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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

haribolover

Active Member
Aug 4, 2024
16
31
Whilst looking very professional is important I’ve worn sweaters to a few interviews and still ended up receiving an offer. If what you’re saying is strong details like what you’re wearing become small in the grand scheme of things. Just focus on presenting your best self through what you say and you’ll be fine!
Thank you - that is really helpful! ☺️
 

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
965
1,101
Hi I’ve done a few written exercises at ACs/online now and I’m always confused whether or not it is good practice to refer directly to clauses when you’re given an agreement or instead condense the information in the agreement in a structured way without directly referencing the clauses (as a means of not throwing legal agreement language at clients). Would appreciate any advice on this as I’ve done a mix between the two across the written exercises I’ve done!
Hey!

I would say that it really comes down to who you are writing to and what the exercise is testing. In most written exercises in an AC, if you are advising a client, it is usually better to prioritise writing in clear and plain English (i.e. what the clause does and why it matters commercially), rather than heavily referencing clause numbers. The assessors will often be looking at your ability to translate legal drafting into clear practical advice for clients.

However, I don't think there is anything wrong with briefly anchoring your point to the agreement were helpful (e.g. referring to the "termination clause") or being more precise if you are writing for someone internally.

I'd say a good balance is to explain the effect (+ any risks) in straightforward terms first, and then refer to the clause if it adds any clarity or helps identify it :)
 

hopingforamiracle

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 20, 2024
66
191
Don’t think it really matters but I still just wear a shirt.

Surely a plain T-shirt or a sweater is fine.
General advice: neutral background behind you. If Im wearing a white t-shirt, I’ll chuck a blazer on. I think for me personally, if I make an effort to get ready, I’ll get a bit of a natural confidence boost.
 

HAHAHA

Standard Member
Jan 17, 2026
7
4
Hey!

I would say that it really comes down to who you are writing to and what the exercise is testing. In most written exercises in an AC, if you are advising a client, it is usually better to prioritise writing in clear and plain English (i.e. what the clause does and why it matters commercially), rather than heavily referencing clause numbers. The assessors will often be looking at your ability to translate legal drafting into clear practical advice for clients.

However, I don't think there is anything wrong with briefly anchoring your point to the agreement were helpful (e.g. referring to the "termination clause") or being more precise if you are writing for someone internally.

I'd say a good balance is to explain the effect (+ any risks) in straightforward terms first, and then refer to the clause if it adds any clarity or helps identify it :)
Ok thank you!
 
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Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
965
1,101
any advice on approaching the question What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like (firm name) helping you achieve those goals?
Hey!

For this question, I would approach it in two clear stages - first define what you are genuinely looking for in your legal career, and then link each of those points directly to something specific about the firm.

In the first point, make sure that you use genuine and concrete examples of what you are looking for. Instead of saying things such as "high-quality work" or "a challenging environment" (which could be seen as quite generic), you could discuss things such as early responsibility, sector specialism, or a collaborative environment where you can work with lots of different people. You can then frame this around the kind of lawyer you want to become (e.g. technically excellent or commercially minded).

Then, for the second part, show how the firm would be the best place to achieve that. This is where you need to show that you have researched the firm and understand its strengths - you could reference its training style, client base, culture, or particular practice area strengths. Just make sure to draw a clear line between your long-term development goals and what the firm actually offers, rather than discussing the two separately.

A simple structure for this might look like: "I am looking for X because I want to become Y. A firm like [Firm] would support this because of Z".

Best of luck! :)
 
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summersun

Legendary Member
Nov 8, 2024
265
425
I JUST GOT MY FIRST VAC SCHEME!!!

Thank you so much to everyone for all their support on here, I really didn't think this wld happen, especially not after 4 post AC rejections
As everyone says, it really just takes one yes and I believe in all of u and hope the good news comes soon for u guys too
Congratulations !!!! I saw your previous post about struggling with the rejections so very happy you got a VS!!!
 
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Reactions: lawstudent2
I JUST GOT MY FIRST VAC SCHEME!!!

Thank you so much to everyone for all their support on here, I really didn't think this wld happen, especially not after 4 post AC rejections
As everyone says, it really just takes one yes and I believe in all of u and hope the good news comes soon for u guys too
Share Discover GIF
 

hopeful33

Well-Known Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 22, 2023
22
10
Hey!

For this question, I would approach it in two clear stages - first define what you are genuinely looking for in your legal career, and then link each of those points directly to something specific about the firm.

In the first point, make sure that you use genuine and concrete examples of what you are looking for. Instead of saying things such as "high-quality work" or "a challenging environment" (which could be seen as quite generic), you could discuss things such as early responsibility, sector specialism, or a collaborative environment where you can work with lots of different people. You can then frame this around the kind of lawyer you want to become (e.g. technically excellent or commercially minded).

Then, for the second part, show how the firm would be the best place to achieve that. This is where you need to show that you have researched the firm and understand its strengths - you could reference its training style, client base, culture, or particular practice area strengths. Just make sure to draw a clear line between your long-term development goals and what the firm actually offers, rather than discussing the two separately.

A simple structure for this might look like: "I am looking for X because I want to become Y. A firm like [Firm] would support this because of Z".

Best of luck! :)
thank you so much, this is extremely helpful!
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

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