TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jaisrihere]

How long does it usually take to submit a good application?

It took me 3 whole days to complete one application and IDK if I'm doing it right. It's exhausting.

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Just looking through the Milbank brochure, it says the 1st stage is application and online assessment, and then a critical thinking test after. Does anyone know if this means we would do a WG-style test after this initial test since that didn't have critical thinking

I would imagine so

 

[Sachin Chandra]

How many days do we get for W&C test.

It says in the email - I believe 4 days, but they say it is better to do before then. It doesn't take long anyway

 

[jaisrihere]

What's the passmark for Clifford chance WGT?

 

[jaisrihere]

Hi @jaisrihere and first of all huge congrats for getting all these open days invites - it is a great achievement! As for my best tips in terms of how to make the most of it:

• Throughly research the firms before the open day and try to be inquisitive while doing so, making note of any areas you think you may ask questions about to further improve your understanding. Asking good questions (so, questions for which you would not be able to find an answer online) is a great way to show interest and to stand out from the crowd.
• Figure out what "Why the firm" reasons you will likely want to include in a VS application, and try to ask questions relating to it - this will make it easier to include mentions of your interactions in your subsequent application.
• Ask questions about the application process - try to find out what qualities the firm is most looking for, what mistakes to make sure to avoid, etc.
• Try to connect with the firm's graduate recruiters: instead of only speaking to the firm's trainees and its lawyers, you should also try to get to know the firm's graduate recruiters - as they are the people who will ultimately make progressions decisions up to the Assessment Centre/final interview. Making a good impression (which does not only mean appearing competent and smart, but also showing that you are an interesting, personable, and kind person) when speaking to the firm's recruiters could significantly increase your chances of progressing past the application stage.

Thank you so much for the insights. I much appreciate it.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

any advice on how to prepare for Dechert we? would be so appreciated !!

Hello!

I've quoted a previous post I have made with some general advice for written exercises - I hope it assists! Best of luck with the Dechert written exercise

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! 🎉

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Haven't done a job sim yet - so just wanted to ask - are the written exercises usually emails to clients?

Hello!

There are many different formats a written exercise can take, which can make it challenging to prepare for them all. In the past, I've had to produce reports, legal notes, and memos, among others. However, client emails (and internal emails to supervisors) tend to be some of the most common formats - I've encountered more of those than any other type of document. Developing a good understanding of the appropriate tone and structure for a client email is especially valuable, as it's very likely to feature in a written exercise.

If you'd like, I can go into more detail on how to prepare effectively for that format - just give me a shout! Best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How long does it usually take to submit a good application?

It took me 3 whole days to complete one application and IDK if I'm doing it right. It's exhausting.

Hey!

Try not to worry too much - three days for a single application isn't unusual at all! A good-quality application can take quite a bit of time, especially if you're tailoring your answers and revising them to ensure their clear and consistent.

It's actually a really great sign that you're putting in the effort - most strong applications aren't done in one sitting. Over time, you'll probably get faster as you reuse parts of past applications and refine your approach / writing technique.

If you're feeling exhausted (and it definitely is a tiring process!), try breaking the process into smaller stages (research, drafting, proofreading) and spread them over a few days. This helps make the application process feel more manageable.

You're definitely not doing it "wrong" - it just takes practice to find your own rhythm

 

[chiichii]

Please feel free to reach out to me post 28th October, I shall share you the significant things I learnt from Insight Day!

Omg that's so nice of you! Thank you, and i will reach out to you after 28th October! Really appreciate the help x 😊

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

AS CAC Semi Finals invite. Anyone else pick Reed Smith?

Congrats!! I'm also going to complete the semi-finals at Reed Smith

 

[themilleniumemperor]

Phew, just completed macfarlanes simulate test, that was intense, lol.

Are the video responses based on the materials they give you or is it just a regular interview with motivation/ behavior questions?

 

[emily3827]

the simmons test was sooo exhausting was fighting for my life by the vi’s lol