TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawyersum]

There isn’t actually any video at all I don’t think just audio or chat text

I'm focusing on having my why mishcon answer prepped and ready to go - maybe even practice speaking it out loud from a script bc the prospect of this test is very unpredictable lol - could either go amazing or totally south 😂

 

[SamiyaJ]

I'm focusing on having my why mishcon answer prepped and ready to go - maybe even practice speaking it out loud from a script bc the prospect of this test is very unpredictable lol - could either go amazing or totally south 😂

I think the final element after the main chat based interview is a video recording- 1 question, 1 min to prep and 1 min to answer. I watched the video sent in the link to see what to expect and because it said you’ll have 1 min to record your answer and one take, I’m assuming this bit is VI

 

[Chelsea101]

hey has anyone received an offer for the latham open day on 6th November?

Did you do a VI for this? Just making sure so I don't get my hopes up lol as i still haven't heard post sjt

 

[lawyersum]

I think the final element after the main chat based interview is a video recording- 1 question, 1 min to prep and 1 min to answer. I watched the video sent in the link to see what to expect and because it said you’ll have 1 min to record your answer and one take, I’m assuming this bit is VI

That's good to know, thanks!

 

[bh.sa]

Freshfields Stage 2 assessment invite!

 

[Chelsea101]

That's good to know, thanks!

Yes at the Open Day Grad Rec said there is a video interview element at the end of the chat and you only get one chance to answer if anyone is wondering! 1 question too

 

[futureharveyspecter]

This might sound silly, but does anyone know what Taylor Wessing's cover letter requirements are? I know that it is usually supposed to be one page long, but is there any word/font/text size limit?

 

[Vakil]

Freshfields Stage 2 assessment invite!

Same! Is this selective?

 

[SamiyaJ]

This might sound silly, but does anyone know what Taylor Wessing's cover letter requirements are? I know that it is usually supposed to be one page long, but is there any word/font/text size limit?

I usually keep it just under a page- around 500 words. I tend to use times new roman and font size 12

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Freshfields Stage 2 assessment invite!

congrats! can I ask when you completed the first test?

 

[J1234]

Hey, just wondering when you applied?

14th September

 

[Legal Wizard]

Does anyone have HSF AC coming up? PM me

 

[bh.sa]

congrats! can I ask when you completed the first test?

Oct 12!

 

[bh.sa]

Same! Is this selective?

It says Stage 2 so I'm assuming so!

 

[RSK]

Did you do a VI for this? Just making sure so I don't get my hopes up lol as i still haven't heard post sjt

i did it last week but i submitted my app like late sept - i've seen tht theyre still sending out invites tho

 

[Vakil]

True. It also said Congratulations so perhaps the application and WG is ✅

 

[RSK]

14th September

congrats was this for the direct tc or vac scheme?

 

[jagath]

any details on what Freshfields stage 2 involves?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie,

Do you think it would be okay to answer the first question by explaining one experience like an insight day and then saying other T experiences which led on from this (work experience, legal workshops, summer school) to show how your career ambitions have evolved and been shaped by the original experience?

Thanks

Hello!

I think it would be fine to discuss other experiences briefly in the context of the main experience (such as the insight day) - particularly if it is important to frame your overall motivations.

However, as the question asks you to focus on a specific personal experience, I would make any references very brief and simply name them, rather than going into much detail. The focus of your answer should be on how the specific experience chosen has shaped your motivation for law (and how it has influenced your ambitions)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have my Dechert written exercise tomorrow - any insights or advice on how to prepare would be greatly appreciated!

Hello!

Congratulations on reaching the written exercise stage! I haven't previously completed a written exercise for Dechert specifically, but I have shared some general advice that I have given on written exercises in case it is helpful!

• 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.

Most importantly, try not to panic! As long as you can get a good sense of what the information is telling you and share your views on it in a structured way, you should do well. Best of luck!