TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

Hi, im also waiting for TW. can I pm you?

Of course!

 

[qwerty!]

Hi, does anyone here have any advice on written exercises and how to improve? I was rejected from Willkie and Skadden this application cycle after the WEs. I did prepare for them in advance (nothing crazy, just practice based on online materials)

I would appreciate some advice on how others prepare for them, especially so I can learn from those two rejections … Thank you!!

I flopped the Dechert and Skadden WEs but managed to do well on it for Latham, so I'll give some tips that helped me improve!

The things I did that made the biggest difference in my performance were:

1. Mapping out my structure well in advance of writing - I spent a good 10 mins doing this
2. Every time I spotted a potential legal issue when reading the materials, I focused on identifying at least one impact this could have on the client, and at least one possible solution/one further question. This really forced analysis out of me lol
3. Writing in an incredibly simple manner - focusing on phrases such as 'this matters because' made sure I could make my analysis clear
4. Grouping similar issues together - this isn't possible in every WE but placing similar issues under one heading demonstrates critical thinking and analysis in itself, and also makes your writing more succinct and clean (just make sure the issues are actually similar though and that your advice for each would be the same so it saves you repeating yourself)

This approach meant I could hit (a) structure, (b) analysis, and (c) clarity which are the main things these firms tend to be looking for. To prep for it, I just familiarised myself with different types of written exercises and the basic structure to follow for each. Hope this helps!!

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

In the span of 12 hours I’ve received promo code emails and/or discount vouchers from Nintendo, Apple, Samsung, Uber, Odeon Cinemas, Nando’s, Cineworld, Footasylum, KFC, JD Sports, Lenovo, Microsoft, Xbox, PlayStation and JustEat cos it’s my birthday today lmao it’s been insane.

If only law firms could show this much love to us instead it’d be much more appreciated lmao. I’d like to see a Gibson Dunn and Debevoise VS land in my inbox in the next few weeks. Watch how instead it’ll just be a tsunami of PFOs… First up is gna be Covington cos I’ve heard zilch post app. ​

Skol!!!!!