TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Applicant3728299643]

Any insights on the CMS Insight Programme VI would be much appreciated!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on a case study + presentation for an AC. From what I know, we'll prob have like 30 mins to prepare and then give a presentation to a partner before they ask questions. I've never done one before and have no clue how best to format it (ie to just organise by questions they ask in the handout or like your own format) and how to dedicate time to reviewing the materials and prepping the presentation during only like 30 mins

I would love to hear what's worked for people : ) thank you very much!

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I have done a few case study exercises in the past, so I thought I'd share what worked for me.

On format, it really does vary. Sometimes the pack will include specific questions and your presentation is essentially walking the partner through your answers (though they may ask probing questions, so always be prepared for those!). In that case, it is usually best to follow their structure fairly closely so that you are clearly addressing what they have asked. However, sometimes there won't be clear questions and you are expected to create your own narrative of the documents - this is where it is best to have a strong overall understanding of the materials, as they could ask questions on any element. I've found that they usually allow you to have the materials with you in the presentation, so try not to worry too much about memorising specific information.

With only 30 minutes to prepare, I would think about splitting your time roughly like:

• 10-15 minutes: read and identify the key issues, client objectives, and any risks you'd need to mitigate
• 10 minutes: plan your overall structure (3-4 clear headings with bullet points, rather than trying to write a full script)
• 5-10 minutes: do a quick run through and make sure that you highlight the key points.

For the presentation itself, I'd try to keep it simple and structure. This could look like:

1. Brief introduction (e.g. what the situation is and what you are going to cover in the presentation)
2. Key issues and why they matter to the client (based on their objectives)
3. Your overall recommendation (with reasoning, e.g. "I have picked X over Y because..."
4. Risks and next steps (what the client would need to be cautious of, and what we can do next)

The partner won't necessarily be expecting perfection, but will want to see that you have clear reasoning and can justify your decisions. As mentioned above, I would always be prepared to defend your reasoning if questioned (+ if they do probe further, this doesn't mean you're wrong in your stance!).

Best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll smash it!

 

[alanshore]

I must be a rare case cos I passed but didnt get VI

No, if you don't pass the benchmark, your application will not be considered for the VI anyway. The second stage of the application is being considered for the VI.

 

[ababababba]

does anyone have any tips for CMS graduate solicitor apprenticeship VI? (I assume it would be similar to the TC?)

 

[fc.c92]

Has anyone on DLA Piper's waitlist (post-AC) heard back?

 

[legallybrun3tt3]

Has anyone heard back from V&E (Vinson & Elkins) post partner/panel interview?

 

[lawcool]

can you add upcoming vac schemes to training contract apps?

 

[Kenomy]

lol, from Teacher Stern

Thank you very much for your recent application, and for the interest you have shown in our firm.

Due to planned changes to our hiring strategy, we have made the difficult decision not to proceed with this year’s graduate recruitment process. As a result, we will unfortunately not be progressing applications for the 2026 Vacation Scheme and 2028 Training Contracts

Surely given that applications closed only a month ago these are "unplanned changes".

Just an absolute joke, I had another firm pull a similar move a couple years ago. You think they would get this sorted out before opening up a recruitment round

 

[tc2026]

hi, does anyone know if Mayer brown are rolling?

 

[TortillaTC]

I have an AC with Orrick on Thursday. Can anyone who did it last week confirm that we can access our own pens and highlighters during the written exercise? Also, no need to bring anything else?

 

[leungyan]

Not us being stuck in BJ jail xx

BYEEEE ure so funny babes

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Any dechert news? Dwf also

 

[Diana54]

Does anyone know how long W&C takes to get back to you after the final VS interview? It's coming close to 1.5 weeks for me...

I heard back more than a month after my interview but I know others that did their interview around the same time as me heard back much quicker

 

[adfs456]

@Jaysen New corporate finance vid changed my life. Thank you brother (not an Ad)

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I heard back more than a month after my interview but I know others that did their interview around the same time as me heard back much quicker

If you don't mind - were you offered the VS and when did you do your interview?

 

[sadboi]

I heard back more than a month after my interview but I know others that did their interview around the same time as me heard back much quicker

appreciate it, thank you!

 

[Florencejones]

Has anyone still not heard from Brabners post app? I know they are sending invites staggered but I keep seeing a lot of people getting invites

 

[Florencejones]

Also is anyone still waiting to hear from BJ? Was it just the London office that got TI invites?

 

[legal18]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I have a vacation scheme with Farrer & Co coming up and was wondering whether you'd be able to share any insights into the scheme?

 

[DennyCrane]

Has anyone still not heard from Brabners post app? I know they are sending invites staggered but I keep seeing a lot of people getting invites

I haven't heard anything