TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LRR23]

Does anyone have insights on CMS VI - can provide insights into Mayer Brown VI and CC WG

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For the Reed Smith application, is it advisable to enter work experience in prose?

@Abbie Whitlock would love your insight on this well.

Hello!

I have quoted a post below that Rik posted in the Reed Smith AMA thread - hopefully it's useful! Prose or bullet points is absolutely fine - it's more about the substance of what you write, and the key skills and traits that you discuss. I hope that helps!

I would always advise bullet points. With work experience the detail is important, not the style. So focus on the skills gained and tangible "facts". Rather than too many opinions and superfluous adjectives

 

[ACHat8r]

Passed HSF Kramer benchmark test today. Completed the test yesterday and submitted app on deadline day. Got balanced approach in technical expertise, excellent in personal leadership and moderate fit for the rest. Hope this helps others

 

[Trophy]

Just got an invitation to Wilkie’s written analytical exercise ‍↕. Any advice/insights would be appreciated!!

Apparently it’s next year Jan/feb and quite time pressured but I’ve never done it before.

Congrats!

 

[Zaraa.x]

I also got the rejection. I don’t think it was our application it think they were too lazy to progress anymore people. I did an audit and tax internship this summer and one of their main focuses is tax. I’ve passed initial app review, WG and VI every year I’ve applied.

Plenty of other firms out there keep your heads up.

Honestly - it’s okay to feel annoyed about getting rejections its part of the process but labelling a firm as ‘lazy’ due to a rejection isn’t well spirited. Plus tax isn’t CMS’s main focus well in London anyway, it’s the France office that mainly focuses on tax.

However, like you said keep your head up!

 

[whywhy88]

Those who have progressed to DLA Piper TI - how long after receiving the email about your application being considered for the next stage post-WG did you get your invite? Been a week for me (which I am aware isn't that long) but as I applied close to the deadline I am not too hopeful about progressing.

 

[Saul_specter]

Anyone heard from Links, HSF Slaughters or Fieldfisher?

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone know when Mishcon is aiming to get back to people for Spring?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Anyone heard from Links, HSF Slaughters or Fieldfisher?

I want to know too please getting anxious from refreshing my inbox constantly during working hours haha

 

[lividowl03]

Bird and Bird VI, would super appreciate any insights at all!!!!

 

[anon78365222111]

Anyone have Weil insights finally got the test! Can advise on CMS, DLA, FF, HL, Reed

 

[Trophy]

Honestly - it’s okay to feel annoyed about getting rejections its part of the process but labelling a firm as ‘lazy’ due to a rejection isn’t well spirited. Plus tax isn’t CMS’s main focus well in London anyway, it’s the France office that mainly focuses on tax.

However, like you said keep your head up!

Hence why I said “one of” not its sole main focus. Attention to detail is key

I’m enjoyed that fact that two of you and other “likers” have jumped on this odd band wagon of me not being able to take rejection. I said what I said, someone else agreed. Therefore I’m not the only one thinking it. yes I applied on the deadline most ppl I saw apply on the deadline or near enough for London office were rejected therefore lazy imo. Your Back handed support of reiterating what I said is also odd but ok.

 

[wooliewoo]

I submitted on the 6th and still haven't received the test. Have you?

Nope! I have only received their RARE questionnaire, but I think I remember seeing on the email that it may take a few days to get the test. I submitted yesterday though lol.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Is Willkie rolling basis and does it have a VI with the application form?

 

[Trophy]

Is Willkie rolling basis and does it have a VI with the application form?

Rolling kind of. I think they review and progress to WE but no offers to be made prior to the deadline.

No just an application it is then reviewed by GR. the next stage is VI > WE > Interview > VS

Still apply I think they close in a few days but all applications are looked at

 

[Rads]

ppl who did the latham online assessment stage 2 - any insights would be rly helpful

Congrats on Stage 2! Would you have any insights on Stage 1?

 

[Bbhu19]

Sidenote, how many people applied to pwc and have heard any updates?

 

[Elsie07777]

Anyone heard back from Stephenson Harwood?

 

[e.jy336]

Congrats on Stage 2! Would you have any insights on Stage 1?

I just completed Stage 1 (and got Stage 2) and I would say its pretty straightforward as a SJT - just know their values and also in general what values are good for lawyers. It wasn't particularly long either

 

[Lawlawland]

Hi!

A lot of firms will use similar types of software, but the exact ones are likely to differ from firm to firm. The ones that I have encountered as a paralegal and during vacation schemes were:

• iManage (document management)
• NetDocuments (document management)
• HighQ (document management)
• Clio (time recording and billing)
• Intapp (time recording and billing)

Whilst I can only speak from my experiences, iManage is the one I have seen most often! You don't need to master them now, but having a basic understanding of what they're used for can show commercial awareness and an interest in legal tech.

Good luck with the prep!

This is really insightful!
Thanks Abbie!

I'm learning about Leap case management right now, and thought I could get familiar with these too, which might help anywhere during the AC.