TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Hello people, I have a written exercise coming up (never done one before) and I am a bit confused about how long a client email should be? Is it ok to write an executive summary (apx 250 words) and then say sth like, "should you need deeper insights, I expand briefly on each of the above points below" and provide a more in-depth analysis?

There is no strict rule as to how long a client email should be, as this will heavily depend on the details of the task and the amount of information you have to read and comment one, but also on the amount of time available - as this will determine how strict you have to be with yourself concerning what you can include in your answer without losing valuable time which would be better spent in another part of the answer. In practice, I think my written exercise ended up being anywhere from 1000 to 2000ish words; but I also know people who have been successful and had very different ranges.

As for the executive summary - I definitely think including one is a good idea, particularly if you have a longer answer following it; and in my view 250ish words would be an appropriate word count to dedicate to it assuming the rest of the written piece is at least around 1000ish words. Nonetheless, and while this is a bit of a pedantic point, I would likely not phrase the ending sentence in the specific way you mentioned (ie "should you need deeper insights") as this can somewhat suggest that the rest of the written piece is incidental to the executive summary and provides unnecessary detail - while in fact it contains the core of your analysis of the matter.

 

[duo he green tea]

Just finished latham stage 2, I struggled to find that, so want to post this to help ppl.

1. Video questions: difficult in terms of form not content. Just stay calm, use the given time wisely, (tho a unique form, they are still questions that you can prepare in advance I would say.) and you should believe that you can answer them well. But I didn't really prepare for it so I was chopping all the time and not smoothly enough i guess.

2. WG: extremely simple, you cannot believe it... for some reason.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock! I have a more general question about approaching answering 'where else have you applied?' in interviews - is it appropriate to mention the stages you've reached or potential offers for vac schemes? I just wanted some insight in how firms could potentially view this and whether it is desirable or not to mention offers etc. Thanks!

I think it is definitely both appropriate and desirable to mention any advanced stages you have reached and/or any VS/TC offers, as this shows a number of valuable traits such as:

1. The fact you have been serious with your application writing efforts and that therefore your interest in commercial law is a strong and genuine one.
2. The fact that you have been identified by competent recruiters at rival firms as an incredibly strong candidate, which will likely make any firm consider your application more seriously.
3. The fact that you may undergo VSs soon and thus undertake valuable work experience.

 

[bh.sa]

Sidley I believe, I'm not sure about others tho

Do you mean you can apply to Sidley in the same cycle, or that you can re-apply but in the next cycle?

 

[lawstudent2]

Just flunked my first ever artic shores with 3,3,3,2, no more nrf for me haha

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Are there any video interview questions in Baker McKenzie's Amberjack assessment? Thanks!

Hi, just out curiosity, what was your total score for the amberjack test?

 

[lawyersum]

hi everyone. does anyone have any experience with realising that you’ve forgotten to include a module grade on your application form? how do i go about fixing this, deadline passed a week ago…will it look bad if I contact grad rec to let them know about my stupidity

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Royally screwed up my NRF testt😂

 

[elle woods]

Just flunked my first ever artic shores with 3,3,3,2, no more nrf for me haha

That’s really not that bad … my scores were worse HAHA

 

[elle woods]

Do you mean you can apply to Sidley in the same cycle, or that you can re-apply but in the next cycle?

Pretty sure same cycle - I wrote in my insight day notes that you can apply again that year so I’m assuming it’s the same cycle but someone correct me if I’m wrong

 

[cf26]

Is Simmons' online assessment monitored? Will my camera be on throughout? I wanted to do part of it now and part of it later but not if my camera is going to be on the whole time.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi everyone. does anyone have any experience with realising that you’ve forgotten to include a module grade on your application form? how do i go about fixing this, deadline passed a week ago…will it look bad if I contact grad rec to let them know about my stupidity

Hey!

You're definitely not the first person this has happened to, so try not to panic or beat yourself up! I don't think it'll look bad to flag this - I'd suggest emailing the graduate recruitment team, just briefly explaining that you realised a module grade was missing from your application and attach the missing information.

Most graduate recruitment teams will understand that small admin mistakes can happen, and this is usually fine if you're proactive about letting them know!

 

[Amgrad]

Hi all.. need advice for Written Exercise.

I am new to this type of test as this is my first cycle and I am coming from now law. I am aware of the Exam protocol or assessment policy, my concerns were:

• Do we need to turn on camera during the test?
• Are we monitored by a person (like invigilator) on real time?
• Are the questions sent over before the deadline?

I am so confused as the email only stated the time slot and mentioned that the assessor were partners and associates, which graded anonymously. Is this a general rule or practice that might be varied by firm?

Also, please give me the most recent tips if any @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[BillSikes]

For DLA Piper TI - is there a time limit for answering questions?