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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

I think Andrei and someone else has answered another person's question about approaching this app question before, I have them saved cos I'm planning to apply to SPB too, hopefully it helps.

Thank you and yes it ids for SPB.
 
Interesting morning, just completed my AG VI, after my CMS VI froze due to my internet connection. Didn’t let that setback hold me back from the other VI I needed to do.

I have since emailed CMS, and asked for the VI to be reset, so hopefully they get back to me on Monday. Also called the technical helpline who have emailed the recruiter.
 
has anyone on here ever been convinced they failed a written assessment (ran out of time) and still made it to AC?
From my experience (and conversations with others who have landed TCs) the written assessment is not something that can on its own entirely eliminate you from contention.

It’s marked on several factors, in an attempt to gauge comparable skills of a potential trainee.

Things like: Can the candidate handle the time pressure? Can they complete a relatively complete and well structured email/memo. Are there glaring spelling and grammar issues? Can they follow instructions given in the assessment? Did they hand it in on time and in the correct format? How many legal/commercial issues did they attempt to extract?

I’ve done a few of these now and it has always stressed me out too, thinking back on how I did. What helps me is to just remind myself I did my best given the circumstances, and that assessors know it won’t and isn’t supposed to be perfect.
 
Does anyone know what kinds of questions Dentons asks in their VI (motivational, competency etc)?
Hey, it was a bit of a mix of both! I would say there was nothing that was a complete curveball as long as you've done good research of the firm and its values, and the unlimited prep time does help ease the nerves a little bit. Best of luck!
 
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From my experience (and conversations with others who have landed TCs) the written assessment is not something that can on its own entirely eliminate you from contention.

It’s marked on several factors, in an attempt to gauge comparable skills of a potential trainee.

Things like: Can the candidate handle the time pressure? Can they complete a relatively complete and well structured email/memo. Are there glaring spelling and grammar issues? Can they follow instructions given in the assessment? Did they hand it in on time and in the correct format? How many legal/commercial issues did they attempt to extract?

I’ve done a few of these now and it has always stressed me out too, thinking back on how I did. What helps me is to just remind myself I did my best given the circumstances, and that assessors know it won’t and isn’t supposed to be perfect.
I second this! Also every firm does things differently so it’s easy to drive yourself insane overthinking it (which I’m definitely guilty of doing) and best to just put it out of mind until you actually know whether you’re moving forward or not! Firms will look at things holistically and one thing going wrong like running out of time won’t be what takes you out by itself, so try not to beat yourself up about it too much. If your written piece is incredible but just not quite finished there’s a good chance you’re still be considered!
 
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