TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do you write a strong conclusion for a written exercise? And how should it differ from an executive summary at the start of the email/memo?

Hi!

They're definitely very similar in nature! I've found that a good way to think about it is the executive summary tells the reader what they need to know upfront, while the conclusion reinforces what they should take away at the end.

Executive Summary

• Brief and high-level
• States the purpose of the memo / email
• Highlights your key recommendations immediately
• Gives the reader an overview without reading the whole document (i.e. the most important information)
• Think: "Here's the issue, here's what I recommend, here's why it matters"

Conclusion

• Wraps everything up logically
• Reaffirms the recommendation based on the analysis you have just presented
• May include next steps, actions, or considerations going forward
• Think: "Based on the discussion above, the best course of action is..."

An example of each could be:

Executive Summary: "X issue has arisen. After considering A, B and C, I recommend option Y because it provides the best balance of risk and commercial benefit"

Conclusion: "In summary, given the legal risks under A and the commercial advantages under B, option Y is the most suitable. If you're happy to proceed, I can prepare a draft..."

I hope that helps to illustrate the subtle differences!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu Hi, I've got a VS at Slaughter and May (HK). I'm also applying to VS in London, targetting specifically US firms. Is it worth mentioning this VS despite the fact that it really doesn't fit the profile of the firms I am applying to in London? In other words, is it better to show I am a desirable candidate by mentioning this experience? Or does it actually negatively impact my application because 1) it shows I am not committed to HK and 2) I am not committed to PE/ US firms.

Hello!

Congratulations on the Slaughter and May HK VS - that's a great achievement!!

In terms of whether to mention it in applications for VS in London, I think it depends on how you frame it. The VS itself is impressive and demonstrates capability, but firms will want to understand your trajectory and reasoning, especially if the experience doesn't directly align with the practice focus or region you are applying for.

If you decide to mention it, I personally don't think it would necessarily harm your application - it can show you are a strong candidate who has been competitive enough to secure a VS at a leading firm. The key is to connect the experience to what you're now pursuing. For example, there may be similarities in other aspects of the firms, such as international work, culture, pro bono, exposure to high-end work, etc. For example, I listed my upcoming VS at a private client focused firm during my Reed Smith DTC application - whilst they didn't have similarities between practice areas, I was able to draw similarities in other areas which helped show my reasons for applying.

However, if you feel you can't draw a meaningful link and it risks creating confusion around why you're now targeting US firms in London, then leaving it out is also perfectly reasonably. You're not obliged to list it if you haven't completed it yet - it's clear that you are able to be successful in applications, so you don't necessarily need to list it in order to be viewed as a desirable candidate!

 

[e.jy336]

does anyone have advice/insights on the Latham post-app test?

 

[Trophy]

Did anyone do the Weil test and what score did you get?

High verb
Mid numerical
8,4,7,9

What about you?

 

[adam.o]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons?

 

[yuhhhh]

High verb
Mid numerical
8,4,7,9

What about you?

Those are insane stats. I got

High Verb
High Numerical
6,4,6,6

 

[elle woods]

High verb
Mid numerical
8,4,7,9

What about you?

:0 what do the numbers pertain to? That's really amazing tho!

 

[Trophy]

Those are insane stats. I got

High Verb
High Numerical
6,4,6,6

Thank you.
High in verbal and numerical is impressive.

With these tests there’s always a benchmark the VI is more important. I’m certain your VI went well.

 

[Trophy]

:0 what do the numbers pertain to? That's really amazing tho!

The online assessment with Weil. I did it a few days ago.
It’s out of 9 for each category ( I don’t remember what they are). I’ve not seen anyone get more than one 9.

 

[Wompycapy]

Is it just me or does Latham not send a confirmation after the post-app test?

 

[applicationcyclist]

Does anyone know if Dentons actually hires many trainees from the direct training contract route? I am keen on the firm, but the vac scheme deadline has already passed, whereas the direct training contract deadline closes in January. Massively appreciate any knowledge on this front.

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Could anyone give some insight into the latham test! Would be happy to give into insight to freshfields, Weil, Bakers in exchange! Thanks

 

[Wompycapy]

Could anyone give some insight into the latham test! Would be happy to give into insight to freshfields, Weil, Bakers in exchange! Thanks

Stage 1 is SJT (rank 5 options)/side the bar test + pick from two options. No VI

 

[johnsmith]

Is it just me or does Latham not send a confirmation after the post-app test?

Did mine yesterday and came this evening

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Stage 1 is SJT (rank 5 options)/side the bar test + pick from two options. No VI

thanks so much!!!

 

[lalalailovelife]

Stage 1 is SJT (rank 5 options)/side the bar test + pick from two options. No VI

wait did Latham remove the VI this year for summer vac scheme app

 

[elle woods]

wait did Latham remove the VI this year for summer vac scheme app

I'm pretty sure it's in the next test if you pass the initial test

 

[lalalailovelife]

I'm pretty sure it's in the next test if you pass the initial test

omg cus i remember last year they had it together in 1 test i thought i was bugging lol

 

[elle woods]

omg cus i remember last year they had it together in 1 test i thought i was bugging lol

haah yea, i think they changed it to have a stage 1 stage 2 this year

 

[tjeya26]

Hi guys, I submitted a last minute application to Arnold&Porter and realised that in a small section of the application explaining my use of AI (so not the main questions or work experience) I wrote the wrong firm name😭. How bad is this for me? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu