TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lissa06]

Btw guys has anyone had issues with freshfields’ application form deleting what you’ve entered in the past? I applied for their 1st year scheme and it didn’t save my GCSE grades (but saved everything else). I contacted them about it literally months ago; they never responded. I’m now wondering whether they’ve lost that email and will auto reject me because of this (god I hate vantage) 😂

 

[ABC234]

Ah thanks, there goes my chances at a vac there then

Yes it is!

 

[AGB2060]

Congrats! Did you know your AC went well or were you unsure till you got the offer??

I was so certain it was a PFO😭, like it didn't go 'bad' but they seemed quite unconvinced by some of my answers and also they cut the interview super early.

 

[AryanAgg]

I was so certain it was a PFO😭, like it didn't go 'bad' but they seemed quite unconvinced by some of my answers and also they cut the interview super early.

Sometimes looking unconvinced is to try and throw you off, maybe they were super convinced after all.

 

[ADhillon01]

Anyone get a confirmation email after doing the Winston & Strawn WG? I didn’t get one, but completed it earlier today.

 

[AryanAgg]

Anyone get a confirmation email after doing the Winston & Strawn WG? I didn’t get one, but completed it earlier today.

I didn't as well, I think it would radio silence till either invite to interview or pfo.

 

[ADhillon01]

I didn't as well, I think it would radio silence till either invite to interview or pfo.

Okay, thank you bro 👊

 

[adf43256]

Im seeing people getting WFW VS offers. I did my AC a few days ago if ive not heard back should I assume rejection? This process is actually so stress-inducing. Also those of you that have got WFW VS offers in the past few days when did you guys do your ACs

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Finished the WG test. I am more than just cooked. I am likely deep fat fried.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

just completed the W&S WG - I'm 80% sure I've seen a couple of the same questions on different WGs...

I saw some as well on Cooley. They both use GFB though and I don't think that really helped me LMAO

 

[aspiringtcholder]

Finished the WG test. I am more than just cooked. I am likely deep fat fried.

Oh no why!?

 

[8law]

good luck to anyone doing AC's while fasting..

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock hey, I hope you are well! I’m sure you’ve already done a post on this but I couldn’t find it and wondered whether you had any advice prepping for written exercises? It is an American firm but they haven’t provided any clues as to what the exercise might be and just wondered if you had any insight! Thanks

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

I have done a couple previous posts on written exercises - I have quoted them below! I hope that they are a useful starting point, but please do let me know if you have any other questions

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! 🎉 Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• 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.
• 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!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

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!

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

good luck to anyone doing AC's while fasting..

Much love to anyone doing Lent or Ramadan!! We got this xxx

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’m thinking of applying for BCLP’s direct TC, I haven’t completed a VS at any other firm, would this disadvantage me in any way? For context though, I have completed a placement year and also have been working as a paralegal since Jan this year.

Hi!

I don't think you would be disadvantaged at all!

For most firms, it isn't a requirement to have legal experience or previous VS experience to apply for via the direct TC route - often, what matters most is your written application and your performance in their assessments, as they aren't able to assess you over a week or so (like in a VS).

In your case, a placement year plus ongoing paralegal experience is really strong evidence that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to law and gives you plenty of substantive examples to draw on in your application and interviews. Although I had completed vacation schemes when I applied to Reed Smith's DTC route, I actually found that my placement year was the most valuable experience to draw from, and I spoke about that far more than my previous schemes.

I would just make sure to clearly articulate what you have learned, how you have developed commercially, and why you are particularly motivated to work at BCLP specifically.

Best of luck with the application!

 

[Novaa]

Much love to anyone doing Lent or Ramadan!! We got this xxx

Collab of the century me thinks #OneLove 😍

Ooh if I hear a “Tell us about a time you had to be resilient” at an AC in the next month

Us: “Today”

 

[aspiringtcholder]

Hi!

I don't think you would be disadvantaged at all!

For most firms, it isn't a requirement to have legal experience or previous VS experience to apply for via the direct TC route - often, what matters most is your written application and your performance in their assessments, as they aren't able to assess you over a week or so (like in a VS).

In your case, a placement year plus ongoing paralegal experience is really strong evidence that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to law and gives you plenty of substantive examples to draw on in your application and interviews. Although I had completed vacation schemes when I applied to Reed Smith's DTC route, I actually found that my placement year was the most valuable experience to draw from, and I spoke about that far more than my previous schemes.

I would just make sure to clearly articulate what you have learned, how you have developed commercially, and why you are particularly motivated to work at BCLP specifically.

Best of luck with the application!

Hello! I actually do not have any vacation scheme experience nor did I do a placement year. I have a bunch of commercial mini pupillages and paralegalled at a public law firm (literally just needed a job). I graduated a few years ago and now work in a quasi-legal public sector field which includes managing tribunal appeals etc and I’m in management. I have been applying to DTCs slightly delusionally but I can’t take time off work for obvious reasons! Do you have any words of wisdom for me?

 

[use14151]

Im seeing people getting WFW VS offers. I did my AC a few days ago if ive not heard back should I assume rejection? This process is actually so stress-inducing. Also those of you that have got WFW VS offers in the past few days when did you guys do your ACs

I haven't heard back as well. I am not sure if the people on the spring schemes hear back first.

 

[busybee070]

does anyone have any advice for linklaters interview 🙏 i have a links 20min telephone interview and im so lost - idk what questions to prep for

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Collab of the century me thinks #OneLove 😍

Ooh if I hear a “Tell us about a time you had to be resilient” at an AC in the next month

Us: “Today”

It’s giving interfaith dialogue😍 period!!