TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

If it's alright, I've got a few questions about the Reed Smith process? I've been observing for a little haha, but this is my first post here so please let me know if this should be in a different thread.

Has anyone heard back from Reed Smith after SJT/VI? I have applied for the winter scheme and I would've thought ACs would take place before Christmas?

Further to that, roughly how many people make it through to AC? How many vac scheme offers are made? What is success rate from a vac scheme? I've been told before it's roughly 50% through to blended assessment but I'm not sure if that's accurate? Also how many places are actually available on each scheme, as there is conflicting information on different websites.

Sorry for the barrage of questions, Reed Smith is by far my top choice firm, but I wasn't able to attend any open days to ask my questions. Any advice would be much appreciated!!! @Abbie Whitlock @RikPalmer-ReedSmith @ReedSmithBecca

Hello!

Of course, happy to address your questions!!

I can see from recent posts that a few people have received AC invites following the SJT / VI, so I can imagine more people will start hearing back soon! The Winter Scheme doesn't actually take place until the end of February, so there is still plenty of time for ACs to take place (especially considering the deadline for applications still has a little while left).

I'm not too sure on the amount of people who make it through to AC, unfortunately! As I didn't complete a vacation scheme at the firm, I can only go based on what I can see online, but it looks like they take around 30 vacation scheme students a year with around 26 training contracts on offer (taking into account the direct TC route).

No problem - it's a great choice (although maybe I'm slightly biased!). Best of luck with your application!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would it be too late to apply for Gibson Dunn? The deadline is mid January so there’s still more than a month, but it’s been open since September so I’m not sure if it would be better to wait until next year.

Hello!

I would still encourage you to apply - even if applications have been open for a while, there is still a little while left until they close! The most important factor is submitting a strong and tailored application, rather than necessarily when you submit it. If you feel you would benefit from some additional time to tailor and draft an application, it might be better to wait until next year. However, if you feel you can confidently submit a strong application, I'd say it's still worth it as there is plenty of chance to be progressed!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or @Andrei Radu !!
Just wondering what the correct sign-off for an email to a client in a written exercise would be? Does this differ if I’m writing to my supervisor or a partner?

Also, just in terms of formalities, is ”Dear [first name]” fine for writing to a supervisor or a partner? And then “Dear Mr/Ms [surname]” for a client?

And lastly I was unsure about headings/subheadings throughout the email. If I kind of list the key issues, do I actually add in a header “Key Issues”? Or if I then analyse said issues, do I add “Analysis”?

Thanks!

Hey!

Good questions! For a written exercise, I always aimed for a professional but not overly formal tone.

For sign-offs, I'd say you can use:

• Client email: Kind regards / Yours sincerely (if very formal)
• Supervisor / partner: Kind regards / Best wishes

So yes, you can adjust slightly based on audience, but I would use "Kind Regards" if in doubt!

In terms of how to address them:

• Supervisor / Partner: "Dear [First Name]" is generally acceptable internally unless told otherwise
• Clients: it is safer to use "Dear Mr / Ms [Surname]" unless the scenario indicates a more familiar relationship

You don'y necessarily need big report-style headings, unless the task suggests it. However, I found it useful to use headings to create a structure that makes the email clearer to read, especially if multiple issues are being analysed.

Clarity is the overall priority - it's important that you show you can organise information logically for a client!

I hope that helps

 

[Hopefully2025]

Are we cooked if it's been radio silence from Gibson Dunn or Slaughter and May for a month and a half? Do they ever really progress candidates after a longer wait?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hogan Lovells Lift Off PFO post Job Sim​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock! Not sure if anyone saw my last post, but I just wanted to ask if you had any practical key tips to keep in mind during a timed written exercise as my technique in the past wasn't amazing

Hi!

