TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LaDiva]

I dont think that it has any videos.

It has got proof-reading tasks though

There's a video component in the practice section, so I wasn't sure, but it's def a great news, I hate these VIs

 

[axk323]

Has anyone heard back from Arnold and Porter post Interview?

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

There's a video component in the practice section, so I wasn't sure, but it's def a great news, I hate these VIs

There is a video interview 3 questions if i remember correctly.
Btw are u applying for vac scheme or dtc?

 

[YYmasterTC]

There's a video component in the practice section, so I wasn't sure, but it's def a great news, I hate these VIs

Also, to answer the second part of your question.

Its better to complete these tests in one go because in the beginning it says not to open other tabs. It considers it cheating. I dont know if all firms do that

 

[adf43256]

Has anyone heard post AC for PWC or post VI for BoE?

How long ago was your PWC AC?

 

[LaDiva]

There is a video interview 3 questions if i remember correctly.
Btw are u applying for vac scheme or dtc?

Gosh, thanks for the heads up!! What sort of questions are they? It's for the vac scheme, I applied on the deadline

 

[trainee4u]

scared about forsters as i thought i cooked in my vi

I just straight up mark everything PFO as soon as I hear someone's got an offer/AC

 

[LaDiva]

Also, to answer the second part of your question.

Its better to complete these tests in one go because in the beginning it says not to open other tabs. It considers it cheating. I dont know if all firms do that

I was going to do it now, but I'm in a library so can't do these VIs. I've watched the intro video and closed the tab, hopefully that'll be fine..

 

[ddalki]

Flopped Latham’s AC and got a HSF AC invite on my way back from it…

 

[Partcore22]

Irwin Mitchell AC! Anyone got any tips, this is my first one and im very nervous!

 

[strollinthepark]

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

I got hsfk ac last year with 4 modules below 2.1

 

[FutureLawyer_]

I got hsfk ac last year with 4 modules below 2.1

Omg that’s really impressive. Did you have any ec’s?

 

[strollinthepark]

Omg that’s really impressive. Did you have any ec’s?

nope, do not let low grades deter you, honestly.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I just did mine and ngl this was probs the worst TI I’ve done so far so I’m alr assuming a PFO.

Mine ended up lasting around 20 mins so it wasn’t too long like Akin’s or too short either but idk. ​

I didn’t realise by posting this it would result in an avalanche of PMs. Please bear with me guys cos it seems that there’s a lot to get through. ​

 

[oliviapope222]

Irwin Mitchell AC! Anyone got any tips, this is my first one and im very nervous!

congrats! which office is this for?

 

[Hanzeeb]

Do white & case require 2.1 across every module?

 

[futuretrainee10123]

I just straight up mark everything PFO as soon as I hear someone's got an offer/AC

Yeahh I haven’t heard back so treating it as a PFO

 

[DoNotRedeem]

I just did mine and ngl this was probs the worst TI I’ve done so far so I’m alr assuming a PFO.

Mine ended up lasting around 20 mins so it wasn’t too long like Akin’s or too short either but idk. ​

Sounds like it went a good amount of time , what do you think went wrong ? Mine went a similair time in length

 

[Applicant7874652]

if you're successful they usually get back to you on the day of your AC (i heard back a few hours after mine). i could be wrong though so please don't take my word for it!

I was told within two weeks so yeah idk

 

[Eriberrie]

Hey!

From what I can see, the questions for CMS' Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship are:

• Why do you want to join CMS as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, and how does this route support your long term goals? (Max 200 words)
• Describe a challenge you faced. How did you deal with it, and what did you learn from the experience? (Max 200 words)
• Tell us about a time you used AI or technology to improve a process or fix an issue. What did you do, and what was the outcome? (Max 200 words)

I'll address how I'd approach each one below!

Why CMS + why the apprenticeship route

I would split this into two parts:

• Why CMS: show that you have researched the firm properly (i.e. their sector strengths, international reach, the types of clients they work with, innovation / AI, training culture, etc.). Make sure to keep it specific to the firm and show how that specifically suits you based on your past experiences and future goals.
• Why the apprenticeship route: explain why you are choosing to apply for the apprenticeship route, rather than the traditional TC. This could be combining study with practice or early responsibility - just make sure to link it to yourself, and to your goal of qualifying at a firm like CMS.

Challenge Question

I would use a light STAR-style structure, but keep the focus on:

• The challenge - not just the task itself
• How you personally responded and the steps you took to address the challenge
• What you learned as a result of the experience (you could highlight skills / behaviours that CMS cares about specifically)

I would make sure to address the learning point, as this is often the part of the question that they are looking for!

AI / Technology Question

They won't be expecting a super technical answer, but want to see that you have an understanding of AI and technology and how it can be utilised in a responsible way. I would:

• Briefly explain the problem
• Outline what technology or AI tool you used (even basic AI tools can work well!)
• Discuss the impact that using the technology or AI had - this could be time saved, improved accuracy, etc.
• Conclude with what it shows about your overall mindset and approach to technology - for example, that you aim to be innovative and adaptable and want to utilise technology to assist you where you can.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

Thank you so much