TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey all, I came across this thread: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....s-for-international-trainees.6617/post-164157

Is it true that Hogan Lovells & White & Case sponsor VISA last year or cycle?

I also figured it out in another thread that they previously, in 2023 and earlier never sponsored visa for Vac Scheme.

My application is ready to submit and felt like it's very strong, but I doubt they will sponsor this cycle as I don't get any info or contact them yet.

I want to apply VS instead of TC as in the last cycle I applied only one TC and no VS.

It went all the way to AC, but I just felt quite disconnected as I was the only one to attend virtually among my peers.

Hello!

Whilst I can’t confirm whether they will sponsor visas for vacation schemes this cycle, it is always worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double-check, especially if you have a strong application ready to submit. There’s still a while until the application deadline, so there should be plenty of time for them to reply and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to confirm for you

I’m sorry to hear that your last AC felt isolating - being the only one attending virtually must’ve been tough, but it’s super impressive that you made it that far!

Whatever you decide, wishing you the best of luck. You’ve got this!

 

[STEM Student]

Is the white&case summer vacation scheme open to applications from penultimate year non-law students?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the white&case summer vacation scheme open to applications from penultimate year non-law students?

Hi!

Based on the information provided on the White & Case website, the summer vacation scheme is only open for final year non-law students (and beyond)

You can check who is eligible for each scheme here: https://www.whitecase.com/careers/locations/uk/early-careers/our-offer/vacation-schemes

 

[user333]

Hi, would anyone be able to offer me any support on how to approach "What impact do you want to make at CMS?" I am slightly confused on how to approach this question. Any help would be largely appreciated!!

 

[GKT]

Hi, has anyone who was invited to Mishcon de Reya's Social Mobility open day heard back after submitting the form?

 

[hawkins19]

Question - don't know if anyone has any advice on this. Last year I did a vac scheme and then turned down a training contract at a very small, non-London firm. When discussing the vac scheme in applications, should I include that I declined a TC to apply to international firms? I do not want to use the TC offer as leverage, but equally feel like it is important to include. Any advice hugely appreciated !!

 

[STEM Student]

Hi,

I was just wondering, if a firm says that they assess applications for their vacation schemes on a non-rolling basis, is it really okay to apply whenever you think you are already or should you still make an effort to apply as close to the opening date as possible? e.g HSF, Latham, Linklaters

 

[BillSikes]

There's a second test which has been sent out today - the first one was automatic upon application, and this one seems to have been selective. it seems likely that it's going to be more situational based video answers based on the small amount of info I can find online, so hoping this is the case!

This is new this year then. Hogan used to be app + WG then AC. Let me guess - the new test is SJT and VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, would anyone be able to offer me any support on how to approach "What impact do you want to make at CMS?" I am slightly confused on how to approach this question. Any help would be largely appreciated!!

Hey!

That's a great question, and it can definitely feel open-ended! If I was approaching this question, I would think about it in two ways:

1. Personal Contribution - what unique strengths, experiences, or insights would you bring to the firm? For example, would you help foster collaboration, or do you bring in a global outlook?

2. Overall Impact - how does your contribution tie into CMS's wider goals and values? If the firm has a focus on innovation, you might discuss wanting to support the firm in delivering innovative solutions to clients.

It doesn't have to be something 'grand' - you could even focus on how you'd like to make a positive difference in your team or with clients, which shows self-awareness and motivation. I would make sure to link your answer back to both your personal qualities and CMS's culture.

Your answer could follow a structure such as:

1. Start with your motivation - why CMS? What about the firm has motivated you to apply there?

2. Discuss your strengths - highlight the qualities and skills that you gained from previous experiences that would allow you to make an impact.

3. Link this to the impact - show how these strengths translate into a positive contribution at CMS. This could be on a team level (e.g. supporting colleagues), on a client level (e.g. innovative thinking), or on a firm-wide level (e.g. championing diversity or sustainability).

4. Conclude - tie it back to the kind of professional you hope to become at CMS and the difference you'd like to make in the long run.

I hope that helps

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone know if there is a VI in the second hogan lovells sjt, if so how long du get to prep each question?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Question - don't know if anyone has any advice on this. Last year I did a vac scheme and then turned down a training contract at a very small, non-London firm. When discussing the vac scheme in applications, should I include that I declined a TC to apply to international firms? I do not want to use the TC offer as leverage, but equally feel like it is important to include. Any advice hugely appreciated !!

Hello!

That's a really interesting question, and I totally understand your point. It's great that you already have that experience and TC offer under your belt, and shows your capability and commitment to law.

In terms of how to present it, I would definitely discuss the vacation scheme, as it is valuable experience that gives you examples for competency and motivational questions. In relation to mentioning the TC offer, I would simply acknowledge it in a professional way (e.g. "I was offered a TC following my scheme but decided I was better suited to an international environment where I could gain exposure to cross-border work"). You could even link in experiences from the vacation scheme that reaffirmed your interest in international work, strengthening your motivations to the firm you are applying for (if used correctly).

The key is to make sure that you frame it as a positive experience where you learned a lot, rather than leveraging it.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi,

I was just wondering, if a firm says that they assess applications for their vacation schemes on a non-rolling basis, is it really okay to apply whenever you think you are already or should you still make an effort to apply as close to the opening date as possible? e.g HSF, Latham, Linklaters

Hello!

If a firm specifically says their process is non-rolling, then in principle it means they review all applications only after the deadline, so you won't be disadvantaged by applying later in the window.

As a general rule of thumb, I would avoid submitting your application at the last-minute, just because tech issues can happen which can cause a lot of stress. It is always safer to apply earlier rather than on the final day.

However, you definitely do not need to rush and can focus on writing a high quality application. I'd aim for a comfortable middle ground - enough time to tailor your answers, but early enough that you are leaving some room for last-minute issues.