Timed written exercises are all about clarity, structure, and time management. A few practical tips that I used that could help:

1. Plan first (even if just 2-3 minutes): I'd skim the prompt, underline any key tasks, and decide what outcome the client / supervisor wants. A short bullet-point plan can help keep you on track!
2. Prioritise clarity over perfection: this could involve writing in short paragraphs, avoiding long sentences, and making sure that you get to the main point. The assessor will want to see that you can think clearly under time pressure
3. Using a simple structure: for me, having a clear structure was key! This could look like: (1) brief intro summarising the purpose of the email / note, (2) key issues or facts, (3) analysis and recommendations, and (4) next steps and a sign off. Even using light headings or bold sub-points / sections can make it a lot easier to follow
4. Answer the question actually asked: it sounds silly, but if it is an email, make sure you write it in the structure and formality of an email. If it is advice, make sure to give advice (rather than just an explanation)
5. Leave a few minutes at the end to proofread: this doesn't have to be a lot - even 2-3 minutes can help! Make sure you check tone, spelling, names, defined terms, attachments mentioned, and any numbers or dates.

The goal isn't to write absolutely everything, but you should aim to have an organised and professional answer that sets out the key information for the reader.

I hope that helps as a starting point!

 

[LRR23]

Anyone applied for CMS on deadline day and received the WG?

Yes. Applied 30th and received WG the next day

 

[c.t.tc]

Hi!

Timed written exercises are all about clarity, structure, and time management. A few practical tips that I used that could help:

1. Plan first (even if just 2-3 minutes): I'd skim the prompt, underline any key tasks, and decide what outcome the client / supervisor wants. A short bullet-point plan can help keep you on track!
2. Prioritise clarity over perfection: this could involve writing in short paragraphs, avoiding long sentences, and making sure that you get to the main point. The assessor will want to see that you can think clearly under time pressure
3. Using a simple structure: for me, having a clear structure was key! This could look like: (1) brief intro summarising the purpose of the email / note, (2) key issues or facts, (3) analysis and recommendations, and (4) next steps and a sign off. Even using light headings or bold sub-points / sections can make it a lot easier to follow
4. Answer the question actually asked: it sounds silly, but if it is an email, make sure you write it in the structure and formality of an email. If it is advice, make sure to give advice (rather than just an explanation)
5. Leave a few minutes at the end to proofread: this doesn't have to be a lot - even 2-3 minutes can help! Make sure you check tone, spelling, names, defined terms, attachments mentioned, and any numbers or dates.

The goal isn't to write absolutely everything, but you should aim to have an organised and professional answer that sets out the key information for the reader.

I hope that helps as a starting point!

Thank you so much that really helps!

 

[DavidJC]

HL Lift Off PFO

 

[TCLAUser1]

Is the Latham's test automatic and does it need to completed by their online app date of the 7th?

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone received a Baker McKenzie test?

 

[jojo23]

HL lift off pfo post job sim (stage 2)
Im not even surprised, the vid interview was a nightmare

 

[Bread]

Are there any resources for practicing written exercises or case studies? thank you!

 

[Vakil]

HL lift off pfo post job sim (stage 2)
Im not even surprised, the vid interview was a nightmare

I’m finding it so interesting how on all of the Capfinity/Amberjack/timed virtual interview style applications I’m not advancing despite good scores. Meanwhile on the traditional style applications where I’m able to freely write about my work experience, competencies, and interview with actual humans, I am progressing to ACs. This is now definitely influencing my decisions to apply to a firm, which is kind of sad when the application process is a deterrent. But, that’s just me.

 

[p2bv]

Just did the eversheds test.
Typical watson glaser but timed and most of the passages I got were all legal scenarios (I think to possibly try and confuse us)

 

[tianna09]

You could try looking at Chambers and Legal 500, both let you filter firms by practice area and region, so it’s an easy way to see who actually specialises in the areas you’re interested in.

From what you’ve said so far, you might like Fieldfisher, Kingsley Napley or Irwin Mitchell, but I’m not completely certain as they're different practice areas to what I'm interested in. I think Kennedys also have a strong PI/civil lit department, and you can do a training contract just in medical law there.

Thank you for your input! I am currently undergoing a Mentoring Scheme with a Fieldfisher Solicitor so I will chat to her about this at my next meeting.

 

[Suii]

DLA WG invite suii lets go 🎉

 

[Aspiringsolicitordm12]

Yes. Applied 30th and received WG the next day

Which office did you apply to?

 

[Anon Lawyer]

Yes. Applied 30th and received WG the next day

Which office did you apply to?

 

[LRR23]

Which office did you apply to?

London Office - has anyone else received WG after applying on Sunday?