TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, sorry to be annoying and ask maybe a silly question. @Abbie Whitlock - and hope you are having a nice weekend.

When asked “why commercial law” would it be ok to give an example of a M&A module from my L.L.M. Or it wouldn’t as M&A is essentially corporate law. Would I be better off saying that in university I did a module called “aspects of commercial law” where we did XYz and then went to do my LLM focused on commercial law modules- and also commercial law appeals to me because my international background and give example. What approach should I take? I always struggled answering this question. Thank you!

Hey!

You're not being annoying, and this isn't a silly question at all!

I wouldn't worry too much about drawing a strict distinction between commercial law and M&A here. In practice, M&A sits comfortably within commercial law, so using your LLM module as an example is absolutely fine. I'd say what matters much more is how you use that example to demonstrate your motivation, rather than simply listing what you studied.

A strong approach could be to start with a clear explanation of why commercial law appeals to you in general (e.g. the business-facing nature of the work, the problem-solving element, or the role lawyers play in facilitating transactions). You can then bring in your M&A module as evidence of that interest, focusing on what specifically you found engaging, such as structuring deals, managing risk, or seeing how legal advice directly influences commercial outcomes.

From there, it might help to broaden your answer slightly to show that your interest isn't limited to one academic experience. This is where your international background could add value, particularly if you can link it to an interest in cross-border business or different markets.

Overall, I'd aim to tell a coherent story: a clear reason for your interest, an academic example that reinforces it, and a wider perspective that shows it is a genuine motivation.

I hope that assists, and best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you're doing amazing!!

I have quite an mysterious AC coming up, it's a bit of a niche firm so there's no info on here about what the day actually involves. It said on the email that there will be a mixture of individual and group exercises, and on Glassdoor someone said they had to make a poster + debate controversial topics. Do you have any tips for either of these? Feeling a bit lost in terms of preparation for this AC thank you so much!

Hey!

I'm doing pretty good (minus the impending SQE2 exams!), thank you!! I hope you are too

That does sound quite mysterious, but I'd try not to let the lack of detail throw you too much. Even if the exercises seem a little different or unusual, it seems like they're still assessing the same underlying skills.

For the poster task, I'd focus on how clearly you can structure and communicate your ideas (rather than how visually impressive it is). It might help to approach it like a mini presentation: identify the key issue, set out a few concise points of analysis, and work towards a clear conclusion or recommendation. I'd say that keeping things simple and logical is usually more effective than trying to cram in too much information. You might need to talk through it as well, so I'd just make sure that whatever you include is easy to explain and defend (if questioned on it!).

For the debate element, I have done something similar in the past and the emphasis is generally on how you engage with the debate rather than the position you take. It is good to show that you can build on other people's points, acknowledge different perspectives, and keep your contributions relevant and structured. If the topic is controversial, they are often testing whether you can remain measured and professional while discussing something that could be polarising, so tone and reasoning can matter a lot too. Ultimately, I think it is important to try not to be really stubborn on your point - it is important to have a clear view on the situation, but if a point is raised that you hadn't considered, it is a good idea to discuss how that alters your view.

In terms of preparation, I'd say it is less about predicting the exact exercises and more about getting comfortable with the skills that are being tested. You could practise by taking a current issue, quickly mapping out how you would present it in a structured way, and then talking it through out loud. This kind of preparation should be helpful regardless of the exact format of the exercise.

It is completely normal to feel unsure going into an assessment like this, but everyone else will be in the same position! At the end of the day, they're really just interested in how you think, communicate, and work with others.

Wishing you the best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any tips or insights for Harbottle & Lewis AC? I believe it involves a group task, case study, and a written drafting exercise. The AC is in less than a week I feel like I have limited time to prepare so I would appreciate any advice !

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite!! Whilst I don't have any specific insights into the Harbottle & Lewis AC, I have previously written a few posts on those AC exercises which I have quoted below that I hope assist in your preparation! I'm sure just under a week is plenty of time to prepare - I only had a few days to prepare for my Reed Smith AC, and it worked out for me I would say it is all about focusing on the areas that you feel less confident in!

Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!

Hi @LegallyBrunette_ !

Huge congratulations on being invited to AC - what a fantastic achievement!

In the AC that I completed for my TC, I had to complete both a group exercise and a case study interview, so I can understand wanting to do all you can to prepare in advance. I can share what worked best for me!

Group Exercise

• In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
• Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
• Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
• If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.

Case Study Interview

• You'll usually be given a business / legal scenario with background documents. I would start by reading quickly to understand the big picture, and then go back to confirm the smaller details.
• Structure your response clearly - identify the client's goals, outline the key issues, and suggest practical next steps.
• They won't expect you to know black-letter law. Focus on logic, prioritisation, and showing that you can think commercially.
• Talk the interviewer through your thought process - even if you get stuck or seem confused, they can see how you reason.
• If given a contract to assess, make a note of the exceptions and calculations in the contract. You might be asked how your stance would change if X event occurred, and it's useful to be mindful of when it might fall under any exceptions.

