TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[qwerty!]

Hi, does anyone here have any advice on written exercises and how to improve? I was rejected from Willkie and Skadden this application cycle after the WEs. I did prepare for them in advance (nothing crazy, just practice based on online materials)

I would appreciate some advice on how others prepare for them, especially so I can learn from those two rejections … Thank you!!

I flopped the Dechert and Skadden WEs but managed to do well on it for Latham, so I'll give some tips that helped me improve!

The things I did that made the biggest difference in my performance were:

1. Mapping out my structure well in advance of writing - I spent a good 10 mins doing this
2. Every time I spotted a potential legal issue when reading the materials, I focused on identifying at least one impact this could have on the client, and at least one possible solution/one further question. This really forced analysis out of me lol
3. Writing in an incredibly simple manner - focusing on phrases such as 'this matters because' made sure I could make my analysis clear
4. Grouping similar issues together - this isn't possible in every WE but placing similar issues under one heading demonstrates critical thinking and analysis in itself, and also makes your writing more succinct and clean (just make sure the issues are actually similar though and that your advice for each would be the same so it saves you repeating yourself)

This approach meant I could hit (a) structure, (b) analysis, and (c) clarity which are the main things these firms tend to be looking for. To prep for it, I just familiarised myself with different types of written exercises and the basic structure to follow for each. Hope this helps!!

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

In the span of 12 hours I’ve received promo code emails and/or discount vouchers from Nintendo, Apple, Samsung, Uber, Odeon Cinemas, Nando’s, Cineworld, Footasylum, KFC, JD Sports, Lenovo, Microsoft, Xbox, PlayStation and JustEat cos it’s my birthday today lmao it’s been insane.

If only law firms could show this much love to us instead it’d be much more appreciated lmao. I’d like to see a Gibson Dunn and Debevoise VS land in my inbox in the next few weeks. Watch how instead it’ll just be a tsunami of PFOs… First up is gna be Covington cos I’ve heard zilch post app. ​

Skol!!!!!

 

[M123]

Did Addleshaw Goddard video interview. It went well but every single one of my friends got asked different questions )))

One of the questions I had a lot of ummms but the rest of the questions I was confident and looking forward to getting the AC.

Congrats! Was this for the London office?

 

[soph107048]

Hi, im also waiting for TW. can I pm you?

hii when did you do the WE?

 

[soph107048]

Has anyone gotten a W&C PFO post VI?

 

[Jaysen]

Hi @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock, I’m not sure if this is a glitch, but for some reason, I have a TCLA membership and still can’t access the law firm profiles page. It says I need to make a one-time purchase for it. Is this no longer included in the membership?

Thank you

All still there Could you drop an email to [email protected] and Jessica will be able to check this for you?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Is anybody still waiting for Simmons London PFO for summer? Been waiting since October for it 😭

 

[LawAspirer]

I feel Squires in going to get back to us this week.. I feel it.
best of luck to all !

 

[elenesali]

Hi guys!
Has anybody done the Osbourne Clarke online interview stage this year? I wondered if you could share what to expect. Was it a case study or motivation/competence interview?

 

[haribolover]

Hi, has anybody heard from Withers post SJT for the summer vac scheme?

 

[Legallywhatever]

Has anyone applied to white & case with a-levels that don't meet their requirement, and gotten past app stage?

 

[Jojo25]

Hi - I have recently been invited to my first ever assessment centre (with Farrer & Co). I was hoping you might be able to offer some advice on how best to prepare. I believe there is a written exercise and then a group task. Thank you! @Abbie Whitlock

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone would kindly give some insight into the commercial question of CRS VI? I have a topic of interest that I have prepared (practice area news), and also a general trend that affects the law firm itself, I feel that might ask on either of these topics, unlikely both...anyone who's done it would confirm/correct this?

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Anyone heard back from V&E post VI?

 

[Cece176]

Bristows pfo- happy pfo day i guess

Sorry :/ - was that after the VI?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Happy belated bday!!
Quick question, I thought you got a TC last year? x

Hii, it's a diff person, same acct.

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

Hello people. It's been a few days since I have been here. Just took a bit to decompress and reorientate myself. Waiting on some outcomes atm and doing my best not to obsess over it so you might not see me around for a while. Still waiting on Debevoise (likely PFO), Cleary (been waiting a while so who knows), Vinson & Elkins (no idea if it in batches or what), GB post test etc. etc.

Point is that there are so many things on my mind and I want to take a few days to ruminate and get myself in order. I also have plans to do some sporadic applications, improve my WG, testing and interview skills just in case (as I fell at those hurdles after applications), and also start properly applying for paralegal or law-adjacent work.

Send me your best wishes as I wait tentatively for some outcomes and thank you for all the support so far!

Hey hope you get some well deserved rest. For V&E (and for others who were wondering the same), I heard back around late March last year post VI. I am assuming the they get back with AC invites around the same time too so sometime around March but be ready to wait till March end if needed.

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Hey hope you get some well deserved rest. For V&E (and for others who were wondering the same), I heard back around late March last year post VI. I am assuming the they get back with AC invites around the same time too so sometime around March but be ready to wait till March end if needed.

Hi thanks for that , did you do the AC for the summer scheme ?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Is Gowling opening apps today?

 

[Novaa]

Really? Maybe it’s a coincidence that he has the same exact birthday as the previous account holder Chris brown. 🤔