TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BillSikes]

For DLA Piper TI - is there a time limit for answering questions?

 

[legallycurly]

Is Simmons' online assessment monitored? Will my camera be on throughout? I wanted to do part of it now and part of it later but not if my camera is going to be on the whole time.

Yes, the camera is on throughout the assessment.

 

[elle woods]

☹️ plane delayed… stuck onboard…battery dead… there goes my plans about finishing Kirkland today 😂

 

[Amelia.05]

How long does it take Milbank to get back to candidates after the first stage for the 2nd stage assessment?

Have you heard anything? I did ity a while ago and havent had a pfo or 2nd test invite

 

[tom-sawyer]

That NRF online assessment was miserable. So grateful none of the other firms on my list use Arctic Shores. My god!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all.. need advice for Written Exercise.

I am new to this type of test as this is my first cycle and I am coming from now law. I am aware of the Exam protocol or assessment policy, my concerns were:

• Do we need to turn on camera during the test?
• Are we monitored by a person (like invigilator) on real time?
• Are the questions sent over before the deadline?

I am so confused as the email only stated the time slot and mentioned that the assessor were partners and associates, which graded anonymously. Is this a general rule or practice that might be varied by firm?

Also, please give me the most recent tips if any @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hello!

Congratulations on the written exercise invite! To address each of your main questions:

1. Camera on: this likely differs from firm to firm. I've sat written exercises before where it asks for permission to use your camera (and, therefore, I assume it was recording!) and others where it has not. If camera use is required, it will be very clearly stated in the instructions of the written exercise
2. Live monitoring: there is typically no live invigilator - written exercises are usually completed independently within a set time window. Some firms may use basic monitoring software, but again, this would be disclosed in advance
3. When questions are released: in most cases, the questions are released at the start of your allocated time slot, not beforehand. You would then submit your answer before the deadline at the end of that slot. I would say it is uncommon for firms to send the questions early.

The point about assessors being partners and associates grading anonymously is very standard and simply means:

• Your work is marked without personal details attached
• Reviewers are focusing on your content, structure, and commercial awareness

So, yes - I'd say that these are general practices, but small details can vary by firm. If anything differs (i.e. cameras on, live assessment, early access to questions), firms will be very explicit about it.

In terms of quick tips for the written exercise, I have quoted some posts below that might be a helpful starting point!

Wishing you the best of luck!

Hello!

Congratulations on receiving the written exercise invite! Whilst I am not too sure on the specifics of the Dechert exercise, I've outlined some advice below that I gave a little while ago in relation to preparing for written exercises.

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document. For example, you might be asked to write an email to a client, a letter, a memo, or a report. Have a look at what the structure of each of these should be, and have a go drafting a couple to get used to it in advance.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

I'd focus on condensing large chunks of information into clear, concise summaries, and then presenting these within a straightforward structure that flows logically and leads to a well-reasoned conclusion.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the written exercise - we'll all be rooting for you! 🎉

Of course, no problem at all!!

Since client emails are such a common format in written exercises, it's definitely worth getting comfortable with how to approach them! A few things that I kept in mind when preparing:

Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before you start writing, clarify who you are writing to (e.g. a client, supervisor, or a colleague) and what information they need from you. The tone, level of formality, and structure will vary depending on whether it's an internal email or an email to an external client.

For example, if you are emailing a client, you want to ensure that they are able to understand any legal principles that you are outlining in your email. As such, it's important to make sure you write it in layman's terms and don't just recite the information given in the materials. However, if you are emailing a supervisor, I would focus on highlighting the most important pieces of information as you are effectively trying to save them time in going through the materials themselves. I would always aim to write in a professional way, and frame it like you would an actual email - such as a subject line and a closing sentence.

Use a Clear and Logical Structure

The main thing that I changed when approaching written exercises was making sure that I had a clear and logical structure. A good client email should be easy to follow. A simple structure could look like:

1. Opening: A brief, polite greeting and context for why you're writing (and what you'll be discussing in the email). If you're emailing a supervisor, it might be useful to include a short summary of your findings at the top (i.e. an early conclusion), and then go into more detail below.
2. Main Body: Summarise the key points or advice clearly and concisely, using short paragraphs. It might be appropriate to use headings and subtitles, especially if there is a lot of information. The goal is to make sure that the client can follow along, and that it isn't just a massive wall of text that is difficult to read.
3. Closing: End with next steps, an offer of assistance, or a polite sign-off (e.g. "Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further"). These elements distinguish an email exercise from a general report or memo, and shows that you are following the brief exactly! If you are emailing a supervisor, I would try to show some proactivity in the closing parts - such as offering to write a first draft of a document or client email.

