TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread for the 2026-2027 application cycle.

This thread is for all discussions relating to vacation scheme applications throughout the year. Whether you are looking for advice on submitting written applications, online assessments, interviews, assessment centres, or simply want to share updates on your progress, feel free to post here!

As always, this thread is a space to ask questions, exchange insights, discuss firm processes, and support fellow applicants. The recruitment process can be both exciting and challenging, and we hope that this community continues to be a helpful resource for everyone navigating the cycle. Please remember to keep discussions respectful and constructive, and where possible, share information that may benefit other applicants.

Finally, last year's thread can be found here: TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26.

Wishing the best of luck to everyone applying this year! We look forward to following your journeys and celebrating your successes along the way

Abbie

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

First message on the new thread letsgooo!!

 

[StudentWP]

anyone heard from Perkins coie?

 

[mintgecko]

Anyone heard back from Bird & Bird re their 2026 Flying Start Programme?

 

[helenaskelton]

Hi there! Has anyone heard from Kingsley Napley post-WE?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone know if FF will be sending more first-round invites?

 

[rjn]

Hi : ) I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice on preparing for a vac scheme (Forsters). Particularly assessed written tasks and assessed presentations. If anyone completed a previous scheme and has any advice, let me know : )

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi : ) I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice on preparing for a vac scheme (Forsters). Particularly assessed written tasks and assessed presentations. If anyone completed a previous scheme and has any advice, let me know : )

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme - that is amazing news!

I have previously made a few more general posts on written exercises and presentations, so I have quoted those below. I hope they are useful for your preparation!

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

Hi!

Congratulations on getting to the interview stage - that's a fantastic achievement!! Presentations can feel daunting at first, and as someone who has always been nervous when it comes to public speaking, I used to dread them! However, they're really just a chance to show how clearly you can communicate and structure your thoughts. I found that taking the time to prepare in advance and practicing a couple times really helped to calm my nerves, and I got a lot better at them over time

Once you get your topic, I would start by planning a simple structure - an introduction, two or three main points, and a clear conclusion or recommendation. Make sure that everything links back to your main message / overall theme so it feels focused and logical.

I would also try to practice delivering it out loud (and timing yourself can help), and try to sound confident and conversational rather than overly scripted. If visuals are allowed, I would keep these simple and easy to follow as the focus should be in the information that you are delivering.

It also might be worth preparing for one or two follow-up questions, as interviewers often want to see how you think on your feet. I would avoid trying to prepare for every follow-up question possible - as long as you have a good understanding of the topic itself, and take a moment to clear your thoughts, you should be able to tackle any question they throw your way!

You've got this - with a clear structure and a few practice runs, you'll definitely come across polished and confident!

Hey!

It is completely normal to be nervous before an AC, especially your first one! I'm happy to offer some pointers on how I would approach each task below

Written Task and Presentation

I would try to focus on using a clear structure and showing well-reasoned judgement, rather than trying to give a "perfect" answer.

For the written task, try to:
1. Start with a clear recommendation
2. Support this with 2-3 key reasons
3. Flag any main risks, and explain how you would mitigate these

Overall, aim to keep it concise and commercial-focused - it can be easy to slip into "essay-style" writing, but avoid this where possible!

For the presentation, you won't be expected to repeat what you wrote word for word. I would use the presentation to explain why you took that approach and the trade-offs that you considered. You should aim to show your thought-process, and any relevant factors or considerations that you took into account. This could also involve flagging areas where you might need more information before making a definitive decision, or practical steps that could be taken.

If challenged (which happens most of the time, so don't panic that they're doing it because your answer is "wrong"), make sure to talk through your reasoning calmly - it is absolutely fine not to know everything, but talking the assessor through what you are thinking helps a lot.

Group Exercise

This is usually much more about how you work with others, rather than the overall final answer. The assessors will usually be looking for collaborative behaviour and clear contributions to the group - however, this doesn't mean that you have to talk the most! I always aimed to be neither the quietest or the loudest in the room, and found that a middle ground struck the right balance. You could contribute by helping the group stay structured and on time, and helping track the progress as you go along.

It can be difficult to prepare for a group exercise and written task, but you could practise summarising lots of information quickly (e.g. by reading a commercial news story and creating a brief summary), as well as practise explaining your thinking out loud to others (e.g. your friends or family).

Overall, I'd try to go into the AC with the mindset of being a good future colleague, rather than trying to be the perfect candidate. Best of luck, and I'm sure you'll do great!!

Hello!

I have quoted a few different posts on written exercises below, which I hope you find useful! In my past experience with written exercises on vacation schemes, they have usually involved being given a small booklet of information which you use to write a report or email to a client. Therefore, I'd definitely make sure that you have a good understanding of the structure of these and what you need to include (e.g. formalities, headings, etc.).

Don't underestimate time management as well - give yourself some time to read the materials and plan what you want to write, but don't put off the actual writing for too long as otherwise you might have to rush! I am someone that usually has additional time left at the end of assessments, but I have nearly ran out of time in a few written exercises as there is quite a lot to get through.

Best of luck!!

 

[tosin4774]

For Skadden's 'Why the firm' question, is the maximum word count 300 or 350 words?"