you could have a look at to get a feel for how to talk through a problem clearly and commercially. Remember that you may be challenged on your viewpoints, and it's completely fine to change your mind if the assessors / interviewers bring up a point or insight you hadn't considered. However, it's also find to stick to your original answer and explain your reasoning if you are confident in it!

I hope that assists - you're in a great place already, the final stretch is about making sure everything sticks and you feel confident going into the AC!

Best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll smash it!

Thank you Abbie, that's very helpful