TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

Have W&C VIs just dropped?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Is this for a pre-recorded VI, a live VI like GDC with grad rec, or a partner VI like Skadden?

It varies depending on this but tbf they could ask you anything to test your knowledge in a VI.

It’s a good idea to create a bank of VI questions and answers so you’re prepared for anything.

I’ve been referring to this list of questions and it has helped me to feel a bit more confident:

Training Contract Interview Questions | 175 Practice Questions (2018)

We've produced these training contract interview questions to help you practice for interviews and assessment centres at law firms. Why? Well, we've arranged many mock interviews over the years and we see a substantial difference in performance after students have practiced real interview questions.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

it's a pre-recorded VI!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

also, how long should a cover letter be for Proskauer Rose (with no other instructions given as to how many pages/word limit)?

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[BobThebIlly]

I haven’t heard back from Gowling post VI for their TC. Their second AC is on the 27th should I assume PFO or email them😭

I checked the portal and haven’t been rejected either…

 

[Legal12345]

is anyone able to explain to me exactly what an in-tray exercise and a research discussion is? its my first AC so don't have too much of an idea what they are...

 

[ssch7]

Did you get one today?

does any one know when their AC’s will be?

 

[ssch7]

Mishcon AC anyone?

does anyone know when they’re holding their ACs?

 

[Novaa]

Have W&C VIs just dropped?

So they have been dropping 👀

Friday 16th Jan & Friday 23rd Jan. Oh I’ll be tuning in patiently for the Fridays ahead.

#PatternRecognition #ISeeYouVI

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

also, how long should a cover letter be for Proskauer Rose (with no other instructions given as to how many pages/word limit)?

@Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I would say that the general rule of thumb is around one page - as there is no guidance, Proskauer are likely expecting a concise cover letter that is roughly a page. This should be enough space to cover why Proskauer, why law, and why you without feeling padded.

 

[cinnamonspice]

Anyone knows when Hill Dickinson is likely to reach out re ACs? I see that the deadline for online assessment is 1 February, but given that they recruit on a rolling basis, I am wondering if they will reach out to everyone all at once, or have already sent out some invitations.

Also Bristows VI format is just brutal!!!

 

[M_m]

Anyone knows when Hill Dickinson is likely to reach out re ACs? I see that the deadline for online assessment is 1 February, but given that they recruit on a rolling basis, I am wondering if they will reach out to everyone all at once, or have already sent out some invitations.

Also Bristows VI format is just brutal!!!

Omg, for the first few seconds, I couldn’t figure out where the timer for the actual answer part was, so my eyes were just darting everywhere

 

[cinnamonspice]

Omg, for the first few seconds, I couldn’t figure out where the timer for the actual answer part was, so my eyes were just darting everywhere

Same, I would pay good money to see the sheer panic in my eyes on this recording

 

[Novaa]

is anyone able to explain to me exactly what an in-tray exercise and a research discussion is? its my first AC so don't have too much of an idea what they are...

In-tray exercise usually assesses your prioritisation skills and whether you understand how the role of a Trainee works, whether you understand how long certain tasks should take, as well as whether you understand how you can use business services roles (i.e., Admin) to help you in your day-to-day.

I haven’t done an in-tray exercise recently, but I have done an e-tray exercise which had 3 options: Do, Delegate, and Defer.

Do = Urgent & Important tasks

Delegate = Things which are of importance, but do not necessarily have to be you doing it, i.e., book a meeting room for a big client meeting.

Defer = Things which are not client-facing / detrimental to your colleagues, e.g., responding to a summer party invite.

If it’s an e-tray, you’ll usually be given a set of emails, which you have to then place in each category after reading through them and understanding what they require.

If it’s an in-tray, I think that is usually physical documents, which you’ll either have to rank in order of priority, place in a category (similar to the above), or select choices on the best course of action. I’ve heard different structures, but at its core, just testing your prioritisation and understanding.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Omg, for the first few seconds, I couldn’t figure out where the timer for the actual answer part was, so my eyes were just darting everywhere

Damn the Bristows VI sounds tough. Seems like it had yous all like this during the VI trying to find the timer on the screen in time:​

 

[M_m]

Damn the Bristows VI sounds tough. Seems like it had yous all like this during the VI trying to find the timer on the screen in time:​

I couldn’t have described it better myself. Cherry on top was that I had a mosquito biting me throughout the whole thing, and I still somehow managed to keep a straight face.

 

[WillKitchen]

CRS VI - my first one in a few weeks, with a 2 day turnaround. Hope I'm not too rusty!

 

[Legal12345]

In-tray exercise usually assesses your prioritisation skills and whether you understand how the role of a Trainee works, whether you understand how long certain tasks should take, as well as whether you understand how you can use business services roles (i.e., Admin) to help you in your day-to-day.

I haven’t done an in-tray exercise recently, but I have done an e-tray exercise which had 3 options: Do, Delegate, and Defer.

Do = Urgent & Important tasks

Delegate = Things which are of importance, but do not necessarily have to be you doing it, i.e., book a meeting room for a big client meeting.

Defer = Things which are not client-facing / detrimental to your colleagues, e.g., responding to a summer party invite.

If it’s an e-tray, you’ll usually be given a set of emails, which you have to then place in each category after reading through them and understanding what they require.

If it’s an in-tray, I think that is usually physical documents, which you’ll either have to rank in order of priority, place in a category (similar to the above), or select choices on the best course of action. I’ve heard different structures, but at its core, just testing your prioritisation and understanding.

thanks so much this is so helpful! do you have any idea about the research discussion? i was assuming it would be fairly similar to a case study?

 

[M_m]

CRS VI - my first one in a few weeks, with a 2 day turnaround. Hope I'm not too rusty!

Congratulations!!! Could I ask which office this is for, and when you applied?

 

[WillKitchen]

Genuinely curious, do most people have work experience in law firms or not on here ?

In terms of actual commercial law, I have 1 week of in-office work experience, at a regional firm called DMH Stallard. Got it through a contact. Mainly private client and conveyancing.

 

[wrloyst]

So they have been dropping 👀

Friday 16th Jan & Friday 23rd Jan. Oh I’ll be tuning in patiently for the Fridays ahead.

#PatternRecognition #ISeeYouVI

May I ask if the VIs are selective based on the SJT or based on the app answer? Thanks!