TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[BillSikes]

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

I applied 23:59 deadline and have not received. I understand everybody gets sent the WG.

 

[whywhy88]

Anyone know what time apps close for NRF on Sunday? Is it 11:59? Thanks!

 

[fbtrainee]

They advised at the OD that you choose your most recent and relevant, but where you may have had multiple jobs, say hospitality, you can group them and cover the skills you picked up that would apply to being a trainee. If you were, say, a career changer, though, you could go last 4 jobs over a long

 

[fbtrainee]

They advised at the OD that you choose your most recent and relevant, but where you may have had multiple jobs, say hospitality, you can group them and cover the skills you picked up that would apply to being a trainee. If you were, say, a career changer, though, you could go last 4 jobs over a longer period!

for the other experiences section can we then just list other experiences in bullet points or pick maybe 2 of those other experiences and have bullet points/prose for each?

 

[fbtrainee]

Anyone know what time apps close for NRF on Sunday? Is it 11:59? Thanks!

yes it is