I would also brush up on Jones Day's structure (e.g. their non-rotational training system and international work) just in case it comes up. They're assessing potential, not perfection - so as long as you stay calm and do your best, you'll be fine.

At the end of the day, they want to see the real you - someone who can think clearly, work well with others, and stay composed under pressure. If you go in with a collaborative mindset and a clear structure for approaching problems, you'll put yourself in a strong position.

Best of luck - you've already done the hard part by getting to this stage!

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

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!

Hey!

Congratulations on receiving the AC invite!! I've collated some general advice from a few of my previous forum posts which will hopefully offer some guidance - just shout if you have any follow-up questions.

Motivational Interview

When preparing for the motivational interview, I'd encourage you to have a think about the following beforehand:

• Be clear on why a US firm (e.g. lean teams, responsibility early on, client exposure, etc.)
• Then narrow it down to why this US firm - practice strengths, the type of deals that they work on, the office culture, and any recent matters that interested you
• Expect follow-up questions that test the depth of your knowledge on the firm / work (e.g. why corporation litigation vs disputes, why the London office, etc.)
• Be prepared to back up your motivations with examples from your past experiences - for example, if you discuss wanting to have a lot of responsibility early on, you can strengthen your answer by discussing a past experience where you found that you enjoyed this aspect.

Overall, I'd try to create a narrative that links your interests to the firm and its work, as well as your long-term career goals.


Written Exercise

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I've also previously created a post on client emails as a written exercise format - I have linked that here as well!


Group Exercise

• In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
• Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
• Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
• If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.

I hope that helps - wishing you the best of luck with the AC, and I'm sure you'll do great!!

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite!!

The main resource that I used when preparing for a case study interview was this guide by Jacob Miller - I would definitely take a look! There is also a guide to Private Equity that is useful for understanding how a PE transaction is structured -you can find that here.

I have also quoted some more general posts I have made in relation to approaching case study exercises, so hopefully they are helpful too.

Best of luck!!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey!

I'm doing pretty good (minus the impending SQE2 exams!), thank you!! I hope you are too

That does sound quite mysterious, but I'd try not to let the lack of detail throw you too much. Even if the exercises seem a little different or unusual, it seems like they're still assessing the same underlying skills.

For the poster task, I'd focus on how clearly you can structure and communicate your ideas (rather than how visually impressive it is). It might help to approach it like a mini presentation: identify the key issue, set out a few concise points of analysis, and work towards a clear conclusion or recommendation. I'd say that keeping things simple and logical is usually more effective than trying to cram in too much information. You might need to talk through it as well, so I'd just make sure that whatever you include is easy to explain and defend (if questioned on it!).

For the debate element, I have done something similar in the past and the emphasis is generally on how you engage with the debate rather than the position you take. It is good to show that you can build on other people's points, acknowledge different perspectives, and keep your contributions relevant and structured. If the topic is controversial, they are often testing whether you can remain measured and professional while discussing something that could be polarising, so tone and reasoning can matter a lot too. Ultimately, I think it is important to try not to be really stubborn on your point - it is important to have a clear view on the situation, but if a point is raised that you hadn't considered, it is a good idea to discuss how that alters your view.

In terms of preparation, I'd say it is less about predicting the exact exercises and more about getting comfortable with the skills that are being tested. You could practise by taking a current issue, quickly mapping out how you would present it in a structured way, and then talking it through out loud. This kind of preparation should be helpful regardless of the exact format of the exercise.

It is completely normal to feel unsure going into an assessment like this, but everyone else will be in the same position! At the end of the day, they're really just interested in how you think, communicate, and work with others.

Wishing you the best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll do great!!

You’re the best!! Thank you so much, this is super helpful good luck for SQE2, you’ll do amazing I’m sure!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am preparing for a mid-vac scheme interview. Does anyone have tips on how to prepare to make my answers super niche/targeted? @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

Hey!

Congratulations on the VS!

I'd say that one of the best ways to make your answers feel genuinely niche and targeted is to make sure that you root them in your own experiences from the scheme so far, where you can. At this point, the firm isn't just looking for why you thought you liked them before (i.e. based on research), and they'll want to see how your views have developed based on real exposure since being at the firm.

Something I found really helpful was keeping a short journal during the scheme. At the end of each day, I would jot down any insights, tasks, or conversations that stood out - even small things like how a team worked together, a piece of feedback that resonated with me, or something that surprised me.

