TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know if the amberjack verbal/numerical tests actually have a 'right' answer to them?
I thought I did pretty well in one of them as I made sure to analyse every detail and go over my calculations several times, but I always end up with a mid score for both. Any tips on how I could improve and reach the high level?

Yes, the numerical ones definitely! I know I got one wrong on the A&O S, The same question came up again, and I got it right that time.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Has Reed Smith done any ACs for WVS?

 

[lelezb1]

Does anyone know if Davis Polk requires a completed pgdl from someone who completed their law degree outside the UK?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Has Reed Smith done any ACs for WVS?

I believe, for their vac schemes, they hold ACs for both then ask people to choose which one they prefer when they get an offer. And I don't think they hold AC's before the deadline which is Dec 19th

 

[Maddy]

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?

 

[nbjani]

Sorry to hear about RS and HL. If you don't mind me asking, how long did RS take to get back to you?

Quite a while - I think I did my tests like 4-6 weeks ago?

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

why are BCLPs questions 500 words each? do they really want us to write close to 500 words? might sound a silly question just wondering if anyone has done their application if they did 500 for each

Hi there, I applied to BCLP last year. I did 500 words for each question, and progressed to the first-stage interview. However, writing 400-450 words per question should be sufficient.

 

[shadowkiller]

Does anyone know if the Amberjack pillars have a benchmark? I got a 22 combined however I felt the VIs went well. Is there a chance?

 

[Donuttime]

Does anyone know if the Amberjack pillars have a benchmark? I got a 22 combined however I felt the VIs went well. Is there a chance?

Hey what firm was this for?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

 

[V2002]

Hi who should we address the Sullivan & Cromwell cover letter to ?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

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]

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,"

 

[BobThebIlly]

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!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

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!

depends on your time tbh. but 75-80 is usually competitive especially with good time.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

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?

 

[legal18]

what time is the deadline for Dentons?

tomorrow at noon x

 

[Lawlawland]

Any tips for Dentons online assessment?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

 

[WiddyJ]

is the dentons test automatic?