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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
485
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Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith Is it fair to assume that I’ve been rejected by Reed Smith, given that I completed the video interview in the first batch but haven’t been invited to an assessment centre for winter vacation scheme?
Hi!

I definitely wouldn't assume a rejection! As far as I'm aware, I don't believe many (if any!) assessment centre invites have been sent out yet, so I'd say that they are still making decisions post-VI. When I applied last cycle, there was around a month in between my online assessment and AC invite :)
 
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Unknowncabbage

Esteemed Member
May 18, 2024
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Hi everyone - I have a Latham Q. I was successful for their open day which fast tracks to the vac scheme (don't need to do SJT or VI again but still need to write written app). BUT one of the Qs for the vac scheme is exactly the same as the one I wrote for the open day (a question on extracurriculars, interests, etc...). Is it alright for me to reuse the same Q? I forgot to ask this with gradrec!
Btw, pretty sure the OD doesn't 'fast track' you as such, they rewatch the VI you submitted for the OD along with your VS application.
 

TCLA0322

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
  • Jan 24, 2024
    77
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    Guys is there no option to apply for a spring/summer vac at Sullivn & Cromwell if you're a 3rd yr law student :(
    Same question: as it stated as "We will accept applications for our 2026 spring and summer vacation schemes from penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, as well as those studying for postgraduate degrees,"
     

    Harvey Specter

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    672
    2,582
    Guys is there no option to apply for a spring/summer vac at Sullivn & Cromwell if you're a 3rd yr law student :(
    They have a direct training contract route which I think law finalists and graduates can apply for. Not sure what the ratios are between candidates the firm takes from the vac scheme or direct training contract route, but imagine it’s fairly similar.​
     

    BobThebIlly

    Valued Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 6, 2024
    104
    132
    Is 75% competitive for CC’s WG😭😭

    I scored 100% on arguments, 88% on assumptions but 62% in drawing conclusions

    I need to sit the test tomorrow and I need desperate final advice for how to improve on drawing conclusions please!
     

    Abbie Whitlock

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    Sep 11, 2025
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    What impact do you want to make at CMS? for anyone who has answered this question, and been progressed. how did you go about answering it?
    Hey!

    Whilst I haven't applied for CMS, I have quoted a post below that outlines how I would approach this question - hopefully it is a useful starting point! If you have any specific questions, just let me know :)

    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 :)
     

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