Then, when it come to preparing for the interview that I had mid-VS, I could go back through this and pull out specific and personal examples. I found that this made it a lot easier to give answers that felt detailed and authentic, rather than generic.

Even if you aren't able to note things down everyday, just having a few solid examples to draw from can really make a difference!

 

[user123987]

Has anyone got any advice for how to do an in-tray exercise and more specifically one for Browne Jacobsons

 

[SemperParatus]

After arguably the worst cycle, got through to the final round of Addleshaw Goddard’s vac scheme. Will be over teams next week. Finally some good news

 

[DennyCrane]

anyone heard back from ward hadaway post AC?

 

[8law]

Hi, has anyone done the browne jacobson AC ?

 

[W5690]

anyone got this after rejection post app from Arnold?>

We were genuinely impressed by your application and we would welcome the opportunity to consider an application from you in the future.

Trying to see if its a general rejection email.

@strollinthepark Hi! May I please ask when you submitted your application? Was it a VS application or a TC application? Thanks. I submitted a TC application on 1st March 2026 (deadline) and have not heard anything, so I assume it is a PFO.

 

[DennyCrane]

dentons PFO

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Does anyone have any tips on how to ace Cappfinity assessments (particularly critical reasoning and behavioural questions) because I haven't succeeded in anyone I have done so far. Can anyone also suggest free sites to practice this test? Thank you

 

[alanshore]

I'm assuming that if other people have received interview invitations for the CMS Insight programme and I haven't, it means I'm getting a PFO?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

BBVA online test - assuming its automatic - has anyone else applied?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Waiting for my VS results - Don't think I could've worked harder and prepped more during the scheme, but there are things I wish I had done ( expanded on an interview answer, mentioned some little details during a case study, and talked more during a group project).

If I don't get the TC, does anyone have tips on how to bring yourself to do another cycle?

Also, do you think those things I mentioned are deal-breakers if everything else (e.g., tasks, culture fit, engagement) is great?

 

[HectorHemingway]

Does anyone know the structure of the Fladgate vacation scheme interview?

 

[choicefox212]

Waiting for my VS results - Don't think I could've worked harder and prepped more during the scheme, but there are things I wish I had done ( expanded on an interview answer, mentioned some little details during a case study, and talked more during a group project).

If I don't get the TC, does anyone have tips on how to bring yourself to do another cycle?

Push forward. I'm heading towards the end of my second cycle now with no offers, and yeah it's tough to start again - but you have to not see it as starting again. You go in with experience of the system, more knowledge of yourself, and more of an idea of what you really want.

I'm about to do interviews at two firms that rejected me last year. I wouldn't be surprised if the topic came up in those interviews. That gives you a much stronger case for 'why this firm' - you are so determined that you didn't let failure knock you. (I also heard this from a current trainee at a good firm, who said she was praised for her tenacity at reapplying!)

 

[summersun]

Waiting for my VS results - Don't think I could've worked harder and prepped more during the scheme, but there are things I wish I had done ( expanded on an interview answer, mentioned some little details during a case study, and talked more during a group project).

If I don't get the TC, does anyone have tips on how to bring yourself to do another cycle?

I did not convert my vacation scheme and while it was really hard when I got the news I tried to focus on what I learned from it and made sure I adressed the feedback so that, if asked, I could talk about why I did nto get the TC and what I did to improve.
This cycle has gone a lot better than the one I got my VS in and I think that the VS experience key to that because I understood the expectations of law firms and the work of trainees a lot better than before.
Ultimately you are not starting from scratch because you have relevant experience. Also plenty of people don't convert a vacation scheme but getting one still means the law firm thought you could do it and there is no reason why another would not !
In any case I really hope you get the TC !!!! But not converting does not mean you never will

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Waiting for my VS results - Don't think I could've worked harder and prepped more during the scheme, but there are things I wish I had done ( expanded on an interview answer, mentioned some little details during a case study, and talked more during a group project).

If I don't get the TC, does anyone have tips on how to bring yourself to do another cycle?

Also, do you think those things I mentioned are deal-breakers if everything else (e.g., tasks, culture fit, engagement) is great?

Hey,

I didn't manage to convert a vac scheme this year, and although it was disappointing, ultimately I think that you just have to treat it like any other law firm rejection just that now you have the added benefit of experiencing working at a law firm which you can draw upon in your future applications.

The feedback which the firm gave me also helped me to overcome the rejection, as even though there were certain things said which I did realise I could have done better, at the same time a lot of it was superficial and less so critiques on me and my capabilities but more ways that the firm was trying to choose between a group of already exceptional candidates.

And nothing that you mentioned seems to be a deal breaker, best of luck hopefully you get the offer!!

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

does anyone know which top law firms don’t use video or telephone interviews in their recruitment process?