TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawyersum]

Maybe it's a test 😂

new level unlocked😂

 

[apap]

not sure !! none of it had timed elements but not sure if they take time into consideration! pretty sure it took me longer than half an hour and i’m usually quite quick on tests - it’s just bc there’s a mix of sjt and numerical questions which took me a while and then the untimed vi

Untimed VI sounds like a double edged sword. How did you find the VI? Predictable?

 

[apap]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

 

[johnsmith]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

Up there with the toughest due to the way the time limit is structured - definitely check out their hub!

Untimed VI sounds like a double edged sword. How did you find the VI? Predictable?

The unlimited prep was good - I employed @Abbie Whitlock's method of recording before, and I definitely felt I gave stronger answers as a result.

 

[c.t.tc]

that's good to know! thank you! also, first the email says we have 10 calendar days then if you scroll down it says 5 day deadline. think i should just complete it today to avoid confusion as today is the fifth day since the invitation. firms harking on about attention to detail but don't practice what they preach ahh

I emailed them to ask and they confirmed we have the 10 days

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone done Taylor Wessing's first stage assessment? How did you find it?

I would say it feels like quite a hard test to take but you end up doing better than you thought - I would say personally I found it harder than your classic WG but it's a very similar style!

 

[lawyersum]

I emailed them to ask and they confirmed we have the 10 days

omg you're a life saver thank you for sharing!! i can now officially postpone it until tomorrow for no other reason than my chronic procrastination 😂

 

[c.t.tc]

Up there with the toughest due to the way the time limit is structured - definitely check out their hub!


The unlimited prep was good - I employed @Abbie Whitlock's method of recording before, and I definitely felt I gave stronger answers as a result.

I can't seem to find where the recording method was posted - is there any way you could repost it please? I would be super grateful!

 

[johnsmith]

Hey!

Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI!

In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)

Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.

Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording - Reed Smith actually recommend you use the prep time instead of jumping straight into the questions! I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording).

There's a video in the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I watched before my VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect of the assessment.

Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!

I hope that assists

@c.t.tc this was what I meant! 👌

 

[c.t.tc]

@c.t.tc this was what I meant! 👌

perfect thank you

 

[mg42guy32]

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, I would say thats a good amount of time if they help you progress of course! I take approx 2/2 and a half days for one (they are exhausting though I do agree)

 

[tom-sawyer]

Hi guys, bit off topic but did anyone do round 2 of the Watson's Daily x Commercial Law Academy Autumn Commercial Awareness Competition? Just wondering if anyone heard back about whether they made it to the semi-finals.

 

[mg42guy32]

Does anyone have any clue if Cooley and Orrick expect 2:1s in all modules or just overall?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

That would be great @Abbie Whitlock. Thank you so muchhh!!!!!!

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!