Keep your tone professional and approachable

I would aim for clear, confident language without being overly formal (but still professional). This can be tricky, but phrases such as "I'd recommend..." or "It may be helpful..." strike a nice balance. Avoid overly technical language or long-winded phrasing - simplicity often conveys professionalism! As stated above, I would definitely avoid legal jargon if you are writing to a client, unless you are certain that a client would understand it.

Also remember that tone can shift slightly depending on the client's relationship with the firm. If you are told this information, a longstanding client might suit a warmer tone, whilst a first-time contact may call for a more formal approach. However, if in doubt, I would always go for a more formal approach - especially in a professional context!

Be precise and client-focused

Remember the purpose for why you are actually writing to the client, and tailor your response to the client's actual issue. I would avoid copying large chunks of background information from the brief (as the client will already have this information!) - instead, demonstrate understanding of their issue by reframing the key points in your own words and applying them directly to the client's situation. Make sure to keep your advice practical - clients care more about what they should do next than about the legal theory behind it. You might find it useful to use signposting phrases such as "In summary..." or "Based on the information provided..." to make your reasoning easy to follow. If there are uncertainties, I would make sure to address them but be reassuring - e.g. "Further details would be needed to confirm this position, but at this stage...".

Check for clarity and tone at the end

Before your time runs out, take a moment to review your email. I always found it helpful to read it aloud (if possible) or follow along with my finger - this helps you catch sentences that are too long, unclear, or sound abrupt. Look for opportunities to simplify, and if a sentence takes more than one breath to read, it's probably too long! Make sure your sign-off fits the context (things such as "Kind regards" or "Best wishes" usually work best). The graduate recruitment team / assessors will be looking for professionalism in formatting and presentation - consistent spacing, clear paragraphing, and correct spelling and grammar will all make a strong impression.

As a practical tip to practice: You could start by taking short case studies and draft sample emails that summarise your advice in 200-300 words. This helps you get used to organising your thoughts quickly and writing in a professional, accessible way.

I hope that helps!

 

[Amgrad]

Hello!

Congratulations on the written exercise invite! To address each of your main questions:

1. Camera on: this likely differs from firm to firm. I've sat written exercises before where it asks for permission to use your camera (and, therefore, I assume it was recording!) and others where it has not. If camera use is required, it will be very clearly stated in the instructions of the written exercise
2. Live monitoring: there is typically no live invigilator - written exercises are usually completed independently within a set time window. Some firms may use basic monitoring software, but again, this would be disclosed in advance
3. When questions are released: in most cases, the questions are released at the start of your allocated time slot, not beforehand. You would then submit your answer before the deadline at the end of that slot. I would say it is uncommon for firms to send the questions early.

The point about assessors being partners and associates grading anonymously is very standard and simply means:

• Your work is marked without personal details attached
• Reviewers are focusing on your content, structure, and commercial awareness

So, yes - I'd say that these are general practices, but small details can vary by firm. If anything differs (i.e. cameras on, live assessment, early access to questions), firms will be very explicit about it.

In terms of quick tips for the written exercise, I have quoted some posts below that might be a helpful starting point!

Wishing you the best of luck!

Thank you Abbie. That's really helpful of you!

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone heard back from Pinsent Mason Birmingham office?

They said at the London AC last week they were completing London first 👌

 

[lawyersum]

does one typo doom you in an app?? stressing so much it wasn’t even noticeable the 5000 times I read it back😭

 

[plsgivemetc]

