TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nbjani]

So Hill Dickinson has some interesting questions.

For the one that ends "Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?" would this be referring to one of the TC streams, or a specific practice/sector team?

 

[iwatchsuits]

So Hill Dickinson has some interesting questions.

For the one that ends "Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?" would this be referring to one of the TC streams, or a specific practice/sector team?

A specific practice/sector team, I’d say.

 

[nbjani]

A specific practice/sector team, I’d say.

Great thanks - I'm assuming it's a fair bet to refer to one of the listed seat options on the website?

 

[eleanor.teh]

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!

This is super helpful! I was wondering if you might have any links to these types of case studies?

 

[James Wakefield]

Bristows in, now onto Perkins Coie! 🚀

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Anyone able to provide insight into White & Case's test? what should I expect

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Any point applying to Covington if you didn’t attend an RG university?

 

[kysharsh]

anyone did Milbank’s SJT yesterday and got second stage today?

i applied and got the sjt next day, got stage 2 in like 30 mins

 

[Harvey Specter]

Any point applying to Covington if you didn’t attend an RG university?

I went to their open day and met two people who went to non-RG unis (Kent and Lancaster). One of their future trainees also went to SOAS. It’s worth applying to them if you’re interested.

It’s super competitive though. Apps for the WVS the firm received c1500 apps for c30 AC spaces and 15 ish VS slots. They’ll probs receive a similar amount for SVS. 8-9 TCs total (4-5 per VS).

They don’t have any online test, video interview or written exercise stages prior to AC. It’s just an app form and an AC. They said apps will get reviewed in stages inc a final partner review stage…

 

[elle woods]

Covington application sent in today. Had a 3 hour nap. Now having a maccies. Life is good xx

omg don't...I was just thinking of getting maccies but it's 10pm...HUH wait how is it almost 10pm already...it was 5pm the last time I checked 😭

ok now I'm just procrastinating this essay... time to go

 

[oliviabeijing]

can you apply to both TC and VS for Farrer & Co? I made a mistake on the VS app after finishing it off all day today :/

 

[lividowl03]

I just completed my Reed Smith VI and I literally want to cry, I feel like I’ve done terrible really had my hopes set on this firm and I feel defeated. Just got my feedback now but I’m not sure what to make of it. Any advice going forward would be appreciated because I just want to give up now

I know it's hard but try not to dwell.

I have done VIs before and truly absolutely bombed it (in my eyes), and still progressed. It is different for every firm, some are mainly looking at hoe you communicate, some have tick box lists for what you say in your answers, most are a little of everything. Also for firms like Reed Smith where the VI is done in conjunction with the SJT, then there's usually a mixed weighting there. So if you do well in the test, that may offset a poor VI too.

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

i applied and got the sjt next day, got stage 2 in like 30 mins

Thanks - seems like a PFO for me then

 

[radssss]

can you apply to both TC and VS for Farrer & Co? I made a mistake on the VS app after finishing it off all day today :/

Yes but you got to tick both options when asked in the starting. If you missed it, I think you can apply separately for the tc but I’m not too sure about that!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

I went to their open day and met two people who went to non-RG unis (Kent and Lancaster). One of their future trainees also went to SOAS. It’s worth applying to them if you’re interested.

It’s super competitive though. Apps for the WVS the firm received c1500 apps for c30 AC spaces and 15 ish VS slots. They’ll probs receive a similar amount for SVS. 8-9 TCs total (4-5 per VS).

They don’t have any online test, video interview or written exercise stages prior to AC. It’s just an app form and an AC. They said apps will get reviewed in stages inc a final partner review stage…

Wow.

I will take my chances then. Thanks for the insight!

 

[calebnash]

How selective is milbank stage 1?

 

[M85672]

It happened to me for a DA. Itll shock the hell out of you cos you will think you’ve done badly.

Sorry, whats a DA

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Has anyone who applied on the deadline for Reed Smith heard anything back?

 

[User2640]

So Hill Dickinson has some interesting questions.

For the one that ends "Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?" would this be referring to one of the TC streams, or a specific practice/sector team?

Was wondering the same thing.. Idk if this refers to one of their Business Groups or a specific seat within a Business Group? Could anyone who's successfully progressed to the next stage before pls advise? Thanks in advance!

 

[johnsmith]

Has anyone who applied on the deadline for Reed Smith heard anything back?

Yes I did!