Did HSF Kramer's test on Saturday and still haven't heard back. My report had 3 weaknesses (of course saying the complete opposite about who I actually am IRL) so I have no hope but I still want the confirmation email to fully accept it and put them aside. It's really frustrating because it's my favourite firm, I've taken every opportunity to interact with them at their open day, virtually and events at my university. I actually didn't pass their benchmark last year when applying to be their campus ambassador so I kept asking for tips on passing the test and I did what they said. I researched situational judgement scenarios, asked their lawyers how they would approach them and I memorised the firm's values but that STILL didn't help. Whenever I get a gmail notification I get a mini heart attack, I've even had a vivid dream opening their email and to add to that, someone I sat next to in a lecture opened up their email saying he passed the test AND THE NEXT DAY someone from my course also opened up an email saying he passed while we were talking. The universe really hates me haha idk what I'm doing wrong. I spend hours interacting with firms, writing applications, preparing for their tests and neglecting my uni work just to get rejected at the initial test stage. I wish they would take a glance at my application, 3 months of legal work experience that I've worked so hard to get this summer and achievements and give me a chance at interview.

update i cannot get over this no matter how hard i try, i randomly think about it in the day and just start crying hahah so i ended up emailing the Early Careers team telling them everything i've done to prepare for this year and asking for advice on how to approach the test next year when i reapply because the feedback report doesn't align with who i am. i hope i don't sound like a crazy person but come on what is the Early Careers team's job if it doesn't involve being transparent with and helping applicants who went beyond everything they've been advised to do and still failed???? i really hope they reply to me because i think that will give me closure

 

[halogenz]

Are you recorded during Ashursts capp test?

 

[WillKitchen]

does one typo doom you in an app?? stressing so much it wasn’t even noticeable the 5000 times I read it back😭

I've heard some grad recruiters say they use a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" method. But one always feels like one too many.

If it makes you feel any better, I published a book in 2020 in which I spelt Jimi Hendrix's name wrong ("Jimmy"). I cringe about that to this day.

 

[lawyersum]

update i cannot get over this no matter how hard i try, i randomly think about it in the day and just start crying hahah so i ended up emailing the Early Careers team telling them everything i've done to prepare for this year and asking for advice on how to approach the test next year when i reapply because the feedback report doesn't align with who i am. i hope i don't sound like a crazy person but come on what is the Early Careers team's job if it doesn't involve being transparent with and helping applicants who went beyond everything they've been advised to do and still failed???? i really hope they reply to me because i think that will give me closure

tbh you don’t sound crazy, just a very valid reaction to this insane process. I hope you get some clarification via email. I do hate how firms preach about individuality in this process and on their bs corporate marketing material, when in reality they’re looking for cookie-cutter bots who can pass unrealistic sjt or gamified tests.

 

[lawyersum]

I've heard some grad recruiters say they use a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" method. But one always feels like one too many.

If it makes you feel any better, I published a book in 2020 in which I spelt Jimi Hendrix's name wrong ("Jimmy"). I cringe about that to this day.

i wrote submission as submisson. I think mine is worse than yours😭

 

[halogenz]

Hi, does anyone have any insights into Gowling's VI?

I'd be happy to share insights into CMS's VI, Mischon's chat based test + VI, Mayer Brown's VI, Reed Smith's VI, White & Case's VI, Bird & Bird's VI and HSF's AC in exchange!

 

[londonlawyer]

Does anyone know what time Kirkland VS app is due tomorrow?

 

[studysquirrel]

Just finished latham stage 2, I struggled to find that, so want to post this to help ppl.

1. Video questions: difficult in terms of form not content. Just stay calm, use the given time wisely, (tho a unique form, they are still questions that you can prepare in advance I would say.) and you should believe that you can answer them well. But I didn't really prepare for it so I was chopping all the time and not smoothly enough i guess.

2. WG: extremely simple, you cannot believe it... for some reason.

Hey, how many questions were there in the VI? And does the VI come first or the WG?

 

[annalise.joyn]

Hey, how many questions were there in the VI? And does the VI come first or the WG?

2 questions in the VI, you can choose to do the VI first or the WG as it has a page of different sections!

 

[Harvey Specter]

I've heard some grad recruiters say they use a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" method. But one always feels like one too many.

If it makes you feel any better, I published a book in 2020 in which I spelt Jimi Hendrix's name wrong ("Jimmy"). I cringe about that to this day.

I attended a Mishcon open day and wrote Mischon every single time I referred to the firm. They still let me slide so perhaps it’s firm dependant. Was such a rookie error lmao. Smh. 😂​

 

[studysquirrel]

2 questions in the VI, you can choose to do the VI first or the WG as it has a page of different sections!

Thanks a lot ) Is it timed/ can I do the WG and then later do the VI?